Research & reports

Qiang Liu, Jingshuang Liu, Qicun Wang, Yang Wang · Human and Ecological Risk Assessment An International Journal · China (Jilin City)

This study investigated heavy metal pollution levels by collecting 50 soil samples from urban vegetable fields in Jilin City, China. Mean contents of Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd were higher than their corresponding natural background values. However, the distribution of comprehensive pollution index values indicated that concentrations of these heavy metals in most agricultural fields did not exceed baseline values affecting agricultural production safety and human health according to China's soil environmental quality standard, concluding insignificant contamination by these metals in Jilin City.

You Minglu · Guizhou nongye kexue · China

This study defines urban agriculture parks as urban parks integrating ecology, green, humanity, and industry, based on an organic combination of urban and agricultural elements. It proposes strategic thinking and overall design for the development of Tongren's urban agriculture park, drawing on experience reference and practical research, considering the city's natural landscape and agricultural industry features. The study also analyzes different development patterns in specific villages within Tongren City to propose a specific development idea for Tongren as an ecological tourist city.

Shi Jia-li · · China (Tianjin)

This paper studies the important roles of leisure agriculture in the development of Tianjin's modern urban agriculture. It emphatically analyzes the major problems of science and technology during the promotion of leisure agriculture and puts forward the significances of science and technology support in leisure agriculture.

程春建 · 杭州（周刊） · China (Hangzhou)

In 2014, Hangzhou, China, outlined five main tasks for developing modern agriculture, aiming to build "three strong cities" (ecological quality agriculture, efficient facility agriculture, modern urban agriculture) and "five million" urban supply bases. Key tasks included ensuring effective supply, with grain planting area exceeding 2.33 million mu and total output over 930,000 tons, and increasing the self-sufficiency rate of "vegetable basket" agricultural products in the main urban area to over 58%. Another task was to increase production and income, targeting a 2% increase in total output value and an 11% increase in farmers' income.

장진, 오충현 · 한국환경생태학회 학술발표논문집 · South Korea

This study examined the application of urban agriculture's therapeutic properties to address school violence in South Korea, focusing on middle school students. A survey of 77 middle school students in Gangdong-gu A Middle School, conducted from September 15 to October 15, 2014, found that 68.8% had experience growing plants. Students reported that urban farming activities could foster appreciation for life, provide a sense of accomplishment, and help build friendships.

Christine Brown-Paul, Sam Ross · Practical Hydroponics and Greenhouses · Indonesia (Jakarta)

In Jakarta, Indonesia, urban farming and hydroponics are increasingly used to feed the growing population and ensure food security. This article highlights hydroponic strawberry production in Bandung and features a large hydroponic grower that supplies Jakarta supermarkets and operates an educational facility for future hydroponic professionals.

李彦霖, 刘叔华 · 农业科技通讯 · China (Urumqi)

This paper examines the achievements and challenges in developing modern urban agriculture brands in Urumqi, China. It notes that Urumqi has made progress in building its urban agriculture brand but faces constraints such as weak brand awareness. The paper proposes measures including brand cultivation, creation, maintenance, and promotion to further advance urban agriculture brand building and promote rural development.

Qing-Long Lin, Soon-Seok Lee, Woo‐Whan Jang · Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning · South Korea

This study analyzed the demand and willingness to pay (WTP) for agricultural experience at Daegu Urban Agriculture Park using the contingent valuation method. A survey of 346 Daegu citizens and logistic analysis showed that sex, age, education, and alienation area for urban agriculture affected the probability of agricultural experience participation. The estimated WTP ranged from 6,052 to 16,436 won, and scenario analysis suggested 25,000 won as the proper participation fee for maximum revenue.

YE Xiu-yin · ACTA AGRICULTURAE UNIVERSITATIS JIANGXIENSIS · China (Nanchang)

This 2014 study analyzed the spatial distribution of 100 key urban agriculture demonstration projects in Nanchang City, China, using GIS technology. The research, employing adjacent point index and Voronoi polygon area variation coefficient, found that these projects exhibited a condensed spatial distribution. Based on these findings, the study proposed functional orientations and a "three-circle development" idea for Nanchang's urban agriculture.

Dehui Wu, WU, Dehui · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · China

This 2014 study analyzed urban agriculture development in China's Central Economic Zone, identifying several existing problems. These issues included understanding deviation, extensive development, market confusion, short industrial chains, low specialization, and a harsh environment. The study proposed countermeasures such as strengthening government macro-control and perfecting compensation mechanisms.

Etik Wulandari, Bambang Guritno, Nurul Aini · Jurnal Produksi Tanaman · Indonesia

This study in Indonesia investigated the effect of combining the number of cucumber plants per polybag and growing media composition on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). A single-factor randomized block design was used, with 12 treatments and 3 replications. Results showed that combinations of 1, 2, or 3 plants per polybag with a mixed growing medium of soil, chicken manure, and sand had a significantly better effect on cucumber growth and yield components compared to other treatments.

Yan Xu · ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst (University of Massachusetts Amherst) · China

This master project proposes a restoration plan for building a modern agricultural planting garden in an urban area for Shenzhen Central Park, China. The plan is based on field study, literature review, background data analysis, and case studies, addressing challenges such as weak accessibility, lack of social activity, and loss of cultural identity. The proposed multi-functional agricultural planting garden explores the possibility of improving community and urban health through urban agriculture.

Feng Hai-jia · · China (Xi'an)

This study analyzed the interactive coupling relationship and spatio-temporal characteristics between urbanization and urban agriculture function in Xi'an metropolitan zone, China, using correlation and coupling models. Based on data from 2000 to 2011, the correlation degree of factors was above 0.6, indicating a close relationship, with urban economy impacting urban agriculture and urban agriculture influencing urbanization. The coupling degree ranged from 0.6 to 0.85, showing a trend towards higher-level coordination, but significant spatial differentiation was observed, with the northwest area having a lower coupling degree than the southeast.

Anjar Lulu Sakinah, Enny Zulaika · Jurnal Sains dan Seni ITS · Indonesia

This study aimed to isolate Azotobacter strains from the Eco Urban Farming ITS land in Indonesia that are resistant to HgCl2 and potentially produce mercury reductase enzymes. Ten HgCl2-resistant Azotobacter isolates were obtained, with isolates A5, A6, and A9 showing the highest resistance at 20 mg/L HgCl2. Isolates A5 and A9 were identified as having the potential to produce mercury reductase enzymes.

Eun Young Choi, 정윤남, 김세용 · 한국도시설계학회지 도시설계 · South Korea (Seoul)

This study in Seoul, South Korea, examined the relationship between the importance of urban agriculture ordinance items, participation satisfaction, and sustainability among urban agriculture participants. Findings show that participants' sustained engagement involves conscious stages, and they prioritize educational and direct support for individuals over indirect government support. The study also identified a difference in perception regarding the importance of ordinance items between experts and participants.

Gunwon Lee, Yunnam Jeong, Byunghak Min, Seiyong Kim · Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society · South Korea

This study investigated improving South Korea's Biotope Area Ratio system for urban agriculture vitalization. The research found that the existing Biotope Area Ratio indicators, which only consider soil depth and permeability, have limitations in managing plant growth for urban agriculture. Focusing on daylight conditions as a critical factor, the study concluded that the current Biotope Area Ratio indicators are insufficient for adequately addressing plant growth in urban agriculture.

陈永欣 · 大众标准化 · China

With the development of the national economy and scientific progress, people's dietary structures have significantly changed, shifting towards nutritious and healthy food. Waxy corn is highly nutritious, sweet, sticky, and possesses a unique flavor, making it widely popular. In recent years, the cultivation of waxy corn, sales of fresh ears, preservation processing, off-season sales, and year-round market supply have garnered significant attention. Consequently, its planting area has expanded annually, and processing factories have increased, establishing it as an emerging urban agriculture.

Tô Thi Thu Ha, Paule Moustier, Nguyễn Thị Tân Lộc · Agritrop (Cirad) · Vietnam (Hanoi)

A 2009 survey in Hanoi, Vietnam, involving 47 agricultural households, 14 cooperative heads, 83 non-agricultural households, and 13 public officials, appraised perceptions of peri-urban agriculture. Farmers and agricultural officials were more optimistic about urban agriculture's future than non-farm residents. While most respondents believed agriculture should be maintained for food and employment, residents showed little desire to be involved in urban planning decisions, suggesting that the potential extinction of peri-urban agriculture might not elicit a strong reaction until it is too late.

Min Zhang, LU Feng-jun, MIAO, Runlian, Yan Jin, ZHANG, Min, LU, Fengjun, MIAO, Runlian, JIN, Yan · · China

This paper used a system variable analysis method to establish an urban agricultural development system with six functional variables in China. It summarized the characteristics of different development stages and analyzed the reasons for these characteristics, focusing on cost, efficiency, connection, and risk. The study provided recommendations for promoting China's urban agricultural development based on stage development rules.

Fan Wang · · China (Dongguan)

This article analyzed the application of banana plants in urban agriculture in Dongguan, China, considering the challenges posed by banana wilt disease. It proposed developing diverse planting patterns with high-quality, disease-resistant edible banana cultivars and unique cooking bananas. Additionally, it suggested introducing ornamental banana cultivars and developing deep processing of bananas into products like wine, resistant starch, and snack food.

Yu Wang · · China (Xi'an City)

This study analyzed the dynamic changes in urban agricultural landscape (arable lands and garden plots) due to urbanization in Chang'an District, Xi'an City, China, using remote sensing, GIS, and FRAG-STAT techniques. Compared to 1999, arable land area decreased and aggregation declined by 2.45% in 2011, while garden plot area increased and aggregation rose by 10.44%. Improved urbanization levels decreased arable land area and increased fragmentation, but correlations with garden plot landscape indexes were insignificant.

장진, 오충현, 권혁문, 최윤정 · 한국환경생태학회 학술발표논문집 · South Korea (Seoul)

This study analyzed the case of the "Haengbokjungsim Yongsan Consumer Cooperative" (Yongsan Cooperative) in Hyochang-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to provide basic data for policies activating the social economy related to urban agriculture. A survey was conducted among 100 cooperative members from October 15 to November 30, 2013, for 45 days, complemented by literature reviews, field surveys, interviews, and GIS analysis. The findings indicated that 83% of members were women aged 30-40, 4-person households constituted 49%, and the cumulative membership reached 1,027 by December 2013.

Yoo Mi Ha, Dong Yeob Kim, Dong Kyu Hwang, Kwang Sik Min · Journal of the Korea Society of Environmental Restoration Technology · South Korea

This study investigated the growth responses of eight medicinal plants, including Glehnia littoralis, Cryptotaenia japonica, Angelica gigas, Reynoutria japonica, Saururus chinensis, Houttuynia cordata, Ligularia fischeri, and Aralia cordata, under 70% shading and full sunlight conditions on a rooftop using artificial soil. Glehnia littoralis, Cryptotaenia japonica, Ligularia fischeri, Saururus chinensis, and Houttuynia cordata showed better growth under full sunlight, with Glehnia littoralis, Reynoutria japonica, Houttuynia cordata, and Ligularia fischeri exhibiting low stress under full sunlight in August. While 70% shading was effective for Angelica gigas, Reynoutria japonica, and Aralia cordata, Angelica gigas and Reynoutria japonica grew better under full sunlight during summer.

Tian Lib · Chinese Journal of Tropical Agriculture · China (Hainan)

This paper summarized the status of protected horticulture in Hainan, China, identifying major problems such as a deficiency of special varieties, unsuitable introduced facility types, lack of a non-nuisance production system, and insufficient capacity for resisting natural disasters and environmental control. To achieve sustainable development, the local government needs to strengthen funding and policy support, enhance farmers' awareness of pollution-free production, and improve management techniques.

Wenyan Yang, Zhongxue Zhou · PubMed · China (Xi'an)

This study estimated the water and soil conservation service value of agricultural ecosystems in Xi'an metropolitan, China, from 2000 to 2011, using remote sensing and GIS methods. The total value increased significantly over the period, with cultivated land, forest, and grassland providing higher values than other land uses. The value decreased from south to north and showed a negative correlation with urbanization level, indicating lower values in more urbanized areas.