Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
133 results(5 / 6)
Study of the Nutrient Composition of Organic Fertilizers in the Zone of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)
2016GOMGNIMBOU Alain P. K., COULIBALY Kalifa, SANON Abdramane, BACYE Bernard, Hassan NM, Sedogo P. Michel · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Burkina Faso
This study aimed to chemically characterize organic fertilizers used in urban agriculture in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. For this purpose, seven animal-based fertilizers were analyzed.
Organic cycleCompostNutrients: Growing Systems and Zero Waste Future
2016Gundula Proksch · · Global
This chapter discusses urban agriculture as a holistic approach to nutrient resource management in cities, aiming to reestablish closed-loop systems for nutrient recycling. It provides knowledge on aligning plant nutrient needs with efficient growing systems and recycling strategies like composting and anaerobic digestion. The chapter also illustrates the potential integration of these systems into building designs and their impact on building performance.
Organic cycleCompostUrban–rural linkageUse of soil amendments for urban horticulture in the savannah and forest areas of Ghana
2015Abdul‐Halim Abubakari, Laura Atuah, B. Banful, Hypolite Bayor · Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management · Ghana
A study in Ghana reviewed literature and surveyed farmers on soil amendments for urban horticulture. The review found that research on soil amendments has been limited to land management and nutrient recovery, not addressing quality issues for specific production systems. Farmers adopt varying application rates due to lack of standardization, and barriers include technology for collection, funds for purchase, and labor employment.
Economic viabilityDIYCompostEconomicsUrbanization and soil nutrient challenges and opportunities: lessons from Malawian cities.
2015David Mkwambisi, Andrew J. Dougill, Philip Antwi‐Agyei, C. P. Chabvuta · CABI eBooks · Malawi
Research in Lilongwe and Blantyre, Malawi, assessed urban agriculture's potential to improve soil quality, crop yields, and livelihoods. Preliminary evidence showed urban waste could address food insecurity and soil nutrient benefits, but several constraints in waste management were identified. City authorities are not proactively utilizing organic municipal waste for soil quality and agricultural production benefits.
Governance failureOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCompostOrganic Urban Agriculture
2015Klaus Lorenz · Soil Science · Global
Urban agriculture (UA) engages approximately 800 million people globally and covers over 67 million hectares of urban cropland. While UA contributes to food security, growing food in urban ecosystems, particularly on degraded urban soils, presents challenges. Past research on UA has focused on social sciences, and although studies on urban soils have increased, many urban areas remain neglected. Further research and dissemination of knowledge are needed on how to maintain or enhance urban soil fertility through soil and land-use management practices.
Limited or null effectOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityCompostMunicipal solid waste composts as organic inputs in vegetable gardening cropping systems in Mahajanga, Madagascar. [P141]
2015Tovonarivo Rafolisy, Heriniaina Ramahefarison, Dominique Massé · · Madagascar (Mahajanga)
Two experiments in Mahajanga, Madagascar, compared municipal solid waste (MSW) composts with conventional organic inputs (poultry or pig manure) in leaf cropping systems over two three-month seasons. MSW composts resulted in yields higher than pig manure and urea, and similar to poultry manure. However, monitoring soil mineral nitrogen levels revealed significant accumulation under certain conditions, indicating a possible source of environmental pollution by nitrates.
CompostOrganic cyclePeri-urban agricultureО перспективах применения растительной земли на основе компостов из древесно-растительных остатков в городском озеленении
2015А А Золотаревский, И И Прокопович · Лесной вестник / Forestry bulletin · Russia (Moscow)
This article explores the potential of composts made from woody-plant waste (WPW) as an alternative to expensive organic additives for urban gardening in Moscow. It suggests that composting WPW can provide a cost-effective solution for preparing fertile soil, which is crucial for plant survival in urban environments. Modern composting technologies allow for the mechanization of WPW composting, producing vegetable earth suitable for planting trees.
CompostOrganic cyclePolicyEconomicsUrban food systems
2015J.S.C. Wiskerke · · Global
This chapter focuses on urban food supplies and the challenges of managing waste flows from urban households and markets in developing countries. Large amounts of municipal solid waste, human excreta, and wastewater are produced, most of which end up in non-engineered landfills or pollute the urban environment. It is noted that these wastes pollute the urban environment, especially in low-income countries with less developed sanitation infrastructure.
Environmental trade-offsOrganic cycleCompostFood lossHealthGreenhouse gas emissions from home composting in practice
2014Ermolaev E., Sundberg C., Pell M., Jönsson H. · Bioresource Technology · Sweden
Measures CH4, N2O and NH3 emissions from home composts in practice in Sweden; methane emissions were lower than in large-scale systems and increased with temperature and mixing.
DIYCompostEvaluation of bokashi fermentation leachate as a biofertilizer in urban horticulture
2014Olle Lind · · Sweden (Malmö)
This study tested bokashi fermentation leachate from four food waste sources in Malmö and Lund, Sweden, on pak choi in sand, garden waste compost, and peat substrates to evaluate its potential as a biofertilizer in urban farming. The leachates were generally low in nitrogen, leading to poor plant growth in nitrogen-poor substrates, though they were high in potassium and phosphorus. Avoidable food waste contained higher sodium and chloride than unavoidable food waste, suggesting unavoidable food waste is a more suitable source for bokashi leachate fertilizer.
CompostOrganic cycleDIYAssessing supply-demand balance of nitrogen toward local-scale organic material circulation: a case studyof suburban residential district in Metro Manila
2014Yuki Sampei, Yuji Hara, Akinobu Murakami, Armand PALIJON, Kazuaki Tsuchiya, Makoto Yokohari · Journal of The Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture · Philippines (Metro Manila)
The nitrogen supply-demand balance in compost and vegetable production on vacant lots in suburban residential districts of Quezon City, Metro Manila, was assessed. Analysis revealed that almost half of the subdivisions faced nitrogen oversupply, while several were in short supply. Current centralized composting facilities may not adequately support a continuous compost recycling system due to their distribution patterns. It was proposed that existing barangay-based policies on organic waste management and urban agriculture require greater flexibility and attention to coordination systems across subdivision boundaries.
Governance failureCompostOrganic cyclePolicyPeri-urban agricultureメトロマニラ郊外部を対象とした有機性廃棄物の地域内循環実現可能性
2014Yuki Sampei, Yuji Hara, Akinobu Murakami, Armando M. Palijon, Kazuaki Tsuchiya, Makoto Yokohari · Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB) · Philippines
This study assessed the nitrogen supply-demand balance in compost and vegetable production on vacant lots in subdivisions and barangays in Quezon City, Metro Manila, using GIS. It found that nearly half of the subdivisions experienced nitrogen oversupply, while others faced shortages. Although cooperation among subdivisions within a barangay could improve nitrogen balance, the current centralized composting facilities were deemed insufficient to support a continuous compost recycling system due to their distribution patterns. The study concluded that current barangay-based policies on organic waste management and urban agriculture need greater flexibility and attention to inter-subdivision coordination across barangay boundaries.
Governance failureCompostOrganic cyclePolicyPeri-urban agricultureCharacterization of municipal waste in Kampala, Uganda
2014Allan John Komakech, Noble Banadda, Joel R. Kinobe, Levi Kasisira, Cecilia Sundberg, Girma Gebresenbet, Björn Vinnerås · Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association · Uganda (Kampala)
A study characterized municipal waste in Kampala, Uganda, from July 2011 to June 2012, analyzing waste delivered to Kiteezi landfill during dry and wet months. Waste was sorted, weighed, and organic samples were analyzed for nutrients and energy content. Findings showed that organic waste constituted 88.5% in wet months and 94.8% in dry months, with an average moisture content of 71.1% and significant nutrient levels. The organic waste was concluded to be a suitable source of plant nutrients for urban agriculture, with characterization results differing from other Sub-Saharan African cities.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsDecentralised Sanitation and Energy Reuse in the Built Environment
2014Guang Zhao · Applied Mechanics and Materials · Global
This paper presents a concept for building-integrated decentralized technologies for wastewater and organic waste treatment with energy and nutrient recovery, termed a "sustainable implant," for deep green housing districts. It explores the potentials of integrating solutions for energy and sanitation flows near their origin, linking sanitation to energy and food production. The system layout and dimensioning are explained, noting scale limitations and its application in a unique intentional community, with no other similar urban district-scale projects found worldwide.
Organic cycleCompostClimate changeSustainable urban agriculture and the adoption of composts in Cameroon
2013Sotamenou J., Parrot L. · International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability · Cameroon (Yaoundé, Bafoussam)
A survey of 242 urban farmers in Yaoundé and Bafoussam found that 36% adopted compost (alone or mixed with inorganic fertilizers), with compost uptake driven by fertilizer expenditure, vegetable production scale, land ownership, and farm distance. The study provides policy insights for sustainable soil management in Cameroonian urban agriculture.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsCommunityDomestic scale vermicomposting for solid waste management
2013· International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture · Global
Investigates domestic-scale vermicomposting as a low-cost, low-maintenance option for managing household solid organic waste by converting kitchen waste into worm castings.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleThe effect of different percentages of bulking agent (sawdust) on microbial quality of faecal sludge
2013Peter Yaw Mensah, Richard Amankwah Kuffour, Philip Kweku Baidoo, E. Awuah · Water Science & Technology · Global
A bench-scale study evaluated the effect of dewatering faecal sludge (FS) mixed with different percentages of sawdust on its microbial quality. The dewatered FS-sawdust mixture showed a significant reduction in bacterial content and helminth eggs, rendering the biosolids safe for agricultural use. Pathogen removal was highest with 150% sawdust and lowest in the 0% sawdust control.
Organic cycleHealthCompostEvaluation of Different Soil Media and Soil Ameliorants in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller), Green Onion (Allium sativum) and Pechay (Brassica rapa L.)
2012Jenny Calabio, Ma. Luisa Albacete · WVSU Research Journal · Philippines (Iloilo City)
This study, conducted from July 2007 to July 2008 at the Urban Agriculture Demonstration Site in La Paz, Iloilo City, evaluated soil media and ameliorants for container-grown green onion, pechay, and tomato. Pure compost was found to be the best medium for increasing yields. However, the use of IMO and rice hull as soil ameliorants did not increase yields for the three tested vegetables, and rice hull generally reduced pechay yields.
Limited or null effectCompostDIYWelfareHealthEconomicsEnvironmental science in middle school curricula: A Pilot project in the Dominican Republic
2012L. Gómez Tejeda · RIT Scholar Works (Rochester Institute of Technology) · Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic's public investment in education was 2% of GNP in 2010, falling below UNESCO's 6% minimum. This pilot project, conducted at The Community for Learning School (TCFL) in the Dominican Republic during the 2011-2012 school year, enhanced 5th-8th grade science curricula with four activities: composting, a school garden, a garbage project, and an energy audit. While the school garden and composting project improved student motivation for group work and left a positive perception of environmentally friendly practices, knowledge gain about their environmental benefits was not as expected.
Food educationCompostCommunityContenido de metales pesados en abonos orgánicos, sustratos y plantas cultivadas en organopónicos
2012Mirelys Rodríguez Alfaro, Olegário Muñiz Ugarte, Bernardo Calero Martín, A. Álvarez, Francisco Martínez Rodríguez, Teudys Limeres Jiménez, Mercedes Orphee Montoya, Adriana M. de Aguilar Accioly · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · Cuba
This study evaluated the heavy metal content of Cadmium, Lead, and Nickel in organic fertilizers (composts from urban solid waste) and substrates, and their effect on vegetables grown in organoponics in Havana and Guantánamo, Cuba. Composts obtained from unsorted urban solid waste and the substrates prepared from them were found to contain heavy metals, especially Cadmium and Lead, above maximum permissible limits. It was concluded that these products should not be used for food production, as these metals translocate to the edible parts of the cultivated vegetables.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleCompostUtilising Agricultural Waste To Enhance Food Security And Conserve TheEnvironment
2012E.N. Sabiiti · · Uganda
This paper reviews how agricultural wastes can be utilized to enhance food security and conserve the environment, focusing on developing countries like Uganda. In Kampala, over 1000mt of waste accumulate daily, with only 30% collected. The study highlights that these organic wastes, rich in nutrients, can serve as a bio-resource for smallholder farmers to improve soil nutrient status and crop yields, such as vegetables and maize, and enhance milk production. This approach also reduces environmental pollution and poverty.
Food sovereignty & justiceOrganic cycleCompostChemical and microbial properties of farmer’s field soils fertilized with municipal solid wastes without pretreatment in the peri-urban zone of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
2011Eckhard Hein, TW Kabore, A. Bilgo, SN Sall, Dominique Massé · International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
This study evaluated the impact of untreated municipal solid waste (MSW) on soil properties in peri-urban agricultural fields near Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Soils receiving MSW for 7 to 20 years showed up to a two-fold increase in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content, with older fields having higher increases. While microbial biomass was significantly higher in MSW-fertilized soils, microbial activity and catabolic diversity were not significantly different.
Peri-urban agricultureCompostOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceEcological Agriculture Technology in Urban Agriculture
2011Yan Lv, Rui Zhang · Advanced materials research · Global
Farming in the city is the most significant practice of urban agriculture, with important social and economic impact. It constructs a stable and sustainable eco-recycling system, utilizing daily waste for crop irrigation, livestock breeding, and energy production. This study discusses the ecological characteristics, scientific principles, and operation steps of these ecological technologies to efficiently present an artificial agro-ecosystem in limited space.
Organic cycleCompostClimate changeOptimizing Urban Material Flows and Waste Streams in Urban Development through Principles of Zero Waste and Sustainable Consumption
2011Steffen Lehmann · Sustainability · Global
This paper reports on best practices in urban design principles for material flow, recovery, and adaptive reuse to implement zero waste. It notes that urban farming is a valid strategy for local food production and composting organic waste. A key finding is that embedding zero-waste requires strong industry leadership, new policies, effective education curricula, and increased awareness.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityBiodiversityClimate changeGreenhouse gas emissions from home composting of organic household waste
2010Andersen J.K., Boldrin A., Christensen T.H., Scheutz C. · Waste Management · Denmark
Uses six home composting units over one year and a static flux chamber method to measure and quantify greenhouse gas emissions from composting organic household waste.
DIYCompost