Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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940 results(9 / 38)
Impact of zinc on arbuscular mycorrhizal-mediated nutrient acquisition in urban horticulture
2024Miles P.A. Bate-Weldon, Jill L. Edmondson, Katie J. Field · iScience · Global
This study investigated the effect of urban environmentally relevant concentrations of zinc in soils on nutrient exchange between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and pea plants using radio-isotope tracing. It found that at higher zinc concentrations, the transfer of phosphorus from fungi to plants and carbon from plants to fungi dramatically decreased. The results suggest that while urban horticulture has potential for food production, the unchecked presence of contaminants like zinc in urban soils may critically hinder its realization.
Contamination & food safetyHealthOrganic cycleClimate changeMultifunctional approach in ecosystem-centred urban planning and urban living labs in landscape conservation
2024Anna Ternell, Bosse Lagerqvist, Anders M. Nilsson, Mauricio Sagastuy Klie, Martin Berg, Martin Andre-Bae Pedersen, Maciej Lasocki, Márta Kreidlmayer, Csaba Oláh, Zoltán Szekér, Sándor Némethy · Ecocycles · Global
This study investigated the integration of ecosystem-centred urban planning and multifunctional land use into landscape conservation strategies to foster sustainable and resilient urban environments. A mixed-methods approach combined a comprehensive literature review, case study analysis from various European cities, and the development of a conceptual framework and a novel urban metabolism model. The results demonstrated how urban agriculture and ecosystem-centred planning can be effectively utilized to enhance landscape conservation and urban sustainability.
PolicyClimate changeOrganic cycleCommunityVermicompost (Traditional Methods) is an Important Component of Agricultural Productivity and an Efficient Tool for Environmental and Economic Sustainability
2024Muniya Naik M, Chandra Mohan K, K Janardhana, C. Aruna, Rama Mohan M, R. Uday Kiran · International Journal of Biological and Environmental Investigations · Global
This paper investigates the production, economics, and sustainability of vermicompost, an organic fertilizer made by vermicomposting organic waste with earthworms. Vermicomposting is presented as a sustainable waste management and organic agriculture option that can be economically profitable, depending on consumer awareness, distribution, and production scale. It contributes to sustainability by reducing landfill waste and promoting soil health.
CompostOrganic cycleEconomicsClimate changeSoil properties and agronomic effects of repeated biochar amendment and fertilization in an urban horticultural system of Burkina Faso
2024Delphine Manka’abusi, Nongma Armel Zongo, Désiré Jean‐Pascal Lompo, Christoph Steiner, Bernd Marschner, Andreas Buerkert · European Journal of Agronomy · Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou)
This four-year study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, investigated the medium-term effects of repeated biochar, ECOSAN, and inorganic fertilization on urban vegetable production. Repeated biochar application at 20 t ha−1 increased soil organic carbon (SOC) by 51% under farmers' practice, while mineral fertilization alone decreased SOC by 32% and caused soil acidification. Biochar increased cabbage yield by 32% four years after application but had no effect on amaranth, and repeated application only benefited the first crop after reapplication.
Organic cycleCompostPeri-urban agricultureEvaluate the Growth and Production of Celery in Different Substrate Systems
2024· Middle East Journal of Applied Sciences · Egypt (Giza)
An experiment in Giza, Egypt, during 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, evaluated celery growth and production in different substrate systems (pot vs. shallow beds) and planting densities (15, 18, 21 plants/m2). Celery grown in pots showed higher values for plant height, leaf number, root weights, head weight, and total yield per m2. For planting density, 15 plants/m2 resulted in the highest plant height, leaf number, root weights, and head weight, while 18 plants/m2 yielded a higher total yield per m2.
DIYOrganic cycleGreen urban transition: interdisciplinary insights on green façades design in hot climates as one of crucial strategies for low-carbon development
2024Katarzyna Chojnacka, Barbara Widera, Marcel Macarulla, Anastasios Drougkas, Andreu Balastegui, Els Van de moortel, Cansu Iraz Seyrek Şık, Kajetan Sadowski, Joana Fernandes, Ricardo Gomes, Paulo Ferrão · Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy · Global
This study aimed to present interdisciplinary insights on vertical green systems (VGS) design in hot climate zones. Based on an in-depth study of green façade performance in hot climates, methods from various scientific fields were identified that, when combined, effectively protect plants from excessive solar radiation. The main finding was the identification of the most effective combination of methods supporting healthy VGS growth, including façade orientation correlated with appropriate plant selection, shading strategies like passive and kinetic shields, and organic fertilizers supporting plant resilience.
Climate changeOrganic cycleDIYFostering Citizen-Led Projects Through Multi-level Engagement in Wildemanbuurt, Amsterdam
2024Diana Krabbendam, Emiel Wolf, Bernie Deekens, Rosalie Bak, Hans Krikke · SpringerBriefs in applied sciences and technology · Netherlands (Amsterdam)
This chapter outlined activities for citizen-led projects in the Wildeman neighborhood in Amsterdam. The main challenges identified were a lack of trust and community feeling among inhabitants, a lack of involvement and ownership in neighborhood developments, and fragmented existing community activities and services.
Governance failureCommunityPolicyFood educationOrganic cycleUrban Soil Health Check and Strategies for Monitoring and Improvement
2024Kushal Sachan, Anshul Saxena, Suneel Kumar, Abhishekh Mishra, Archana Verma, Divyanshi Tiwari, Anil Kumar · Journal of Diversity Studies · Global
This article provides an overview of the importance of urban soil health monitoring and its improvement strategies. It highlights that urban soils may harbor diverse contaminants from industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and improper waste disposal, posing risks to human health and ecosystem functioning. Implementing effective monitoring protocols using soil testing kits, remote sensing, and citizen science is crucial, while phytoremediation, composting, biochar application, green infrastructure, urban forestry, and community gardens are suggested as improvement strategies.
Organic cycleCommunityHealthQuantification and valorization of compost derived from urban households’ waste in Bukavu City, Eastern D.R. Congo
2024Géant Basimine Chuma, Jean M. Mondo, Adrien Byamungu Ndeko, Etienne M. Akuzibwe, Espoir Mukengere Bagula, Gustave Nachigera Mushagalusa · Discover Sustainability · Democratic Republic of Congo (Bukavu City)
This study investigated the quantity, composition, and disposal practices of domestic waste in Bukavu City, Eastern D.R. Congo. Findings revealed significant challenges in waste management infrastructure and practices, showing that approximately 5% of waste undergoes composting, while 10% is used as livestock feed, 66% incinerated, and 17% buried. Waste management is primarily handled by children (82%), with very limited involvement from non-governmental organizations.
Governance failureCompostOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageFood sovereignty & justiceCharacterization of composting process and chemical composition of compost from recycling centers in Surabaya City, Indonesia
2024Dwi Haryanta, Tatuk Tojibatus Sa’adah, Indarwati Indarwati · Jurnal Ilmiah Pertanian · Indonesia (Surabaya)
This study in Surabaya City, Indonesia, used a qualitative descriptive approach to characterize the composting process and compost from recycling centers. Composting materials included household waste, market refuse, and fall foliage, processed in an open aerobic system without bio-activators. Chemical analysis showed C/N ratio (17.10-19.60), C-total (17.65%-18.10%), and N-total (0.95%-1.12%), among other elements. While visually mature, indicators such as C/N ratio and temperature suggested an immature state, rendering the compost unsuitable for immediate planting; storage for a minimum of one month was recommended for maturation.
CompostOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageOn the irrelevance of (peat-free) substrates - Qualitative insights into the social practices of hobby gardeners in Germany
2024Holger Braun, Dorothee Apfel, Benedikt Rilling, Carsten Herbes · Cleaner and Responsible Consumption · Germany
A study with 44 hobby gardeners in Germany found that substrates are not a major part of gardeners' social interactions, and price is the dominant purchase criterion for substrates, with sustainability not playing an important role. Although basic knowledge about peat is widespread, purchasing substrates is a utility-driven process with mostly passive information behavior.
Limited or null effectCommunityClimate changeDIYOrganic cycleKompost-o-scen
2024· Diva portal (Dalarna University Library) · Global
"Compost-o-Scene" is an installation created with the ÖK Allotment Garden, featuring microbe compost developed under Jenny Salmson's guidance and daily care by "Compost Turners." The installation includes Salmson's compost recipe and care instructions, Malin Lobell's microscope photographs and screen-printed workwear, and Janna Holmstedt's video fieldnotes and soundscape, alongside tools and an art publication.
CompostOrganic cycleCommunityBasic Study on Long-Term Changes in the Composition of Rooftop Greening Vegetation Using Artificial Soil : Focus on the Soil Analysis Results of the 20-Year Green Roof Testbed
2024Soo-Young Moon, Dae-Hee Jang · KIEAE Journal · South Korea
This study investigated whether green roof soil, originally artificial, could evolve into natural soil suitable for urban agriculture over time. Researchers analyzed the composition of rooftop greening soil from a 20-year-old testbed at KICT in South Korea. The analysis revealed that the rooftop greening soil had gradually transformed into natural soil, confirming that long-term maintained rooftop greening on artificial grounds can evolve into an environment quantitatively similar to natural soil.
Organic cycleClimate changeBiodiversityRecent Use of AB Mix Nutrients for Urban Farming in Malaysia: A Mini Review
2024Nur Dinie Syahirah Sanusi, Fadhlina Che Ros, Siti Zulaikha Ngah Demon, Ismayadi Ismail, Imad Hamadneh · Journal of Advanced Research Design · Malaysia
This mini-review discusses the extensive use of AB mix nutrients in Malaysian urban farming, noting their role in high yields but also their contribution to significant environmental pollution when overused. Although a survey of local entrepreneurs showed most complied with guidelines for chili plants, intensive use of fertilizers leads to nutrient leaching into the soil, causing environmental pollution and affecting humans, livestock, and microbial life. The review emphasizes the need for controlled nutrient application to prevent soil degradation and groundwater contamination.
Contamination & food safetyOrganic cycleClimate changeHealthOptimizing Food Waste Decomposition through pH, Moisture Content, and Temperature Control: A Comprehensive Study
2024Abila Hena Anayet, Meor Mohammad Hilmi Bin Hamzah, Mohamed Zuhaili Mohamed Najib · Civil and Sustainable Urban Engineering · Global
This study investigated factors affecting compost maturity, specifically temperature, pH, and moisture content, by comparing breakdown rates of eight regulated combinations against an uncontrolled sample. The analysis showed that volume loss over time was critical for determining compost maturity. Combinations with high temperature and varying moisture/pH (High Temp, High Moisture, Low pH; High Temp, Low Moisture, High pH; High Temp, Low Moisture, Low pH) exhibited the most volume loss by day 46, indicating faster maturation than the uncontrolled group.
CompostOrganic cycleDIYPEMANFAATAN LIMBAH DOMESTIK MENJADI PRODUK AGRIBISNIS KOKEDAMA SEBAGAI UPAYA PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT LOKAL
2024Lintar Brillian Pintakami, Alia Fibrianingtyas, Tatiek Koerniawati A, Rizka Amalia, Maulana Muhamad Sulaiman, Steven Gerrard Christoffel Hermawanto, Daniyah Nabila Riyanti Putri · Indonesian Collaboration Journal of Community Services (ICJCS) · Indonesia
This study focused on utilizing non-domestic waste, such as coconut husks, used paper, and wood, as base materials for kokedama. It involved collecting waste from local communities, processing it into kokedama planting media, and providing training on kokedama techniques. The training was shown to reduce waste volume, empower participants with new skills, and increase their potential income, thereby improving economic and social well-being.
CommunityOrganic cycleEconomicsThe Role of Environmental Education in Improving Human Health: Literature Review
2024Marjan Barani · Медицинский журнал Западного Казахстана · Global
This literature review investigated the multifaceted role of environmental education (EE) in enhancing human health by improving physical activity, promoting sustainable behaviors, and fostering psychological well-being. It indicated that integrating EE into school curricula, such as through outdoor classrooms and school gardens, increases physical activity levels and improves physical health outcomes. EE programs focusing on organic farming and local food systems influence participants’ dietary choices, and initiatives reducing plastic use contribute to lower environmental pollution.
Food educationHealthOrganic cyclePoultry Litter Compost and NPK fertilizers Induced Growth and Yield Performance of Boro Rice at Rooftop Farming
2024Md. Khalilur Rahman, Md Alauddin, Tamanna Tabassum Turna, Md. Kaisar Rahman · Journal of Biodiversity Conservation and Bioresource Management · Bangladesh
A pot experiment on a Charfasson town rooftop in Bhola, Bangladesh, assessed the effects of inorganic fertilizers and decomposed poultry litter on boro rice growth and yield. Eight treatments with three replications were used, measuring agronomic parameters every 30 days and yield after harvest. Treatment T7 (3.0 t poultry litter ha-1 + N100P25K90 kg ha-1) resulted in the highest plant height (82.67 cm at 90 days), leaf number (37.67 at 120 days), panicle length (27.17 cm), grains per panicle (153.33), rice yield (51.53 g/pot or 5.67 t ha-1), and B:C ratio (4.51). Treatments T7 and T8 showed statistically identical results, with T7 achieving the overall best performance.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleUrban–rural linkageFlowing through urban agriculture : Art-science explorations of nutrient movement through Linköping's gardens
2024Geneviève S. Metson, Karin Tonderski, Elizabeth Carlsson · · Sweden (Linköping)
This document accompanies an art and science collaborative exhibit exploring how urban agriculture can contribute to sustainable resource flows to support food production, recreation, and water quality.
Organic cycleClimate changeCommunityUso de biopesticida como alternativa segura para control de plagas en huertos urbanos y plantas domésticas
2024Diana Elinos, M. Carolina Cruz, Andrea Loyo del Castillo, Mar Zamora, Grecia Karime Yebra Peralta, José Gabriel Reyes Fernández · Memorias del Concurso Lasallista de Investigación Desarrollo e innovación · Global
This study analyzed the impact of inorganic pesticides, highlighting their potential mutagenic and carcinogenic effects and negative impact on biodiversity, water, and soil contamination. It proposed a methodology for creating an organic pesticide and presented results on its efficacy in pest control. The study concluded that inorganic pesticides pose significant risks, while organic pesticides offer a safe and effective alternative, and emphasized the need to prioritize organic solutions in agriculture.
Environmental trade-offsDIYOrganic cycleHealthBiodiversityUrban Agriculture and the Food–Energy–Water Nexus in Qatar and Drylands
2024Anna Grichting Solder · · Qatar
This chapter presents insights on urban agriculture and the food-water-energy-waste nexus in the Middle East and drylands, drawing from seven years of experience in teaching, research, and stakeholder engagement at Qatar University. The arid climate, scarcity of freshwater and fertile land, and the need to reduce non-renewable energy use necessitate designing circular, integrated systems for maximum resource efficiency. The Living Laboratory at Qatar University and urban agriculture plans developed with students, researchers, and communities illustrate these integrative and regenerative approaches for resilient landscapes in Qatar and the Gulf region.
Climate changeOrganic cycleFood educationCommunityEffects of Organic Soil Amendments on Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Urban Agriculture Environments
2024Qingyue Zeng, Kevin Lam, Autumn Salcedo, Rohan V. Tikekar, Shirley A. Micallef, Ryan A. Blaustein · Journal of Food Protection · United States (Washington D.C.)
This study explored the impacts of biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAOs) on antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in leafy vegetable production environments across seven urban farms and community gardens in the Washington D.C. area. Amended plots showed significantly higher concentrations of total heterotrophic bacteria than bulk soil, which was associated with reduced fractions of tetracycline-resistant bacteria and case-specific trends for reduced ampicillin-resistant bacteria and coliforms. Soil pH positively correlated with tetracycline-resistant bacteria in amended soils, suggesting pH-targeting management strategies could control related risks.
CommunityHealthOrganic cyclePENINGKATAN PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL PADI BERAS MERAH (Oryza nivara) MELALUI PENAMBAHAN PUPUK NANOSILIKA PADA SISTEM ROOFTOP FARMING
2024Olivia Damayanti Putri, Sutini Sutini, Hadi Suhardjono · Jurnal Agroqua Media Informasi Agronomi dan Budidaya Perairan · Indonesia
This research investigated the effect of nanosilica addition on red rice growth and yield using a factorial randomized block design with two varieties (Pamera, Pamelen) and five nanosilica concentrations. Applying nanosilica colloid at 15 mL L-1 to Pamera and Pamelen varieties increased plant length and tiller number, and accelerated flowering age. However, nanosilica had no effect on harvest age and yield components.
DIYOrganic cycleFood sovereignty & justice"APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATION OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES IN COMPOST "
2024Atiqullah Sarwari, Abdieva Guljamal, Abdul-Bari Hejran, Mohammad Hassan Hassand · Bulletin of Toraighyrov University Chemistry & Biology series · Global
This study aimed to accurately measure soil quality parameters through the application of manure compost and bacteria fertilizers or their combination during maize development, in order to establish a quick and effective method for repairing deteriorated farmland soils. The research investigated the dynamic effects on the variety of community structure, basal respiration, and microbial count and biomass in soil.
CompostOrganic cycleBiodiversityRELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA: PRODUÇÃO DE UMA HORTA COMUNITÁRIA DE UM PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIO EM UMA ESCOLA MUNICIPAL DE PORTO VELHO, RONDÔNIA
2024Bárbara Rios Lacerda, Rafael Sanginez Zebalos Lourenço, Aleffy Helberty Alves da Silva, Ana Cláudia Barroso · Revista Ibero-Americana de Humanidades, Ciências e Educação · Brazil (Porto Velho)
This experience report details the implementation of a sustainable vertical community garden and a composting system at a municipal school in Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil, as part of the "Urban and Community Gardens: Cultivating Connections" project. The project aimed to provide food and food education, promote practical skills, environmental awareness, and healthy eating habits for students. Despite difficulties such as finding new locations and shortened deadlines, which limited contact with students and the local community, the project successfully established a sustainable garden for community consumption and environmental education for those involved.
CommunityFood educationOrganic cycleCompost