Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Hidroponik Sistem Rakit Apung Solusi Urban Farming di Kota Surakarta
2025Avisema Sigit Saputro, Sumarmi Sumarmi · Jurnal SOLMA · Indonesia (Surakarta)
A community service activity on floating raft hydroponics was conducted in Pundung Gede, Surakarta, Indonesia, on August 17, 2024, with 15 PKK mothers. The initiative aimed to educate residents on urban farming methods to utilize limited urban land for vegetable cultivation, addressing their unfamiliarity with floating raft hydroponics. The activity successfully enabled many participants to understand and practice floating raft cultivation at home.
DIYFood educationCommunityEconomicsThe Role of Minor Mediterranean Fruit Trees in Sustainable Residential Landscaping: A Longitudinal Perspective
2025Mümüne Selen Abbasoğlu, İbrahim Kahramanoğlu · HortScience · Global
This study explored the role of minor Mediterranean fruit trees in sustainable residential landscapes by examining their presence, selection criteria, and long-term trends in home gardens. Data from structured surveys of 400 homeowners revealed olive (60.3%) and pomegranate (50.0%) as the most prevalent species. Older gardens (40+ years) exhibited greater biodiversity, while newer gardens prioritized easier-to-maintain and aesthetically appealing species. Overall, the study indicated a gradual shift from traditional Mediterranean fruit trees to monotonous, low-maintenance gardens.
DIYBiodiversityClimate changeDesigning and Building a Tomato Storage Shed for SLO City Farm
2025Thielmann, Mark D, Walther, Ryan T · DigitalCommons - CalPoly (California State Polytechnic University) · United States (California)
This paper details the design, budgeting, and construction of a practical, affordable, and long-lasting tomato storage shed built by a student team for City Farm SLO during Spring 2025. The project involved multiple design iterations, material sourcing, and modifications to balance functionality and simplicity within a tight budget. The completed shed provided hands-on experience in project-based construction and community engagement.
DIYCommunityEconomicsSocio-economic outcome of urban horticulture on urban &peri urban communities in South India
2025H R RAMYA, G.A. Atheequlla, R. Venkattakumar, R R THOMAS · Journal of Horticultural Sciences · India
This study examined urban horticulture practices, socio-economic benefits, and constraints among 51 respondents from 5 southern states in India. Respondents spent 1-5 hours daily on urban horticulture, primarily for chemical-free food (92%) and stress relief (69%). After adopting urban farming, 67% reduced market visits to 1-2 times, and 33% to 3-5 times, with monthly savings ranging from Rs.200/- to Rs.1000/- per individual. Major challenges identified were pest infestation (35.29%), space limitations (27.45%), and knowledge gaps (23.53%).
EconomicsHealthCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceDIYSistem Pengkabut dan Intermitten Lighting Colour Otomatis untuk Optimalisasi Budidaya Microgreen Organik
2025Hilmi A'ini Nurthoyibah, Ayu Fіtrіаnі, Rеzа Zulіаnsyаh Sobіrіn, Rаіhаn Putrа Dwіyаnа, Аіf Аl Zulfа, Hеrіk Sugеru · Jurnal Ilmiah Teknologi Pertanian Agrotechno · Indonesia
This paper introduces AMICRON, a modified growth environment designed to optimize organic microgreen cultivation using mist systems and intermittent colored lighting. Experiments comparing microgreens grown inside AMICRON with those grown outside or under standard grow lights found that AMICRON's intermittent lighting resulted in faster germination and harvesting times.
Digital agricultureFood sovereignty & justiceDIYPflanzMit! - Das Urban Gardening Network
2025Storey, Benjamin · TIB Repositorium · Germany
The PflanzMit! project is an innovative initiative aiming to involve urban populations in the care and design of their green environment. The app enables users to organize and collaboratively work on planting and maintaining urban green spaces, strengthening social fabric and fostering a sense of community. The app offers organizational tools for group formation and task distribution, as well as practical aids like care tips, plant identification by photos, and AI-supported plant recommendations based on local conditions.
CommunityDIYDigital agricultureSustainable Urban Farming: Effects of Organic Manure on Lettuce Growth and Soil Fertility
2025Salsabilla Dewi Satriani, Yulian Yulian, Nanik Setyowati, Supanjani Supanjani, Kartika Utami · Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research · Global
This experimental study evaluated the effects of chicken and goat manure (five application levels) on lettuce growth and yield under urban organic farming conditions. Goat manure significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced all growth and yield parameters compared with chicken manure, which had no significant effect due to its high C/N ratio and immature composition. Optimal performance was observed at 30–40 tons ha⁻¹ of goat manure, with 30 tons ha⁻¹ identified as the most efficient rate.
Organic cycleDIYThe Significance of Hobby Gardens in Urban Agriculture: A Bibliometric Mapping of Thematic Structures and Future Potentials
2025Deniz Çağla Bal, Independent Reseacher, Osman Kaan Inan, Yusuf Çakmakçı · International Journal of Innovative Approaches in Agricultural Research · Global
This study aims to reveal the intellectual structure, main themes, and research trajectories of academic literature on hobby gardens using bibliometric analysis and scientific mapping methods. Analyses of articles from the Scopus database covering 1989–2025 show that the unifying element of hobby gardening is based on the concepts of “gardening” and “human.” The main driving force of the field was determined to be social and human dynamics such as “leisure time” and gender, indicating that hobby gardening research focuses on its role in human well-being, social life, and community interaction rather than a technical or agricultural focus.
DIYFood educationCommunityPenerapan Prinsip Permakultur Desain Melalui Elemen Arsitektural pada Bangunan Vertical Harvest Farms, USA
2025Aprilia Shyntia Dewi, Muchlisiniyati Safeyah · Sinektika Jurnal Arsitektur · United States
This qualitative descriptive study analyzed the application of permaculture design principles through architectural elements at Vertical Harvest Farms, USA, using secondary data. The research found that Vertical Harvest Farms largely incorporates permaculture design principles through architectural elements, such as greenhouse-based materials adapted to local climate and optimal spatial arrangement. However, regarding mass typology, the farm was found to be less compliant with the permaculture design principle of "Design from Pattern to Detail."
Environmental trade-offsClimate changeDIYDigital agricultureUrban–rural linkageURBAN AGRICULTURE AND VERTICAL FARMING: HYBRID MODELS FOR FOOD PRODUCTION, RESOURCE EFFICIENCY, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
2025Faran Muhammad, Muneeba, Muhammad Bilal · Gomal Journal of Agriculture and Biology · Global
This paper explored hybrid approaches to urban agriculture combining vertical farming and rooftop gardening. Experimental pilot hybrid systems installed in certain metropolitan regions showed significant improvements in yield per unit area, water-use efficiency, and energy-use efficiency compared to normal rooftop gardens. Qualitative assessments highlighted positive community-level outcomes, including greater dietary diversity, better comprehension of sustainable food habits, and a rise in wellness and health perception.
DIYCommunityHealthClimate changeDigital agriculturePlant facilitation in rooftop agriculture: disentangling plant interactions for sustainable crop production on extensive green roofs
2025Adriano N. Roberto, Andrés G. Rolhauser, J. Scott MacIvor, Marney E. Isaac · Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems · Canada (Toronto)
This study investigated plant facilitation in rooftop agriculture in Toronto, Canada, testing whether live Sedum could improve bush bean performance on 48 extensive green roof (EGR) modules under high and low watering regimes. Water availability had a greater influence on bean performance than planting design, with beans grown with artificial Sedum under high watering showing the highest yield, while performance declined significantly under low water, particularly with live Sedum. Contrary to hypotheses, live Sedum did not consistently facilitate bean performance, suggesting potential competitive interactions may have outweighed any stress-ameliorating effects. These findings indicate water management is the main management variable for crops on EGRs.
DIYCommunityBiodiversityClimate changeDesign and evaluation of a solar powered smart irrigation system for sustainable urban agriculture
2025Mahmoud A. Abdelhamid, Tarek Kh. Abdelkader, Hassan A. A. Sayed, Zhao Zhang, Xiaohui Zhao, Mohamed F. Atia · Scientific Reports · Global
This study aimed to advance sustainable urban agriculture by designing and evaluating a solar-powered smart rooftop irrigation system for peppermint cultivation. The smart system reduced water and energy consumption by 28.1% compared to conventional irrigation, and also achieved a notable reduction in CO2 emissions from 0.252 kg CO₂/m²/year to 0.181 kg CO₂/m²/year. Economic analysis demonstrated a payback period of 5.6 years, highlighting its financial viability.
Digital agricultureClimate changeDIYRooftop Garden, A Way for Food and Nutrition Security for The Semi-Urban City of Pabna, Bangladesh
2025Taslima Arzu, Md. Ariful Kabir Sujan, S.M. Symon Bappy, Rupam Mitra, Suparna Das Toma, Vulon Prosad · Plant Science Archives · Bangladesh
This study surveyed 62 household and rooftop garden owners in Pabna City, Bangladesh, to examine the benefits of rooftop gardening. Findings indicate that rooftop gardens reduced household waste by an average of 887.1g and met 41% of fertilizer demand by using biodegradable waste. Participants reported improved psychological well-being (83.9%) and increased vigor (77.4%), with anxiety and depression reduced or neutral. Rooftop gardening generated an average yearly income of 14,750 BDT, with a net income of 1293.5 BDT, and provided 387.5 kg of fruits and vegetables for household consumption, proving to be a profitable activity.
DIYCompostElderlyHealthCurrent Trends in CRISPR‐Cas System Based Genome Editing in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
2025Sreekumar Anand, Ravindran Lalithambika Visakh, B. K. Shrithar Bhalaji, Parvathy, N. Vishnu Swaroop Reddy, Athulya Rajasekharan · Plant Breeding · Global
This review focuses on the strategy, mechanism, and recent upgradations of CRISPR-Cas system-based genome editing. In tomato breeding, a limited genetic base presents hurdles, and CRISPR-Cas genome editing has been used to improve fruit quality and yield, increase stress resistance, promote wild tomato domestication, and tailor varieties for urban farming. This technology offers precise genome editing, low off-target mutations, efficiency, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness, and has been effectively utilized in tomato crop improvement.
Digital agricultureDIYLandscape, urban gardening, and aesthetics
2025Mateusz Salwa · · Global
This chapter discusses contemporary urban gardening practices as an activity interpretable as a model for how people should design and manage their landscapes. Gardening is presented as driven by an "aesthetics of care," arguing for a new paradigm in landscape aesthetics that should no longer be associated with aesthetic appreciation. Instead, it should be conceived as related to human engagement in and with the landscape.
DIYCommunityFood educationMenganalisis SWOT dalam Kelompok Tani Surya Hijau di Kelurahan Suryodiningratan, Kecamatan Mantrijeron, Kota yogyakarta
2025Siti Hajar, Siti Via Syahrani Putri, Hanif Fatihah Tsari, Muhammad Iqbal, Arjuna Arjuna, Nur Saudah Al Arifa D · Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pembangunan dan Pendidikan Vokasi Pertanian · Indonesia
This study analyzed the empowerment strategies of the Surya Hijau Farmer Group in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using SWOT analysis. The group, which practices urban farming with vertical planting, demonstrated strong internal cooperation but faced challenges including caterpillar pest attacks, difficulty obtaining quality growing media, and water scarcity. A critical finding was that the group's income was affected by fluctuating harvest prices, posing a significant threat to their economic viability.
Economic viabilityCommunityDIYOrganic cycleEconomicsLead Contamination Propagation into Plants of a Metro Atlanta Home
2025Carithers, Jaci, Gowen, Samantha, Jenney, Francis · Digital Commons - PCOM (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine) · United States (Atlanta)
A study in a Metro Atlanta residence, United States, analyzed lead contamination in soil and plant samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The research found substantial lead contamination, particularly in areas where crops were grown. Results demonstrated the propagation of lead from contaminated soil into local vegetation over time, with an average level of 143.9 mg/kg, ranging from 5.1 mg/kg to 499.5 mg/kg.
Contamination & food safetyHealthDIYGrowing vegetables: A gateway to biodiversity in domestic gardens?
2025Blanche Collard, Quentin Dutertre, Emmanuelle Baudry · Landscape and Urban Planning · France
This study investigated the relationship between vegetable growing and biodiversity conservation in domestic gardens in France, using a nationwide online survey and ecological monitoring in a suburban area near Paris. 67% of surveyed gardeners nationwide had a vegetable garden, and no significant conflict was found between vegetable production and biodiversity conservation. Instead, synergies emerged, particularly in the stronger commitment of vegetable gardeners to their gardens, wild species, and nature, and in practices like more frequent planting.
BiodiversityDIYUrban–rural linkageUtilization of Coconut Water Waste as Liquid Organic Fertilizer for the Growth of Mung Bean Microgreens (Vigna radiata)
2025Ahmad Ahmad Aldi Nasution, Badrul Ainy Dalimunthe, Khairul Rizal, Yudi Triyanto · JURNAL AGRONOMI TANAMAN TROPIKA (JUATIKA) · Indonesia
This research in Kotapinang District, Indonesia, evaluated coconut water waste as a liquid organic fertilizer (POC) for mung bean microgreens over one week. Four treatments with varying POC doses were tested. The 30 ml treatment resulted in the greatest plant height at 4 days after planting (13.83 cm), while the 10 ml treatment showed the highest growth (19.66 cm) and leaf width (1.2 cm) at 7 days after planting.
DIYOrganic cyclePengenalan Urban Farming di Kelompok Petani Wanita KUBE Barokah Jaya, Kabupaten Malang
2025Dodi Wirawan Irawanto, Adi Setiawan, Noorsy Zidna Nabiela · RESONA Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia
This community service activity in a village in Malang Regency, Indonesia, aimed to enhance the community's financial planning and digital marketing skills, and to provide understanding and experience in urban farming methods. Using lectures, training, and mentoring, the activity successfully improved participants' abilities in urban farming cultivation.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsDIYPelatihan Urban Farming Hidroponik di Kecamatan Tembok Dukuh Surabaya
2025Theresa Widya Artika, Efendi Surahman · UNITY Journal of Community Service · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This three-week community service program in Tembok Dukuh District, Surabaya, aimed to enhance local residents' knowledge and skills in hydroponic urban farming. Participants, primarily women from the Family Welfare Movement (PKK), received training in hydroponic concepts, simple installation construction, and vegetable planting and maintenance techniques. The program resulted in a significant improvement in participants' understanding of hydroponic systems and their ability to apply these techniques at home.
Food educationCommunityEconomicsDIYDesign and implementation of outdoor home smart farming based on raspberry pi for home assistant management
2025Mohd Nazmin Maslan, Izzat Rafaie Ramli, Muhammad Hafidz Fazli Md Fauadi, Mohd Erdi Ayob, Mohamad Faizal Baharom, Ihwan Ghazali, Tia Tanjung · Multidisciplinary Science Journal · Global
This study designed and implemented an outdoor home smart farming system using Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, ESP32, sensors, and Home Assistant software to address challenges like limited skills and resources. The system efficiently monitored and analyzed farming parameters, resulting in water usage of only 0.16% and energy consumption of 0.64% compared to daily household use. It also reduced water usage for watering by up to 82.45%, demonstrating its capability to optimize resource use and enhance crop productivity.
DIYDigital agricultureClimate changeBalcony Environmental Monitoring & Plant Recommendation System Using IoT and Machine Learning
2025Pratham Kawade -, Mrunal Karkar -, Ritisha Mittal -, Neha Sathe · International Journal on Science and Technology · Global
This system utilizes an ESP32 microcontroller connected to DHT11 and soil moisture sensors to capture real-time data on temperature, humidity, and soil wetness. Data transmitted via MQTT protocol to a Flask-based web server is processed by a RandomForestClassifier model, trained on twelve sequential readings per sensor, to suggest the top five crops and monitor plant health against predefined optimal thresholds. Alerts are generated when deviations are detected, and the system is deployed on cloud platforms like Render.
DIYDigital agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceIOT Enables Remote Control Smart Garden with Solar System
2025V. Lakshmi Srinija, M Raju, P. Srinu Vasarao · International Research Journal on Advanced Engineering and Management (IRJAEM) · Global
This paper presents the design and implementation of an IoT-enabled remote control smart garden powered by a solar energy system. The system automates essential gardening tasks such as irrigation, soil moisture monitoring, temperature and humidity control, and real-time surveillance, operating independently of conventional power sources. Through sensors and a cloud platform, users can remotely monitor and control garden operations via a mobile or web application.
Digital agricultureDIYCommunityClimate changeSMART GARDENING THROUGH AI-INTEGRATED IOT: A FRAMEWORK FOR INTELLIGENT MONITORING AND AUTOMATED CONTROL
2025Zakhro Sodikova · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
This research proposes an AI-based IoT approach for intelligent monitoring, prediction, and automation in smart gardens. The system includes distributed environment sensors, an edge processing unit for real-time processing and decision support, and a cloud-based machine learning module for prediction and optimization. The AI-driven system attained better prediction accuracy for soil moisture estimation and used considerably less water than traditional rule-based irrigation, without compromising plant health.
DIYCommunityDigital agriculture