Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Growth Characteristics and Quality of Cherry Tomatoes Planted with Nasturtiums, as a Companion Plant, in Building-Integrated Urban Agriculture
2024Sun Yeong Lee, H. S. Lee, Yong-Han Yoon, Jin-Hee Ju · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global
This study analyzed the growth and quality of cherry tomatoes (CTs) and nasturtiums planted at different ratios (CTs only, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, nasturtiums only) on rooftops and walls in building-integrated urban agriculture. Cherry tomatoes planted alone showed significant growth compared to companion planting. The 2:1 ratio of CTs to nasturtiums (C2N1) resulted in the highest plant weight and sugar concentrations for CTs on rooftops and walls, and nasturtiums also had larger leaves and flowers in this ratio. CTs generally grew better on walls than rooftops when companion planted with nasturtiums.
DIYBiodiversityOrganic cycleThe Extraction and Characterization of Microplastics of Biocompost and Water Samples Collected from the Different Semi-Urban Agronurseries
2024Roopika Sivaraman, Haritha Thulaseedharan Nair, Sharmila Krishnan, Perumal Siddhuraju · Soil and Sediment Contamination An International Journal · India (Coimbatore)
This study analyzed biocompost and water samples from four agricultural nurseries in semi-urban Coimbatore, India, for microplastic contamination using density separation and ATR-FTIR. While physicochemical properties met Indian standards, microplastic fragments (85%) and fibers (15%) were found in two biocompost samples (BC-B and BC-C), identifying PMMA, PP, and EVA polymers. No microplastics were detected in samples BC-A and BC-D, but the findings suggest semi-urban agricultural gardening may contribute to microplastic accumulation in terrestrial environments, potentially harming soil and plant health.
Contamination & food safetyCompostOrganic cycleHealthInovasi Solar Dryer Dome pada Usaha Budidaya Multiguna untuk Mendukung Urban Farming di Ekowisata Sungkai Green Park Lambung Bukit Pauh Kota Padang
2024Darwison Daud, Zaini Zaini, Mohammad Khoiru Rusydi, Aulia Aulia, Novizon, Syukri Yunus, Rico Novendra, Mumuh Muharam, Athalla Novandri, Fatih Mubarok, Roza Susanti · Jurnal Andalas Rekayasa dan Penerapan Teknologi · Asia
In Sungkai Green Park Ecotourism, Padang City, lecturers and students from Andalas University implemented a Solar Dryer Dome for cultivating vegetables, fish, broiler chickens, and drying tea. This system, equipped with an IoT-based control system, resulted in efficient harvest times: vegetables in 21-27 days, approximately 1000 gourami fish per year, broiler chickens in 30 days, and dried tea in 8 hours, contributing to increased production efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved product quality.
Urban–rural linkageOrganic cycleDigital agricultureEconomicsCONTABILIDADE AMBIENTAL. A RELEVÂNCIA DA CONTABILIDADE AMBIENTAL COMO INSTRUMENTO DE EDUCAÇÃO NA ESCOLA DE ENSINO MÉDIO PEDRO AGUIRRE EM MANICORÉ-AM
2024Eduardo Torres, Orientadora: MSc, Ana Maria Ferreira de Gomes, Efraim Lagos · Revista fisio&terapia. · Brazil
This research implemented Environmental Accounting as an educational tool at Pedro Aguirre high school in Manicoré, Brazil, to raise awareness about ecological issues and promote sustainable practices. Sustainable practices introduced included selective waste collection, educational signs, and the creation of a community garden. The methodology included exploratory and descriptive research with qualitative and quantitative analysis of students’ environmental education knowledge and the effectiveness of implemented practices.
Food educationCommunityOrganic cycleAnthroponics: Application and effects on growth of parsley, rhipsalis, coriander, and basil fed with urine fertiliser
2024Weonjung Sohn, Ibrahim El Saliby, Andrea Merenda, Sherub Phuntsho, Stefano Freguia, Jing Guan, Li Gao, Sungyun Lee, Ho Kyong Shon · Desalination and Water Treatment · Global
This study investigated the efficiency of urine-derived fertilizer compared to commercial fertilizers using three growing systems: nutrient film technique, pot-drench, and deep-water culture. The research found comparable growth responses in parsley, rhipsalis, coriander, and basil across various parameters like biomass and nutritional composition. Urine-derived fertilizers showed potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
Organic cycleClimate changeUrban–rural linkagePemanfaatan Botol Plastik Bekas Sebagai Wadah Dalam Sistem Hidroponik Untuk Budidaya Sayuran
2024Wahyu Halya Aprilia Putri, Renita Dwi Lestari, Prasmita Dian Wijayanti · Manfaat Jurnal Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat Indonesia · Indonesia (Semarang City)
Residents of RW 05 Jomblang, Semarang City, Indonesia, are increasingly concerned about plastic waste. As a solution, MBKM students implemented a program utilizing used plastic bottles as planting media in hydroponic techniques. This program reduced waste, supported sustainable agriculture by minimizing land and water use, and raised community awareness about eco-friendly urban farming. Evaluations showed tangible results, such as pakcoy plants being distributed to participants, suggesting significant benefits for the community.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceClosing the nutrient cycle in urban areas: The use of municipal solid waste in peri-urban and urban agriculture
2024Juan David Arosemena Polo, Susana Toboso‐Chavero, Biraj Adhikari, Gara Villalba · Waste Management · Spain (Barcelona)
This research determined the potential of organic municipal solid waste (OMSW) compost to supply nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) demand for urban agriculture (UA) and its environmental benefits in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, Spain. Using spatial material flow analysis and life cycle assessment, it was found that the current waste management system could substitute 8% of total NPK demand with compost, reduce impacts by up to 39%, and yield 130% savings in global warming. A 2025 scenario could substitute 21% of NPK demand and reduce environmental impacts by up to 1,049%.
Organic cycleCompostPeri-urban agriculturePolicyClimate changeAbiotic and biotic factors influencing small-scale corn production along a shade spectrum in arid urban agriculture settings
2024Brittany R. Kruger, Joshua Sackett · PLoS ONE · Global
This study assessed abiotic and biotic factors affecting sweet corn production in six arid urban agricultural plots with varying shade levels (n=18 plots). Corn successfully matured in 50% of the plots. Microbial richness and diversity were high and not a hindrance. Corn success metrics positively correlated with average daytime light intensity (r=0.74-0.84) and soil organic matter (r=0.77-0.89), but negatively correlated with soil calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfate (r=-0.71 to -0.90).
Organic cycleClimate changeBiodiversityThe Role of Participatory Approaches in Developing Future Perspectives
2024Bart Neuts, Steven Valcke, Clio Lambrechts, Vincent R. Nijs, Jan Van Praet · · Europe
This study describes a participatory inquiry conducted in the summer of 2021 at St Godelina’s Abbey in Bruges, Belgium, where visitors co-created 4,784 scenarios for the heritage site's future development. A panel of 40 experts further explored these scenarios, leading to an architectural design that integrates a community garden, orchard, and other elements. The process is presented as a best practice for citizen participation in redeveloping cultural sites, though limitations include significant data collection and analysis efforts, making it impractical for smaller initiatives.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cyclePemberdayaan Ibu-Ibu Pkk Dengan Urban Farming Melalui Pemanfaatan Lingkungan Rumah Tangga di Rt 36 / Rw 15 Kelurahan Sorosutan Umbulharjo Kota Yogyakarta
2024Eniandari janabadra.ac.id Eni Andari, Muhammad Najmudin, Titi Laras · ADARMA Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Universitas Janabadra · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
This study describes a community empowerment program for PKK mothers in RT 36 RW 15, Sorosutan Village, Umbulharjo District, Yogyakarta City, Indonesia. The program utilized urban farming through counseling and training to manage and utilize the home environment. The counseling and training are expected to motivate and educate the mothers to practice organic farming.
CommunityDIYFood educationOrganic cyclePENERAPAN REAKTOR PENGADUK SEBAGAI TEKNOLOGI TEPAT GUNA UNTUK PENGOLAHAN AIR LIMBAH INDUSTRI RUMAH POTONG AYAM
2024Rositayanti Hadisoebroto, Sheilla Megagupita Putri Marendra, Olivia Seanders, Ahmad Rheza, Kendrick Kevin Kabe, Salsabila Azzahra Anjani Indradini · JUARA Jurnal Wahana Abdimas Sejahtera · Indonesia (Jakarta)
In Angke Village, West Jakarta, chicken slaughterhouse wastewater had BOD, COD, and TSS levels exceeding environmental standards. A community service program by Universitas Trisakti aimed to manage this wastewater and empower PKK mothers. The program included training on urban farming using treated wastewater as fertilizer, making biocoagulants from moringa seeds, and using a stirred reactor with biocoagulants to treat wastewater. The stirred reactor, using 100 mL of moringa seed biocoagulant, reduced BOD to 0.34 mg/L and TSS to 0.557 mg/L, but COD remained above the standard at 640 mg/L. The resulting sludge, with COD 320 mg/L and turbidity 475 NTU, can be used as fertilizer for vegetables and ornamental plants.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleCompostMicroorganisms as growth promoters of Acmella oleracea grown under different cultivation systems
2024Thayná da Cruz Ferreira, Gleiciane Rodrigues dos Santos, Alessandra Jackeline Guedes de Moraes, Fernando de Souza Santos, Danielle Pereira Mendonça, Matheus Yan Freitas Silva, Gledson Luiz Salgado de Castro, Telma Fátima Vieira Batista · Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental · Brazil
This study in Ananindeua, Brazil, evaluated the growth of Acmella oleracea (jambu) under protected and unprotected cultivation systems, applying entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae) and the growth promoter Trichoderma asperellum. All three microorganisms promoted jambu growth in both cultivation systems and seasons. Metarhizium anisopliae notably enhanced all growth variables, particularly in protected cultivation during the rainy season, and A. oleracea generally performed better in protected systems across all treatments.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleRénover Cleveland : démolition, racisme et agriculture urbaine dans l’Amérique abandonnée
2024Pierric Calenge, Maie Gérardot · Métropolitiques · United States (Cleveland)
The work by Max Rousseau and Vincent Béal illuminates the ambiguities of a policy that organizes urban decline and racial segregation in Cleveland. This policy promotes urban degrowth and racial segregation, balancing algorithmic management and urban greening. The study focuses on the Rust Belt region, which experiences de-urbanization marked by the subprime crisis, racism, and segregation.
Equity & displacementCommunityPolicyEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceHealthWelfareClimate changeBiodiversityFood educationElderlyFood lossOrganic cyclePollinatorsHeirloom & landraceFood miles & supply chainCSA & TeikeiPeri-urban agricultureDigital agricultureDIYCompostFood educationWelfareElderlyFood lossOrganic cycleCommunityBiodiversityPollinatorsPolicyHealthEconomicsHeirloom & landraceUrban–rural linkageFood miles & supply chainCSA & TeikeiPeri-urban agricultureClimate changeFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureAn informal and transformative learning environment: The case of ODTÜ Bostan community garden in Turkey
2024Ayşe Kaplan Sarısaltık, Ufuk Sarısaltık · Cleaner and Responsible Consumption · Turkey
This qualitative study explored the role of ODTÜ Bostan, a community garden at the Middle East Technical University in Turkey, in promoting sustainability education, ecology, and food consumption practices. Operating for ten years, the garden not only enhances participants' sustainability competencies but also serves as an educational laboratory, demonstrating the potential of community gardens to address global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. The research employed autoethnography, thematic analysis of eight semi-structured interviews, and content analysis of archival data.
CommunityFood educationBiodiversityClimate changeOrganic cycleABORDAGEM BIODINÂMICA PARA O CULTIVO SUSTENTÁVEL: UM ESTUDO DE CASOS DE HORTAS URBANAS
2024Letícia Pereira Cardoso, Luyane Castro de Sousa, Millena de Oliveira Martins, Sarah Luíza Ribeiro Avelino, Wédila Souza Aires Jácome, Otávio Cabral Neto · Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro · Brazil (Palmas-Tocantins)
This study focused on biodynamic strategies applied in urban gardens in Palmas-Tocantins, Brazil. In addition to a literature review, practical methods included technical visits and an exclusive interview with a producer-researcher, investigating cultivation methods, organic composting, water efficiency, natural pest control, the use of beneficial fungi, and organic fertilizers. The study aims to contribute to sustainable development and innovation in organic food production in small urban spaces.
DIYOrganic cycleHealthBiodiversityMunicipal solid waste management in Ethiopia – Physical and chemical compositions and generation rate: Systematic review
2024Tsegay Kahsay Gebrekidan, Gebremariam Gebrezgabher Gebremedhin, Abraha Kahsay Weldemariam, Meaza Kidane Teferi · Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association · Ethiopia
A systematic review of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in Ethiopia found a generation rate of 0.38 kg/ca/day, with waste predominantly composed of food waste, ash, dust, sand, and yard waste. Over 85% of this waste is reusable or recyclable, with 73.13% being organic matter. Despite suitability for composting and biogas, challenges include a lack of political will, weak municipal planning, and inadequate infrastructure, resulting in only 31.8% of MSW being legally collected.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsCombination of composted poultry manure and inorganic fertilizers enhance growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in a rooftop growing system
2024Moomtahina Rahman, Md. Alauddin, G. M. Mohsin, Md. Amirul Alam, M. K. Rahman · The Journal of Phytology · Global
An experiment investigated the combined impacts of composted poultry manure (CPM) and inorganic fertilizers on tomato growth and yield under rooftop growing conditions. The experiment used a completely randomized design with eight treatments and three replications. NPK fertilizers alone and CPM combined with NPK fertilizers greatly improved tomato plant growth and fruit yield, with maximum yields (68 t ha-1) and economic benefits achieved with 4 t ha-1 CPM and 100% recommended doses of NPK fertilizers.
CompostOrganic cycleDIYPractising urban agriculture positively influences household organic waste management habits: A quantitative study from Florianópolis, Brazil
2024Gianluca Di Fiore, Kathrin Specht, Cesare Zanasi, Óscar José Rover · Waste Management & Research The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy · Brazil (Florianópolis)
A study in Florianópolis, Brazil, surveyed 206 individuals (102 urban agriculture practitioners, 104 non-practitioners) to analyze the influence of urban agriculture on household organic waste management behaviors. The findings indicate that urban agriculture practitioners are more likely to separate and self-treat organic waste and use compost for gardening, regardless of housing conditions. Housing conditions, however, influenced the use of public facilities for organic waste management.
Organic cycleCompostDIYCommunityOptimalisasi Pemanfaatan Limbah Peternakan Sapi Perah sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Kualitas Lahan Pertanian Berbasis Pertanian Urban
2024Umi Kulsum Nur Qomariah, Rohmat Hidayat, Ambar Susanti, Silfi Alfi Ahmidah, Ulan Supartini Fatiha, Sri Wijayanti, Dziqi Jamaludin Ahmad · Jumat Pertanian Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia
A community service program in Murukan Village, Indonesia, focused on optimizing dairy farm waste utilization to improve agricultural land quality in an urban farming context. The program provided training on making liquid organic fertilizer (POC) from dairy farm waste. The activity successfully increased the local community's understanding and skills in waste management.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityFood educationExperiencia familiar de agricultura urbana y manejo de residuos sólidos en el municipio de Emiliano Zapata, Veracruz, México
2024Marycruz Abato Zárate, Noel Reyes Pérez, Miguel Ángel Escalona Aguilar, Doris Guadalupe Castillo Rocha, Reyna Ruth Hernández Pérez · Revista Científica Estelí · Mexico
This qualitative study described a family's experience with urban agriculture and solid waste management in Emiliano Zapata, Veracruz, Mexico, through an open interview with a four-member family. The experience, spanning from 2001, included solid waste separation, composting, vermicomposting, rainwater harvesting (24 m3/year), and cultivating over 40 species of medicinal plants. The study found that urban gardens offer multidimensional benefits, including biodiversity protection, biocultural memory preservation, and spaces for learning and social participation.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeBotanical extracts for insect management: lessons from participatory research in peri-urban horticultural systems of central Argentina
2024María Amparo Gaona Flores, Martín Videla, Gerardo Serra, Luis Narmona, Jorge Gabriel Barbero, Milene Rocío Barcenilla, Evangelina Beatriz Argüello · Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems · Argentina
This study evaluated botanical insecticides as a technological device for synthetic input substitution in peri-urban horticultural systems of central Argentina. A Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework was used to assess the performance of garlic extracts (GE) for pest and natural enemy regulation in lettuce crops in conventional and agroecological contexts. Through three PAR cycles, GE effectiveness on aphids, thrips, and natural enemies was observed, and context-specific adaptations were noted: GE was useful near harvest in conventional systems and highlighted biodiversity's relevance for system redesign in agroecological systems.
Peri-urban agricultureOrganic cycleBiodiversityCommunityAgricultura Urbana en la Finca Aranjuez: Análisis de Investigaciones Agroecológicas (2016-2020)
2024Josue Bejarano Chumacero, Manuel Horacio Jiménez Huamán · AGRO - ECOLÓGICA · Bolivia
This study reviewed 16 research papers on urban agriculture conducted at the Aranjuez Occupational Therapy Farm in Sucre, Bolivia, between 2016 and 2020. The review focused on agroecological practices in horticulture (37%), cereals and forages (31%), fruit growing (19%), and livestock production and soil improvement (13%). Findings indicate these practices contribute to local food security and sustainable agroecological approaches, with harvested products used by the therapy center itself. The study also highlighted both advances and limitations in adopting sustainable agricultural technologies in urban and peri-urban settings.
Food sovereignty & justiceCommunityOrganic cyclePerancangan Urban Farming Mengatasi Global Warming Pada Bangunan Suzuya Kota Lhokseumawe
2024Iqbal Rifa’i Berutu, Soraya Masthura Hassan, Dela Andriani · Jurnal Syntax Fusion · Indonesia (Lhokseumawe City)
This abstract discusses how buildings significantly contribute to global warming and environmental degradation throughout their life cycle. It highlights issues such as environmentally unfriendly material selection, energy-inefficient designs, carbon emissions during construction, and habitat damage. The abstract concludes that a more sustainable approach in architecture and construction is necessary to mitigate these negative impacts.
Climate changeDIYOrganic cycleSustainable nature‐based solutions require establishment and maintenance of keystone plant‐pollinator interactions
2024Nicole E. Rafferty, Christopher T. Cosma · Journal of Ecology · Global
A literature search on nature-based solutions (NBS), including urban greenspaces and agriculture, found that 0%–3% of papers considered pollinators or pollination, with 12.5% in agricultural NBS papers. The study emphasizes that NBS success depends on resilient pollinator communities and calls for identifying keystone plants and pollinators to promote NBS functioning under future climatic conditions. It advocates for phylogenetic trait-based analyses to understand keystoneness.
BiodiversityPollinatorsOrganic cycleUrban Agriculture and Food Security
2024Aashna Sinha, Kailash Bisht, Digvijay Singh · · Global
This article explores vertical hydroponic farming, noting its benefits like reduced space and water use, and enhanced robustness with Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs). However, it also demonstrated that the system's ecological impact is significantly affected by growing media, pots, electricity use, and transportation. The study suggests potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and abiotic resource decline by using fiber as growing medium and paper containers.
Environmental trade-offsDigital agricultureClimate changeEconomicsOrganic cycle