Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
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Development and Testing of a Low-Cost Soil Moisture Sensor for Real-Time Irrigation Scheduling
2026· Irrigation and Drainage · Global
Designs and tests a locally made low-cost Arduino-based soil moisture sensor for real-time irrigation scheduling, comparing and calibrating it against a commercial sensor and a conventional method in lab and field.
DIYEconomicsOptimalisasi Pemanfaatan Ecoenzym dalam Budidaya Hortikultura Urban Farming Untuk Mendukung Ketahanan Pangan Keluarga pada KWT Kota Pala Desa Dauh Peken Tabanan
2026Pratiwi Pratiwi, Pradnya Dewi, Ananda Wiguna, Wahyu Utami, Sintya Dewi, Pasaribu Pasaribu, Galih Cahayaningsih · Cakrawala Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Global · Indonesia
A community service program in May 2026 involved 20 members of the Kota Pala Women Farmers Group in Dauh Peken Village, Tabanan Regency, Indonesia. The program aimed to improve their capacity to utilize eco-enzyme in horticultural cultivation, as previous utilization was suboptimal due to limited knowledge. Participants' knowledge of eco-enzyme use increased from 52.50% to 88.00%, and application skills improved from 41.30% to 86.50%, with a 90.00% technology adoption success rate on 60 demonstration plants.
CommunityDIYOrganic cycleFood educationHow Is the Lawn & Garden Consumables Market Evolving Globally? Trends, Drivers, and Investment Opportunities
2026Next Move Strategy Consulting · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global
The global Lawn & Garden Consumables Market, valued at USD 24.48 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 31.11 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.87% from 2025 to 2030. Growth is driven by consumer focus on home landscaping, outdoor aesthetics, sustainable gardening, eco-friendly products, digital distribution, and urban gardening trends. This study examines market trends, drivers, regional outlooks, segmentation, competitive landscape, and investment opportunities.
EconomicsDIYPemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Inovasi Produk Cocopeat Sebagai Media Tanam Unggul Untuk Urban Farming Dalam Peningkatan Perekonomian Kabupaten Mamuju
2026Srifatmawati Ahmad, Sudarman Sudarman, Ridwan Ridwan · Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Tjut Nyak Dhien · Indonesia
In Sumare Village, Mamuju Regency, Indonesia, a community program was implemented to support farmer groups relying on traditional methods and facing high fertilizer costs and scarce seeds. The program aims to create new household and urban farming business units based on cocopeat, fostering additional income, informal employment, and strengthening food security. A coconut husk grinding machine for cocopeat production and a multifunctional grass chopper were introduced, contributing to environmental pollution reduction and providing an alternative growing medium.
DIYCommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceAgricultural Functions of Town in Conditions of Low Indicators of Natural Resource Potential
2026A. I. Danshin · Geografičeskaâ sreda i živye sistemy · Russia
This study aimed to identify the agricultural functions of small towns, including their role in providing additional income, in regions bordering Belarus with low natural resource potential and living standards. The current state of agricultural production in small towns was studied based on systematic observations and statistical information verified during 2023–2024 expeditionary studies. Findings revealed that residents use personal utility plots due to traditions, low incomes, insufficient store assortments, and to assist children in other regions.
EconomicsWelfareDIYEffects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.) in rooftop garden
2026Monika Kundu, Rezowana Nizam, Suraya Parvin, Nigar Afsana, Konika Kundu, P. A. Bithy, Mohammad Mahbub Islam · Bangladesh Journal of Botany · Bangladesh
A pot experiment in a rooftop garden investigated the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on lettuce growth, yield, and antioxidant properties. Treatments with cowdung, alone or combined with vermicompost and biochar, increased plant height, leaf number, and shoot weight compared to control and inorganic fertilizer. Antioxidant compounds increased with organic fertilizers but decreased with inorganic fertilizers, suggesting organic fertilizers improve lettuce yield and quality in rooftop gardens.
DIYOrganic cycleHealthDiversity of Herbs
2026Dorothee Benkowitz · International explorations in outdoor and environmental education · Global
Herbs have historically provided medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic benefits, and their diversity offers insights into biological and ecological principles. Modern diets and disconnection from local agriculture have led to a decline in herbal knowledge. Cultivating herbs in school gardens promotes sustainability awareness, hands-on learning, and an appreciation for plant diversity.
Food educationBiodiversityDIYTECHNICAL GUIDANCE HOUSEHOLD ORGANIC WASTE FERTILIZER PRODUCTION TO SUPPORT URBAN FARMING ON ANTHROPOGENIC LAND FOR THE DASAWISMA GROUPS
2026La Ode Rustam, Darwis Darwis, Rian Arini, Abdi Abdi · Mitra Mahajana Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Kendari City)
An Internal Community Partnership Program in Mandonga Village, Kendari City, Indonesia, provided technical guidance to the Gunung Sakura and Bunga Sakura Dasawisma Groups on converting household waste into organic fertilizer for urban farming on degraded land. The program achieved an 80% outcome attainment rate, with participants reaching 100% comprehension in identifying organic waste components and acquiring skills to produce solid organic fertilizer within 14-21 days. This fertilizer aims to restore soil fertility and support urban farming sustainability.
CompostDIYCommunityOrganic cycleIoT-Enabled Smart Plant Ecosystem Integrating Real-Time Monitoring, Automated Irrigation, and Intelligent Growth Optimization Frameworks
2026Md. Safaet Hossain, Israt Jahan, Jawata Afnan, Israt Sultana Tanny, Nashid Sultana Mim, Kayes Mahmood · Techcomp Innovations · Global
This study presents Easy Grow Plants, an integrated web and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem designed for urban plant care, addressing issues like inconsistent watering and insufficient care knowledge. The prototype, implemented with a React frontend, Django REST backend, SQLite database, and an Arduino UNO R4 WiFi smart pot, connects plant care guidance, soil-moisture monitoring, automated watering, and plant recommendations. Functional, interface, API, IoT connectivity, sensor calibration, watering control, and LAN deployment tests confirmed that the core modules operated together as an integrated academic prototype, providing a practical foundation for smart urban gardening.
Digital agricultureDIYCommunitySoil Fertility Management Training for Urban Women Farmers Using PUTK and PUPO: A Participatory Rural Appraisal Approach in KWT Roay Lestari, Indonesia
2026Anita Dwy Fitria, Dwi Wijayanti, Kusuma Agdhi Rahwana, Missi Hikmatyar · ABDIMAS Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia
This community service program in KWT Roay Lestari, Indonesia, aimed to improve soil fertility management skills among urban women farmers using simple soil and fertilizer testing tools. A Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach was applied, involving active farmer participation in training and field practice. Pre- and post-training questionnaires showed an increase in participants’ knowledge by over 80% and an initial-final knowledge increase of over 50%. Soil analysis revealed moderately fertile soil with slightly acidic pH, moderate phosphorus, low potassium, and low organic matter, leading to recommendations for the application of 20–25 tons/ha of manure, 20 ml/L of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, and 3 tons/ha of lime. The program effectively enhanced farmers’ capacity to independently manage soil fertility in urban farming systems.
DIYFood educationCommunityOrganic cyclePreliminary Evaluation of the Morphophysiological Performance of Three Indonesian Garlic Varieties under Urban Lowland Conditions
2026Erna Siaga, Benyamin Lakitan, Fitra Fadhilah Rizar, Susilawati · Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology) · Indonesia
This study evaluated the growth of three Indonesian garlic varieties (Lumbu Sembalun, Lumbu Kuning, Lumbu Hijau) intercropped with yard-long beans as a living shade crop at Sriwijaya University's Greenhouse from July to November 2025. Lumbu Hijau and Lumbu Kuning showed superior growth characteristics, including higher germination and more vigorous early vegetative growth, compared to Lumbu Sembalun. Specifically, Lumbu Hijau exhibited significantly greater shoot length, leaf number, relative chlorophyll content, bulb diameter, and total fresh biomass four weeks after planting.
DIYClimate changeFood sovereignty & justicePEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT MELALUI BUDIDAYA IKAN DALAM GALON SEBAGAI SOLUSI KETAHANAN PANGAN DI DESA CISALAM, KECAMATAN BAROS, KABUPATEN SERANG
2026Rini Yanuarti, Muhammad Niswan, Rizka Fasliana, Sindi Abeliana, Suci Sri Rachmawati · Journal of Maritime Empowerment · Indonesia (Serang)
A community empowerment program in Cisalam Village, Serang Regency, Indonesia, provided knowledge and education on fish cultivation in gallons (BUDIGALON) and water spinach planting. This initiative aimed to address food shortages and promote healthy living due to the community's reliance on rain-fed rice fields. An evaluation showed that participants' knowledge and understanding of these practices increased by an average of 63%.
DIYFood sovereignty & justiceCommunityFood educationThe Narratives of Community Garden Beneficiaries of Gawad Kalinga ERH Village: A Social Behavioral Change Evaluation
2026Joshua Eusebio Jr · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Philippines (Bacolod City)
This study assessed the social and behavioral changes of Project Kauswagan, a youth-led community garden initiative in Gawad Kalinga ERH Village, Bacolod City, Philippines, implemented from May 2024 to March 2025. Data from focus group discussions with key community leaders revealed six major themes, including empowerment, formation of community habits, shifts in attitudes toward sharing and collaboration, and positive impact on food security. The project strengthened collaboration and enhanced food accessibility for marginalized groups, particularly women.
CommunityFood sovereignty & justiceWelfareFood educationDIYUrban farming through Student READY in ICAR-SAU System for comprehensive food security
2026V.Rajendra Prasad, D.Chinnama Naidu, M.Suresh Kumar · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · India
This abstract proposes integrating urban farming into the Student READY program within the ICAR-SAU System in India to enhance food and nutritional security. It suggests introducing urban farming into the program's five components, including Experiential Learning and Hands-on training. Proposed activities for undergraduate students include aquaponics, rooftop farms, and growing specialty crops, while methodologies involve utilizing underutilized spaces, creating care farms, and establishing community gardens.
Food educationFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeDIYWelfareSistema de irrigação inteligente baseado em IoT para agricultura urbana e cultivo doméstico
2026Adriano Barbella Arvatti, Cristina Miss de Jesus, Paulo Eduardo Batista de Oliveira, Paulo Roberto Galindo Filho, Paulo Rogério Marques Véspera, Rafael Hiroshi Braz da Silva, Vinicios de Oliveira Gomes · Revista fisio&terapia. · Global
This study developed an IoT-based smart irrigation system to optimize water management in urban and domestic agriculture. A quantitative field survey of 87 respondents revealed that 52.9% cited lack of time as the main obstacle to maintaining residential cultivation. A low-cost functional prototype using an Arduino Nano microcontroller was developed, and its Proof of Concept demonstrated the technical feasibility and stability of the local closed-loop firmware, ensuring automated activation based on critical thresholds.
Digital agricultureDIYMenjaga Keindahan Lingkungan dengan Kampung Asri sebagai Model Pemberdayaan Lingkungan
2026Natasya Ainul, Cynthia Eka Violita, Fitri Mas'ula, M. Zidnal Falach, Naili Fatimatuz Zahroh, Rojhaniyatul Islamiyah, Muhammad Ainur Vemas, Jihan Salsabila Maulidil Rohma, M Haudu Ulumudin R, Yayang Niken Almaneha, Azhari Ramadhan, Hilmi Ubaidillah, Maulidatul Qomaria, M Dafa Abiyyu Syafiq, Mu'afi Muslekh, Rangga Dwi C, Ayutah Ryanda Maghfiroh · Nusantara Community Empowerment Review · Indonesia
The "Beautiful Village" program in Sidokepung Village is an environmental empowerment initiative focused on utilizing vacant land and used materials to create a beautiful and productive environment. This program involves active community participation in landscaping, using used bottles and gallon jugs as planting media, and planting ornamental and edible crops like basil, bok choy, and eggplant. Implementation results showed improved environmental aesthetics, availability of household-scale food sources, and increased community awareness of cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
CommunityDIYFood educationFlorida–Friendly Edible Landscaping Educational Campaign
2026Tiare Silvasy · Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society · United States (Florida)
An educational campaign was conducted in Florida to teach people how to grow food in an environmentally friendly way, specifically tailored for edible crops. The campaign covered topics such as efficient irrigation, planting the right variety at the right time, advanced soil building techniques, and integrated pest management strategies. Science-based information was made available online through multiple formats, including EDIS publications, an infographic, blogs, PowerPoint presentations, and YouTube webinar recordings. This campaign reached thousands of people and provided information to encourage environmentally friendly decisions in edible landscapes.
DIYFood educationOrganic cycleClimate changePenguatan Literasi Lingkungan Berbasis Urban Farming untuk Mendukung Implementasi Sekolah Adiwiyata di SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Malang
2026Husamah Husamah, Abdulkadir Rahardjanto, Atok Miftachul Hudha · Jurnal SOLMA · Indonesia (Malang)
This community service activity at SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Malang aimed to strengthen environmental literacy through urban farming to support Adiwiyata school implementation. Interventions included governance strengthening, teacher training, and urban farming practices (vertical culture, simple NFT hydroponics, mini composters). Pre-post test results for 18 teachers showed environmental literacy scores increased from "Poor" (Mean=58.42±3.20) to "Good" (Mean=82.22±2.32), with 38.89% achieving "Very Good." Additionally, school PBLHS monitoring indicated that 90% of teachers integrated environmental education into the curriculum and applied it in lesson plans.
Food educationDIYCommunityPelatihan Pembuatan Ecobrick Dalam Mendukung Urban Farming Berkelanjutan Pada KWT Rezeki Bersama
2026Yurike Yurike, Urip Santoso, Reflis Reflis, Elsa Lolita Putri · Jurnal Altifani Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat · Indonesia
An ecobrick manufacturing training program was conducted for the Women Farmers Group "KWT Rezeki Bersama" in Beringin Raya Village, Bengkulu City, Indonesia, to address high volumes of household plastic waste and limited growing media in urban farming. The program aimed to equip KWT members with skills to process plastic waste into functional and environmentally friendly growing media. Activities included outreach, Q&A discussions, and practical ecobrick making.
DIYCommunityFood educationOrganic cycleSynergistic effects of vermicompost and biochar amendments on cherry tomato production in an urban rooftop garden: A 2‐year study
2026Mohammad Mahbub Islam, Robiul Islam, Rezowana Nizam, Nigar Afsana, Sadman Sakib, Suraya Parvin, Jubayer Al Mahmud, Md. Hasanuzzaman · Urban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems · Global
This 2-year study evaluated the growth, physiology, and yield response of cherry tomatoes in different rooftop soil media supplemented with vermicompost and biochar in an urban rooftop garden. Using a completely randomized design with nine treatments and four replications, the combined application of vermicompost and biochar consistently outperformed individual applications. Treatments with 74% soil, 20% vermicompost, and 6% biochar resulted in the tallest plants, highest leaf number, thick stems, high leaf greenness, high relative water content, and highest fruit yield across both years. Although fruit yield declined by 20.49% in the second year, residual amendment effects continued to enhance plant performance relative to untreated soil.
DIYCompostOrganic cycleClimate changeImportance of Vegetables in Home Food Gardening in Modern Cities: Advances and Future Perspectives
2026Yugamaya Pegu, Rimli Gogoi, Jumi Saikia, Nayanmoni Buragohain · International Journal of Plant & Soil Science · Global
This review assessed the importance of vegetables in Home Food Gardening (HFG) in modern cities. Vegetables constitute a major part of HFG due to their rapid production, ease of maintenance, high yield in small spaces, and high nutritional benefits. Common HFG practices include yard, rooftop, balcony, community, and street/plot gardens, with innovations like better crop varieties and hydroponics increasing productivity. However, issues such as space constraints, expensive setup costs, lack of knowledge, poor soil, and insufficient light persist.
DIYCommunityHealthFood sovereignty & justiceDigital agricultureENSINANDO SOBRE EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL ATRAVÉS DA AGRICULTURA URBANA: OS TELHADOS VERDES
2026ALINE FERNANDA SILVA DE MOURA, RHAISSA FRANCISCA TAVARES DE MELO BALDER, CLOVES AUGUSTO DE LIMA SALES · Editora Realize eBooks · Global
This qualitative, observational study developed a lesson plan on urban agriculture, specifically green roofs, for 9th-grade students over four 50-minute classes. The objective was to engage students practically and creatively in building green roof models, encouraging research and explanation of the topic. The study observed that active methodologies, such as model creation and student-led explanations, made the lesson more engaging and effective, promoting greater content comprehension and developing critical and creative skills related to sustainability and environmental impact.
Food educationClimate changeDIYMeshball-driven air-pruning offers a resource efficient strategy for containerized cultivation in urban horticulture
2026Savitha Dhandapani, Gandhimathi Chinnasamy, Shaik Anwar Ahamed Nabeela Nasreen, Vidya Susan Philip, Bong Soo Park, S. P. Bhatnagar · Scientia Horticulturae · Global
This study developed meshball-mediated air-pruning, a method embedding stainless-steel spheres into soil to create localized aeration pockets, addressing issues like root circling, poor aeration, and inefficient resource use in containerized plant cultivation. Testing across four species revealed significant benefits for ornamental shrubs such as dwarf ixora and firebush, showing increases in shoot fresh weight, branch number, and root biomass. However, pak choi exhibited no measurable change, and white teak seedlings displayed reduced root biomass, indicating species-specific responses.
Limited or null effectDIYFORMAL MATHEMATICS AND ETHNOMATHEMATICS IN THE PRODUCTION OF URBAN COMMUNITY GARDENS
2026João Paulo Moreira dos Santos, Luis Carlos Rodrigues da Mata, Maria Clara da Cunha Carvalho, Gabrielly Rodrigues de Araújo, Robério Soares dos Santos, Maria Eduarda Santiago de Araujo, Iraneide Da Cunha Santiago, Edinalva Pereira Campos, José Gustavo Santiago Santos · Journal of Interdisciplinary Debates · Brazil (José de Freitas)
This qualitative case study in José de Freitas, Brazil, analyzed mathematical rationalities in urban community gardens, using participant observation, interviews, and field notes. It found that farmers use ethnomathematical knowledge for spatial organization, soil management, and commercialization. However, these practices showed limitations when confronted with institutional demands for standardization, highlighting a need for critical articulation with formal mathematics.
Methodological critiqueCommunityDIYEconomicsPengembangan Konten Edukasi Hidroponik Kit sebagai Media Literasi Urban Farming pada Platform Media Sosial Instagram
2026Wina Larasati Putri Ariyanto, Nabila Khairunnisha, Silvi Desianti, Sadiya Mirza Wiyoga, Ika Sari Tondang · Jurnal Riset Multidisiplin Agrisosco · Indonesia
The development of hydroponic kit educational content as an urban farming literacy medium on the Instagram platform @infarm.id was described at CV Wira Jaya Nusantara (Infarm) in Indonesia from February to June 2026. Using descriptive quantitative methods with secondary data from Instagram Insights, the content reached a wide audience and received positive responses from Instagram users. The best-performing content in March recorded 33,498 views, a reach of 22,346 accounts, and an engagement rate of 5.27%, suggesting Instagram is effective for urban farming literacy.
Food educationDigital agricultureDIY