Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
301 results(6 / 13)
Quantifying use in a community garden program with extensive resource provision to gardeners
2022Alexandra Niedzwiecki, Norah Kates, Sally Brown, Kristen McIvor · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · United States (Tacoma)
This study surveyed 66 community gardens (1,960 plots) in the nonprofit Harvest Pierce County program in Tacoma and Pierce County, Washington, which provides gardeners with land, soil testing, clean soil, compost, water, and education. It found gardens were well-used across the program (mean use intensity 2.26 on a 0–3 scale), with larger gardens and plots used more intensively, and gardens well distributed across income, population density, and racial identity—suggesting the resource-provision model is inclusive.
CommunityCompostDecentralized composting as a waste management tool connect with the new global trends: a systematic review
2022· International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology · Global
Systematic review positioning decentralized composting as a waste management tool in the context of new global trends.
DIYCompostCommunityGrocery Waste Compost as an Alternative Hydroponic Growing Medium
2022· Agronomy · Global
Investigates replacing conventional hydroponic media such as cocodust with compost from locally sourced grocery waste, testing four mixtures (20–80% waste compost) on hydroponic lettuce over 35 days.
DIYFood lossCompostDecentralized Composting of Food Waste: A Perspective on Scientific Knowledge
2022Sanchez A. · Frontiers in Chemical Engineering · Global (review)
A perspective article synthesising scientific knowledge on decentralized (home and community) composting of food waste, discussing its role relative to centralized systems in urban organic waste management.
CompostCommunityVermicomposting of municipal solid waste as a possible lever for the development of sustainable agriculture. A review
2022Ducasse V., Capowiez Y., Peigne J. · Agronomy for Sustainable Development · France (review)
Reviews the suitability of vermicomposting the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, the quality of the resulting vermicompost, and its impact on crops and soil.
CompostOrganic cycleDISSEMINATION OF URBAN ORGANIC WASTE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY INTO ORGANIC FERTILIZERS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN AGRICULTURE
2022Dwi Haryanta, Tatuk Tojibatus Sa’adah, Mochamad Thohiron · Indonesian Journal of Engagement Community Services Empowerment and Development · Indonesia (Surabaya)
Community empowerment activities at the "Satu Padu" farmer group in Jambangan Village, Surabaya, Indonesia, aimed to disseminate knowledge on processing urban organic waste into compost and liquid organic fertilizer for urban farming. Using Participatory Rapid Rural Appraisal methods, the program involved residents and the farmer group in directly practicing the technology. Participants learned to make compost from tree stumps and liquid organic fertilizer from fruit and vegetable waste, and to use these in planting.
CompostCommunityOrganic cycleUrban Farming Generasi Milenial Karang Taruna Dusun Walang Sukoharjo
2022Novian Wely Asmoro, Sri Hartati, Agustina Intan Niken Tari, Purwanto Purwanto, Muhammad Fathul Anwar · Jurnal Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat · Indonesia (Sukoharjo)
In Dusun Walang, Sukoharjo, Indonesia, community service activities introduced urban farming to millennial generation members of a youth organization to increase their interest in agriculture. The activities involved counseling and practice on urban farming concepts, household waste management, and verticulture. Evaluation using pretest, posttest, and practice assessment showed 93% partner involvement and an 85% increase in understanding of urban farming cultivation, from an initial 54% to 100% after the activity.
Food educationDIYCompostCommunityURBAN FARMING PENGOLAHAN SAMPAH RUMAH TANGGA MENJADI PUPUK CAIR ORGANIK DI KOTA SURAKARTA
2022Indah Nurhidayati, Joko Sutrisno, Agustono Agustono, Refa’ul Khairiyakh, Amalia Nadifta Ulfa, Rhina Uchyani F · RESONA Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Surakarta)
From August to October 2020, an urban farming-based activity was conducted in Jebres District, Surakarta City, Indonesia. This activity involved training and demonstrations on processing urban agricultural waste and household waste into liquid organic fertilizer (POC) using the stacked bucket technique. Participants were able to harvest POC after two months, and this POC was stated to be usable as plant fertilizer, contributing to improving the local economy and ecological environment.
Organic cycleCompostCommunityEconomicsPEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT DALAM PENGELOLAAN LIMBAH PERANTINGAN PEPOHONAN DI LINGKUNGAN PERUMAHAN
2022Dwi Haryanta, Tatuk Tojibatus Sa’adah, Ristani Widya Inti · Indonesian Collaboration Journal of Community Services (ICJCS) · Indonesia (Surabaya)
In RW 02 Kalirungkut, Surabaya, Indonesia, a community empowerment activity provided knowledge on managing tree pruning waste into useful compost for urban farming practices. The program utilized Participatory Rapid Rural Appraisal and Rapid and Rural Appraisal methods. The community resolved tree pruning waste disposal issues within 3 months and harvested 15 cubic meters of compost, recognizing its economic value.
CommunityCompostOrganic cycleDIYInvestigating Farmer Perspectives and Compost Application for Soil Management in Urban Agriculture in Mwanza, Tanzania
2022Shefaza Esmail, Maren Oelbermann · Frontiers in Soil Science · Tanzania (Mwanza)
This study investigated farmer perspectives and compost application for soil management in urban agriculture in Mwanza, Tanzania. Semi-structured interviews with 34 urban farmers revealed concerns about climate change and unpredictable rain, with 82% desiring soil improvements. A field trial showed that organic amendments (poultry manure and food waste compost) improved soil water holding capacity by 14-19% and enhanced microbial biomass 1.7-4 times compared to inorganic nitrogen fertilizer, with comparable crop productivity.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityClimate changePEMBUATAN PUPUK ORGANIK CAIR UNTUK MENDUKUNG PERTUMBUHAN BAYAM BRASIL DI KOMUNITAS OMAH PASEDULURAN SLEMAN DAN GEMAH RIPAH YOGYAKARTA
2022Kukuh Madyaningrana, Tri Yahya Budiarso, Catarina Aprilia Ariestanti, Dan Daniel Pandapotan, Wulan Sari Sinaga · Jurnal Abditani · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
This study aimed to demonstrate the production of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) from organic waste in the urban farming communities of Omah Paseduluran Sleman and Gemah Ripah Yogyakarta, Indonesia, as a pilot project for cultivating Brazilian spinach. The activity showed that POC made from organic waste like rice wash water, fruit peel slices, and sheep urine is easy to produce. Participants were enthusiastic and committed to making POC independently for their cultivated plants.
CompostCommunityDIYPertumbuhan Tanaman Tomat yang Dibudidayakan di Tanah Mineral dengan Perlakuan Ampas Teh dan Kotoran Sapi
2022Mila Lukmana, Muhammad Helmy Abdillah · Agritech Jurnal Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto · Indonesia
This study, conducted from February to June 2021 in Indonesia, investigated the effect of combining tea dregs and cow dung on tomato plant growth in mineral soil. Using a factorial randomized block design, 16 combinations of tea dregs (0, 10, 20, 30 g/polybag) and cow dung (0, 29.7, 44.5, 74.2 g/polybag) were tested. The results indicated that the A1S3 treatment (10 g/polybag tea dregs and 74.2 g/polybag cow dung) was effective and efficient in increasing plant height, leaf surface area, root growth, and dry weight of tomato plants.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleCircular sanitation in relation to nutrients recycling and (urban) agriculture in the city of Amsterdam : Deliverable D4.4 Opportunities and barriers for circular sanitation within urban context
2022Kimo van Dijk, Lotte Veenemans, Ciska Nienhuis · · Netherlands (Amsterdam)
This report explains the importance of improving sanitation circularity, its link to circular urban food production, and the opportunities and barriers for its realization in Amsterdam. It discusses aspects related to sustainability, environment, quality, agronomy, legislation, health and safety, technology, economics, and awareness. The report provides recommendations for Amsterdam and other cities to stimulate the transition to circular sanitation and nutrient recovery/reuse in urban agriculture, including clarifying legislation and addressing barriers.
Organic cycleCompostPolicyHealthEconomicsClimate changeProdução de húmus líquido com diferentes solventes e proporções, para uso na arborização e agricultura urbana e periurbana
2022Eleano Rodrigues da Silva, Sônia Sena Alfaia, Marta Iria da Costa Ayres, S. G. A. de Sousa, Robert Corrêa Rodrigues · Concilium · Global
This study investigated the production of liquid humus (HL) using different solvents and proportions for use in urban and peri-urban afforestation and agriculture. Nutrient content and concentrations, yields, and the odor and appearance of the residue were analyzed. Results indicated that the odor in all HL samples was very mild, practically odorless, allowing their use in urban areas. From the chemical compositions of the analyzed products, it was inferred that HL has potential for use in urban agricultural practices, possibly contributing to improving soil cation exchange capacity (CTC).
Organic cycleCompostPeri-urban agricultureAplikasi Limbah Kota untuk Meningkatkan Kandungan Klorofil dan Produksi Microgreen
2022Wira Bhakti Pangestu, Mochamad Zidane Deanova, Furi Faturohmat, Reni Nurjasmi · Jurnal Ilmiah Respati · Indonesia
A study conducted from June to September 2021 at the Faculty of Agriculture Experimental Garden, Respati University, Indonesia, investigated the potential of urban waste as a growing medium for microgreens (spinach and mustard greens). The research used a completely randomized design with four treatments: rockwool with AB Mix as a control, onion peels, rabbit manure, and quail manure, each replicated five times. Organic fertilizers from urban waste significantly affected the germination percentage, height, wet weight, and chlorophyll content of mustard green and spinach microgreens. While the rockwool control yielded the best chlorophyll content and microgreen production, among urban wastes, quail manure produced the highest chlorophyll content and production for mustard green microgreens. For spinach microgreens, onion peels resulted in the highest germination percentage and wet weight, while quail manure yielded the highest chlorophyll content.
Organic cycleCompostWelfareMaking Green(s) With Black and White: Constructing Soils for Urban Agriculture Using Earthworms, Organic and Mineral Wastes
2022José Hilario Rocha Araujo, A. Pando-Bahuon, C. Hartmann, H. Aroui-Boukbida, Thierry Desjardins, Thomas Z. Lerch · Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution · Global
This study evaluated the possibility of growing green vegetables on soils made from excavated deep horizon soils and green waste compost. Over three seasons, the effects of different amounts of compost (10, 20, and 30%) and the addition of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) on the production of lettuce, arugula, and spinach were tested in situ. The results demonstrated that it is possible to reuse urban mineral and organic wastes to engineer soils adapted to agriculture. Higher doses of compost significantly increased plant biomass, especially when earthworms were introduced.
CompostOrganic cycleEffect of Substrate Type and Fertilizing Management Programs on Yield and Nitrate Content of Both Molokhia and Spinach Grown on Rooftops in Egypt
2022· Middle East Journal of Agriculture Research · Egypt
Two experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 on a rooftop garden in Giza, Egypt, to investigate the effect of substrate type and fertilizing programs on molokhia and spinach yield and nitrate content. Substrate S1 (50% perlite: 50% peat moss) was found more suitable for high yield. While chemical nutrient solution (CNS) alone resulted in the highest yield, the combination of S1 and CNS followed by compost tea for 5 days before harvest (CNS+5) was most suitable for high yield with lower nitrate accumulation.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleHealthPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in commercial composts, garden soils, and potting mixes of Australia
2022Anithadevi Kenday Sivaram, Logeshwaran Panneerselvan, Aravind Surapaneni, Elliot Lee, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Mallavarapu Megharaj · Environmental Advances · Australia
This study assessed 19 commercially available composts, garden soils, and potting mixes in Australia for 38 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Total PFAS concentrations ranged from 1.26 to 11.84 µg kg−1 (dry weight), with total perfluorinated carboxylic acids (ƩPFCAs) being higher than perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs). The total oxidizable precursor assay (TOPA) showed an increase in short-chain ƩPFCAs (0.48 to 7.63 µg kg−1) in composts and potting mixes, indicating transformation of PFCAs precursors. The measured concentrations of short-chain PFCAs in soil substrates have the potential to contribute to plant uptake and food chain transfer of PFAS to humans.
Contamination & food safetyHealthCompostPEMANFAATAN SEDIMEN SELOKAN SALURAN AIR DI DINOYO SURABAYA SEBAGAI CAMPURAN MEDIA TANAM GUNA MENDUKUNG URBAN FARMING YANG RAMAH LINGKUNGAN
2022Fabian Pascalis Serenai, Firra Rosariawari · EnviroUS · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This study in Dinoyo, Surabaya, Indonesia, investigated the potential of using 595,040 m3/year of canal sediment as a growing medium for urban farming. Sediment was mixed with green compost and cocopeat in 1:1:1, 1:3:1, and 1:5:1 ratios, and Capsicum frutescens seedlings were grown for two weeks. After pretreatment (drying, grinding, sieving), the 1:1:1 mixture showed optimal parameters: 3.58% C, 0.31% N, 0.02% P, 1.63% K, CEC 43.92 emol/kg, C/N 21, pH 8.55, non-toxic with 4% seed growth inhibition, optimal seedling growth, and lower nutrient loss. The research suggests that sediment can be used as a more environmentally friendly mixed growing substrate in the long term.
CompostOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageCompost
2022Margaret Marcy Emerson · Digital Commons - LIU Promoting Scholarship and Creative Work of LIU Students, Faculty, and Staff (Long Island University) · United States
In 2019, an estimated 35% of all food was lost or wasted in the U.S., and organic waste in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting significantly cuts the amount of food going into landfills, reducing climate and environmental impacts. Compost enhances soil, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, improves soil water retention, provides carbon sequestration, and local composting conserves energy and reduces transport emissions.
CompostFood lossClimate changeCommunityUrban Agriculture as an Alternative for the Sustainable Production of Maize and Peanut
2022José Luis Villalpando, Daniel Francisco Chi-Maas, Itzel López‐Rosas, Víctor Ángel Aquino-Luna, Jesús Arreola-Enríquez, Julia Cristel Alcudia-Pérez, Gilberto Matos-Pech, Roberto Carlos Gómez-García, Jesús Froylán Martínez-Puc, William Cetzal‐Ix · Agriculture · Global
This study evaluated a backyard system using 50cm × 50cm pinewood boxes for maize and peanut over nine months. Approximately 213 kg of organic residues were converted into 300 kg of mature compost, and plant development was compared between compost and control conditions. Correlation analyses of morphological properties showed that nutrient effects were positively associated with crop morphology, with maize yields of 9 kg/m2 in compost conditions and 6.6 kg/m2 in control, and peanut yields of 184 g/m2 in compost and 73 g/m2 in control.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleThe governance of a community garden with a food cycle in suburban Tokyo
2021Shimpo N. · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems (Wiley), 6:e20015 · Japan
A case study of a suburban-Tokyo community garden that collects neighborhood kitchen waste and returns it to the soil as compost, forming a local food cycle. It documents how the bottom-up founder sustained the garden, provided work opportunities for people with disabilities and food-education for children, and built links with welfare facilities, kindergartens, and schools.
CommunityCompostOrganic cycleWelfareFood educationOptimization of Bokashi-Composting Process Using Effective Microorganisms-1 in Smart Composting Bin
2021· Sensors · Global
Optimizes bokashi composting of household organic waste in a smart composting bin, fermenting banana peels with EM-1 brans over 14 days while sensors log temperature, humidity and moisture.
DIYCompostA Conceptual Framework for Incorporation of Composting in Closed-Loop Urban Controlled Environment Agriculture
2021Dsouza A., Price G., Dixon M., Graham T. · Sustainability · Canada
Presents a conceptual framework for incorporating composting into closed-loop urban controlled environment agriculture to recycle nutrients from organic waste streams.
CompostFood lossOrganic cycleProduction of Edibles and Use of Garden Waste in Domestic Gardens of a Middle-Class Suburb in Cape Town, South Africa
2021Anjali Mistry, Manfred Spocter · · South Africa (Cape Town)
A study in a middle-class suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, investigated edible cultivation and garden waste management in domestic gardens. While potential gardening space averaged two-thirds of residential plots, 129 respondents primarily cultivated lawns, not food, with minimal vegetable production. Residents often used private gardening services for waste disposal, and on-site garden waste disposal techniques need promotion.
Limited or null effectDIYCompostCommunityUrban–rural linkage