The document discusses various forms of urban agriculture including rooftop gardens, vertical farming, aquaponics, hydroponics, community gardens, and peri-urban farming. Rooftop gardens provide environmental and economic benefits but have high initial costs. Vertical farming uses multi-story buildings to maximize crop yields within urban footprints. Aquaponics combines hydroponics with aquaculture in a symbiotic system. Urban agriculture helps address issues of food security, environmental sustainability, and social well-being in cities.
This presentation by Dr Renata Giedych from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences focuses on the role of urban agriculture in food security, leisure and economic development. It also shows the risks and benefits of urban agriculture.
Reasonable Supplements to Traditional Farming
Touches on why traditional farming alone will not sustain us in the future and what some solutions are - such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and aquaponics.
A Landscape Architect by training, Rupert has worked across a wide range of disciplines including Strategic Planning, Masterplanning & Urban Design focusing on the strategic importance of Landscape and the City. As an Associate Director at Atkins, he is responsible for developing new design approaches to Landscape, Ecology & Creating Healthy Cities.
In this talk Rupert explores trends in urban agriculture as well as propose some thoughts on new possible directions this might develop. Rapid urbanization has led our cities to have a dysfunctional relationship with the environment. What new safe agricultural industries will emerge from this new urban economy.
This presentation by Dr Renata Giedych from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences focuses on the role of urban agriculture in food security, leisure and economic development. It also shows the risks and benefits of urban agriculture.
Reasonable Supplements to Traditional Farming
Touches on why traditional farming alone will not sustain us in the future and what some solutions are - such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and aquaponics.
A Landscape Architect by training, Rupert has worked across a wide range of disciplines including Strategic Planning, Masterplanning & Urban Design focusing on the strategic importance of Landscape and the City. As an Associate Director at Atkins, he is responsible for developing new design approaches to Landscape, Ecology & Creating Healthy Cities.
In this talk Rupert explores trends in urban agriculture as well as propose some thoughts on new possible directions this might develop. Rapid urbanization has led our cities to have a dysfunctional relationship with the environment. What new safe agricultural industries will emerge from this new urban economy.
DuPont Advisory Committee on Agricultural Innovation and Productivity published The Role of Technology in Agriculture in 2013. The report focuses on meeting global food demand through science-based innovation that reaches farmers around the world.
Challenges and Opportunities for Agrican Urban Agriculture SIANI
Presented at the workshop "Urban and peri-urban agriculture in low-income countries" organised by SLU Global and SIANI. Read more here: http://www.siani.se/theme-groups/sustainable-agricultural-production-and-food-security
Background of PRA, Origin, the difference between survey research and PRA, Johari window, principles of PRA, uses of PRA, tools of PRA, references, Social mapping of our Harshnagar area, thank you.
KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra ) :- Introducation of kvk ,
objectives of kvk ,
mandate and activities of kvk ,
organizational structure of kvk ,
Role and responsibility of the kvk ,
strategies for working in kvk
The development of Plant Nutrient Management to increase the quantity of plant nutrients in farming systems and thus crop productivity is a major challenge for food security and rural development.The depletion of nutrient stocks in the soil is a major but often hidden form of land degradation. On the other hand, excessive application of nutrients or inefficient management means an economic loss to the farmer and can cause environmental problems, especially if large quantities of nutrients are lost from the soil-plant system into water or air.
Increasing agricultural production by improving plant nutrition management, together with a better use of other production factors is thus a complex challenge. Nutrient management implies managing all nutrient sources - fertilisers, organic manures, waste materials suitable for recycling nutrients, soil reserves, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and bio-fertilizers in such a way that yield is not knowingly increased while every effort is made to minimise losses of nutrients to environment
Public Presentation at Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning discussing the role of landscape architects and planners designing farmers markets in urban settings.
A presentation about New Start;
We support young people to produce a response to society's burning questions.
They develop the crucial soft skills needed to enter the workplace.
DuPont Advisory Committee on Agricultural Innovation and Productivity published The Role of Technology in Agriculture in 2013. The report focuses on meeting global food demand through science-based innovation that reaches farmers around the world.
Challenges and Opportunities for Agrican Urban Agriculture SIANI
Presented at the workshop "Urban and peri-urban agriculture in low-income countries" organised by SLU Global and SIANI. Read more here: http://www.siani.se/theme-groups/sustainable-agricultural-production-and-food-security
Background of PRA, Origin, the difference between survey research and PRA, Johari window, principles of PRA, uses of PRA, tools of PRA, references, Social mapping of our Harshnagar area, thank you.
KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra ) :- Introducation of kvk ,
objectives of kvk ,
mandate and activities of kvk ,
organizational structure of kvk ,
Role and responsibility of the kvk ,
strategies for working in kvk
The development of Plant Nutrient Management to increase the quantity of plant nutrients in farming systems and thus crop productivity is a major challenge for food security and rural development.The depletion of nutrient stocks in the soil is a major but often hidden form of land degradation. On the other hand, excessive application of nutrients or inefficient management means an economic loss to the farmer and can cause environmental problems, especially if large quantities of nutrients are lost from the soil-plant system into water or air.
Increasing agricultural production by improving plant nutrition management, together with a better use of other production factors is thus a complex challenge. Nutrient management implies managing all nutrient sources - fertilisers, organic manures, waste materials suitable for recycling nutrients, soil reserves, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and bio-fertilizers in such a way that yield is not knowingly increased while every effort is made to minimise losses of nutrients to environment
Public Presentation at Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning discussing the role of landscape architects and planners designing farmers markets in urban settings.
A presentation about New Start;
We support young people to produce a response to society's burning questions.
They develop the crucial soft skills needed to enter the workplace.
Guide to Setting Up Your Own Edible Rooftop Garden
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For more information, Please see websites below:
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Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
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Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
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Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
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Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
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Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
Slides from a talk on urban gardening given as part of the Limerick Lifelong Learning festival on March 23, 2013. We showcased our UL Community Rooftop Garden before and after the talk.
This talk is a visual journey through some of the many creative ways that people are cultivating their urban environments. From the secret night pursuits of guerrilla gardeners to the work of neighbours at the local community garden, there are lots of inspirational people creating exciting spaces around our cities.
References: bit.ly/17QaQN0
The following is some great basics about organic gardening that a former professor of mine presented. The slideshow of the Power Point is embedded below. Tell me what you think!
34th World Food Day Observance in Kathmandu, 2014
THEME
Family Farming: “Feeding the World, Caring for the Earth” to stress the vast potential family farmers have to eradicate hunger and preserve natural resources
Presentation on : Urban Agriculture: Family Farming for Food Security
Fish molasses as indigenous nutrient source in the growth and yield of econom...Open Access Research Paper
Simple Nutrient Addition Production (SNAP) hydroponics production system in this system any container with cover can be used as long as it can contain approximately 2 liters of solution. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of economically important vegetables grown in SNAP hydroponics and conventional production system. The experimental was laid out in a simple Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The variable used was method of growing that consists of conventional (Container gardening) and SNAP hydroponics using fish molasses. Among of the four vegetables grown sweet pepper and lettuce performed well under the SNAP hydroponics system. The plants were taller, produced more leaves, matured earlier and had higher yield compared to those grown under the conventional production system. Both the broccoli and tomato did not perform well in SNAP hydroponics and conventional production system. Broccoli was succumbed by the attack of pest (Helecoverpa armegera ) while tomato was lodged due to strong winds.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
LITERATURE REVIEW
BASIC HYDROPONIC SYSTEM
HYDROPONIC GROW MEDIA
LIST OF CROPS
ADVANTAGES OF HYDROPONIC TECHNOLOGY
DISADVANTAGES OF HYDROPONIC TECHNOLOGY
FUTURE SCOPE OF HYDROPONIC TECHNOLOGY
CASE STUDY
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
An essential natural resource, soil, is at the center of the astounding diversity of life that inhabits our world. In spite of its unassuming exterior, the soil is essential for promoting plant development, preserving water, cycling nutrients, and preserving biodiversity. However, erosion and soil deterioration are now major environmental issues on a global scale. In this blog article, we will go into further detail on the value of preserving soil and offer in-depth explanations of the ways in which we might do so.
The Foundations of Life: Understanding the Importance of Soil Life on Earth is supported by the complex and dynamic ecosystem known as soil. It is more than simply dirt; it is a living, breathing thing that is alive with zillions of microbes, fungi, and many other creatures. These creatures collaborate to carry out crucial tasks in a precarious equilibrium. Plants may anchor their roots in the soil and acquire essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Furthermore, soil serves as a natural water filter, cleaning the water as it passes through its layers and preserving our water supplies. Furthermore, healthy soil is essential for carbon sequestration, which reduces the effects of climate change by storing large amounts of carbon. By preserving soil, we safeguard the essential mechanisms that sustain life on Earth.
Recognizing the Threats: Soil Degradation and Erosion Soil degradation and erosion pose severe threats to our environment and food security. Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as excessive tillage, monocropping, and overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, accelerate soil degradation. These practices deplete essential nutrients, destroy soil structure, and reduce its ability to retain water, ultimately leading to decreased productivity and yield losses. Deforestation, urbanization, and improper land management practices also contribute to soil erosion, which results in the loss of fertile topsoil. The consequences of soil degradation and erosion extend beyond agricultural implications, impacting water quality, biodiversity, and climate regulation. It is crucial to raise awareness about these threats and take concerted action to combat them.
Cultivating Conservation: Practical Tips for Soil Preservation
a. Promote sustainable farming practices: Encourage farmers to adopt agroecological approaches, such as agroforestry, crop rotation, and intercropping. These practices help maintain soil fertility, reduce erosion, improve water infiltration, and minimize the use of synthetic inputs.
b. Implement soil conservation practices: Conservation tillage, terracing, contour plowing, and building windbreaks are effective measures to reduce soil erosion and maintain soil health.
c. Embrace organic and regenerative farming: Organic farming methods focus on nurturing soil health through the use of organic matter, compost, and natural fertilizers, thereby reducing the reliance on chemical inputs.
In the culminating course for Sustainability Studies minors at Muhlenberg College in the Spring of 2014, I worked on a semester long research proposal that was used to help install a hydroponic herb garden in the Wood Dining Commons. The attached proposal includes the research process, discussion about how the system will be disseminated and implemented, marketing and educational components of the garden, and explanation of how a hydroponics system benefits Muhlenberg within the context of sustainability.
This article talks about Hydroponics, an interesting method of cultivating plants without using soil. The article starts by giving a description of Hydroponics, a brief historical background and past usage, and ends on discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using the Hydroponics way of growing plants.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
90. Nutrient Management Under Organic Farming.pdfFaisal Rasool
Introduction:
Plant root system is always in close association with multitude of microorganisms and other nutrients. The microbes in root zone are maintained due to a variety of secretions from the roots and constitute what is often described as ‘rhizosphere’. These microbes in their turn supply nutrients to the soil system through their heterotrophic activity. Maintenance of these microbes in the rhizosphere, therefore, is also necessary for soil health. Crop productivity and nutrient cycles, however, are integral parts of the exploitation of soil health and have led to soil degradation through nutrient depletion and erosion, so that long term strategies are needed to avoid the use of chemical fertilizers without adversely affecting crop productivity. The use of organic manures, composts, Biofertilizers has received increased attention in our cropping systems. Following are the components in nutrient management system.
Lucent Bio has solved the micronutrient delivery problem.
Soileos is a soil-applied, smart crop nutrition delivery system. It enhances yields, crop resilience, and soil health with on-time nutrient delivery and sustained
bioavailability, allowing the crop to maximize its genetic potential. Lucent Bio’s patented technology upcycles cellulose derived from crop processing residues such as lentil, pea, or rice husks into a sustainable delivery agent for nutrients.
Soileos is a dry granular product of a similar size and weight to conventional dry granular products. Unlike conventional products, Soileos’ organic substrate means soil organic carbon levels are enhanced through its use. The net result is higher crop yields, improved nutrient density, and healthier soils with higher carbon.
This whitepaper contains the results of research on Soileos by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to declare the mode of action and the interaction with the soil
microbiome with a focus on microbial activity.
It was found that Soileos triggers an increase in microbial biomass due to the biologically available source of carbon—cellulose—a core component of Soileos.
Nutrients are delivered from Soileos to the crop using the symbiotic relationships between soil microbes and plants. The microbial community consumes the bioavailable carbon and begins to cycle, releasing the micronutrients back into the ecosystem in a bioavailable form ready for crop uptake. Research has also demonstrated that soil treated with Soileos results in minimal leaching, even at
high application, proving that Soileos is environmentally safe.
Soileos provides a climate-smart solution for nutrient management in modern farming practices.
Permaculture dissertation 'A garden for the future'Leen Gorissen
We need to rethink the way in which we produce food. Permaculture designs edible systems in harmony with #nature instead of at the expense of nature. And the beauty of this approach is: everyone can do it!
Honest Reviews of Tim Han LMA Course Program.pptxtimhan337
Personal development courses are widely available today, with each one promising life-changing outcomes. Tim Han’s Life Mastery Achievers (LMA) Course has drawn a lot of interest. In addition to offering my frank assessment of Success Insider’s LMA Course, this piece examines the course’s effects via a variety of Tim Han LMA course reviews and Success Insider comments.
Safalta Digital marketing institute in Noida, provide complete applications that encompass a huge range of virtual advertising and marketing additives, which includes search engine optimization, virtual communication advertising, pay-per-click on marketing, content material advertising, internet analytics, and greater. These university courses are designed for students who possess a comprehensive understanding of virtual marketing strategies and attributes.Safalta Digital Marketing Institute in Noida is a first choice for young individuals or students who are looking to start their careers in the field of digital advertising. The institute gives specialized courses designed and certification.
for beginners, providing thorough training in areas such as SEO, digital communication marketing, and PPC training in Noida. After finishing the program, students receive the certifications recognised by top different universitie, setting a strong foundation for a successful career in digital marketing.
Normal Labour/ Stages of Labour/ Mechanism of LabourWasim Ak
Normal labor is also termed spontaneous labor, defined as the natural physiological process through which the fetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled from the uterus through the birth canal at term (37 to 42 weeks
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
2. WHAT IS URBAN AGRICULTURE?
The World Health Organisation defines food security as being when all people at all times have access to
sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life (1996, para. 1). Food insecurity is a
notion primarily associated with developing countries; it is seen as something that is very far removed from
the typical urban lifestyle. However, population growth and the Global Financial Crisis have led to an
increase, in recent years in the number of people in Western countries being faced with the issue of not
having access to a sufficient and reliable food source. The growing population, the resulting urban expansion,
and a rapidly increasing demand for food is causing many to seek alternative means of primary production. It
is from this that the idea of Urban Agriculture developed.
Urban Agriculture is, essentially, the production of fruits, vegetables and herbs, as well as livestock raising, in
an urban environment (Hodgson, et al., 2011). Urban Agriculture has many facets; it can range from
Community Gardens and Roof-top Gardens, to Aquaponics, to Vertical Farming and to Peri-Urban farming.
The recent ideological shift in society to move towards greener and more sustainable ways of living has
resulted in an increase in Urban Agriculture. However, there is one major question that stands unanswered in
the debate surrounding Urban Agriculture and its capabilities – can Urban Agriculture be used to ensure
urban food security?
3. ROOFTOP GARDENS
The notion of using empty rooftops to grow produce, termed Rooftop Gardening, is coming into vogue all over the world as
increasing numbers of people are discovering this more economical and sustainable method of farming. Rooftop Gardens have a
number of social and environmental benefits; the presence of a Rooftop Garden on a building increases its value, additionally, it
supports the idea of urban food production (City Farmer, 2003). The plants being grown in Rooftop Gardens aid in improving the
quality of the surrounding air by reducing Carbon Dioxide levels (Spivey, 2002: p.668).Furthermore, having a garden on the roof of
a building means that the need for internal temperature control is reduced as the Garden provides a layer of insulation (Harazono,
et al., 1991). The roofs are lined with a drainage layer, followed by a waterproof membrane, a growing medium, and then the
plants (Spivey, 2002, p668). When the plants transpire, and the water evaporates from the leaf surface into the surrounding air,
the temperature of the immediate environment is reduced (Spivey, 2002, p668). Canada’s National Research Council reported that
the Rooftop Garden at its Ottawa campus reduced the heat entering the building by as much as 85% on summer days (Spivey,
2002, p668). However, one major drawback to Rooftop Gardens is the initial cost to set them up, particularly if the rooftop in
question requires reinforcement. To combat this, financial incentives are being provided for builders to install Rooftop Gardens.
4. Rooftop Garden on Chicago City Hall
Chicago’s Lurie Garden is a prime example of a Rooftop Garden; spanning 5 acres, this garden sits on top of
the Millennium Parking Garage and has become a very popular site for recreation and relaxation in
downtown Chicago. The site sees around 4 million visitors each year, exposing a large demographic to the
garden’s environmentally sustainable image; the garden uses no chemicals, minimal amounts of water, and
compost tea in place of fertiliser.
Photo courtesy of Yognews (http://yognews.blogspot.com.au/2010/08/green-roof-system-on-chicago-city-hall.html)
5. ROOFTOP GARDENS
The notion of using empty rooftops to grow produce, termed Rooftop Gardening, is coming into vogue all over the world as
increasing numbers of people are discovering this more economical and sustainable method of farming. Rooftop Gardens have a
number of social and environmental benefits; the presence of a Rooftop Garden on a building increases its value, additionally, it
supports the idea of urban food production (City Farmer, 2003). The plants being grown in Rooftop Gardens aid in improving the
quality of the surrounding air by reducing Carbon Dioxide levels (Spivey, 2002: p.668).Furthermore, having a garden on the roof of
a building means that the need for internal temperature control is reduced as the Garden provides a layer of insulation (Harazono,
et al., 1991). The roofs are lined with a drainage layer, followed by a waterproof membrane, a growing medium, and then the
plants (Spivey, 2002, p668). When the plants transpire, and the water evaporates from the leaf surface into the surrounding air,
the temperature of the immediate environment is reduced (Spivey, 2002, p668). Canada’s National Research Council reported that
the Rooftop Garden at its Ottawa campus reduced the heat entering the building by as much as 85% on summer days (Spivey,
2002, p668). However, one major drawback to Rooftop Gardens is the initial cost to set them up, particularly if the rooftop in
question requires reinforcement. To combat this, financial incentives are being provided for builders to install Rooftop Gardens.
6. PERI-URBAN FARMING
Peri-urban Agriculture involves the production of food on the peripheral areas of cities and towns. It can range from small- to
large-scale activities, both commercial and non-commercial and involves horticulture and livestock production and often operates
in a complementary manner to rural agriculture practices.
Peri-urban Agriculture improves the availability and affordability of nutritious food to urban dwellers, especially of those in low
socio-economic areas. Additionally, Peri-urban Agriculture also benefits the environments through recycling wastewater by using
it as a source of nutrients for crops, and for watering livestock. Wastewater is highly beneficial for agriculture due to its high
nutrient concentration, which, in combination with proper management in regards to its usage, can reduce the need for the
application of fertilizers in Peri-urban Farming. The spaces being cultivated also aid in improving bio-diversity and reducing carbon
dioxide levels, thereby reducing the impact on climate change – something affecting food security around the world.
In developing countries Peri-urban Agriculture provides both food and job opportunities for people from low socio-economic
backgrounds. In some parts of Africa, over 20,000 people are estimated to be involved in the processing and marketing of Peri-
urban Agriculture (Cofie, 2010). Peri-urban Farming provides a number of social benefits for people in low socio-economic areas
ranging from an increased income, reduction of expenditure on food, and a reduced dependence on imported food, all of which
combine to reduce vulnerability in regards to food price fluctuation and availability.
7. COMMUNITY GARDENS
Community Gardens are publicly functioning gardens that are maintained, managed and controlled by the surrounding
community. The produce and benefits go directly to that community and the land used is typically owned by the community, the
local government or a not-for-profit organization. Newer housing estates and subdivision projects are beginning to notice the
importance of community gardens, along with the socio-economic and health benefits they promote and, as such, many cities are
beginning to incorporate them into plans and designs. A major benefit to them is that they are relatively easy to establish in
already developed areas provided that the community has the capacity to maintain the garden and that there is land available.
Community Gardens are particularly relevant in developed areas with the means to properly maintain the garden. In cases such as
these, the garden plays a much more subtle role than trying to solve food insecurity problems, rather it simply gives the people of
the community a direct source of nutritional food, carbon absorption, and a connection to their environment; Community
Gardens can have quite a dramatic positive effect on the values of land and houses in the surrounding community (Voicu and
Been, 2008, pp 242-283).
One of the biggest problems preventing the establishment of Community Gardens is the lack of available land, or the funds with
which to purchase it. Additionally, it is difficult to ensure that the community will correctly maintain and use the garden;
organisations are reluctant to commit funds and resources if they are not fully convinced of the benefits of establishing a Garden
in a particular community. Community support also plays a major role, as it is the community itself that must maintain the Garden
and ensure that it is utilized correctly. Often, local governments need to be persuaded to allocate arable land, and in new housing
estates free blocks must be reserved.
9. Hydroponics
Hydroponics is the growing of plants
without soil, instead using water, nutrients,
aeration and light (Stauffer, 2006). In this
system the nutrients are added to the
water and then absorbed by the plants.
Hydroponic systems can prove superior to
traditional soil agriculture in several ways.
They use far less water as the only water
lost is due to evaporation, plant absorption
and from changing the water to limit salt
build up (Bernstein 2012, p50).
Hydroponics can produce far larger yields
using a significantly smaller land space. In
the case of the Hydroponic Rotating
Growing System, ‘the production is
equivalent to 5000m2 of strawberry plants
in the ground on a 75sqm footprint’ (O’Dea
2013, p 14). Hydroponic crops are also
almost completely free from soil pests and
diseases, however nutrient levels must be
carefully monitored so as to ensure the
plants do not suffer from a lack of
Photo courtesy of Safe Water for Kenya (http://waterkenya.wordpress.com/technology/agricultural)/ nutrients or overnutrification. Additionally,
plants can be affected by pythium (root
rot).
11. Aquaponics
Aquaponics is where plants and fish are cultivated
in a sustainable, symbiotic system (Bernstein 2007,
p47). It is a combination of Hydroponics and
Aquaculture (the growing of aquatic floral and
faunal organisms under controlled conditions
(Pokrant 2010, p39)). In this system, as shown in
the diagram the waste produced by the fish
provides the ammonia for bacteria and worms to
allow them to convert it into nitrites. The nitrites
are then converted into nitrates and fertilise the
plants, which filter the water before it is
transferred back to the fish.
Whilst having many of the same benefits as that of
a Hydroponic system, an Aquaponic system has far
fewer problems. Once the bacteria cycle of the
system has taken a hold and has become self-
regulating the nutrient levels only need to be
checked sparingly and, since the system is self-
enriching, the cost of chemical nutrients is
replaced with the cost of fish feed (Bernstein 2012,
p50). Aquaponics uses even less water than
Hydroponics as there is no build-up of salt or
chemicals due to ‘a natural nitrogen balance that is
the hallmark of an established
ecosystem’(Bernstein 2012, p50). Aquaponics also
has a higher yield from a smaller area of
production, with one lettuce farm producing the
(The Aquaponic Source, 2013)
equivalent of a 1ha conventional farm in a 260m2
area (Gordon 2009).
13. Design
Two Aquaponic systems incorporating Wall Gardens and Aesthetic Design (Ecolicious 2011)
As Hydroponic and Aquaponic systems become more feasible and available to the public, a push for more
aesthetically pleasing system designs is gaining momentum. While companies like Aesthetic Hydroponics
are making small, affordable and aesthetically pleasing indoor hydroponic systems, others, like Ecolicious,
are creating outdoor Aquaponic Systems that act as feature pieces of a garden or outdoor setting.
16. Milano Santa Monica Green City
Architecture and Design incorporation:
There has been a push, in recent years, for architecture and urban design to be more eco-friendly and more
environmentally sustainable; a result of this is the increased inclusion of Urban Agriculture in the urban cityscape.
At its most simplistic, balconies and windowsills are being used to grow various vegetables, fruits and herbs; in
fact, such purpose built design aspects can improve the value of a building (Doron, 2005). Similarly, Rooftop
Gardens have recently come into vogue; in cities with high land value and high population density the most
economically viable option, in regards to Urban Agriculture, involves utilising the only free space available –
rooftops (Doron, 2005). Regardless of the form that it takes, Urban Agriculture has become an important aspect
of the cityscape, having been incorporated into many areas of urban design from as landscape architecture, to
interior design. (Images from Exampleof.com and inhabitant.com)
17.
18. VERTICAL FARMING
Vertical Farming, the idea of growing food upwards, instead of
outwards, is a rather recent development. One of the world’s leading
researchers into Vertical Farming, Professor Dickson Despommier from
the University of Columbia, is of the belief that Vertical Farming has the
potential to be the main source of food production in urban areas. A
farm, only one square block at the base, but 30 stories high, could yield
as much as 2,400 outdoor acres (Despommier, 2009). Food grown
indoors, on a controlled environment, eliminates concerns in regards to
flooding and droughts, as well as infectious diseases. Additionally, the
use of artificial lighting means that these farms can operate year-round
meaning that one indoor acre is worth, on average, around four to six
outdoor acres (Alters, 2007).
A Canadian architect, Gordon Graff, designed a Vertical Farm for
Toronto’s CBD. It is 58 floors high and has 8 million square feet of area
available for growing; this farm alone could feed 35,000 people each
year (Alters, 2007), and just 160 farms of this size could feed the
entirety of New York (Walsh, 2008). Some of the technologies being
utilised in this approach include hydroponics, aeroponics, drip irrigation,
artificial light technologies, and the harnessing of natural light. By using
these technologies in combination, crops are being grown more
efficiently, requiring less water, energy and time to reach maturity.
Continue reading…
Gordon Graff’s Vertical Farm design (Alters, 2007)
19. VERTICAL FARMING
Furthermore, Vertical Farming is much more environmentally friendly than traditional farming methods; at
present, farming accounts for 20% of all fossil fuel consumption in the United States (Despommier, 2009).
Growing food locally reduces the food mile and means that the use of machinery requiring fossil fuels,
including transport, is significantly reduced, affecting not only the Carbon Footprint, but also the price of food.
The major problem with Vertical Farming is the competition when it comes to real-estate; when it comes to
occupying land area in New York City, often an investment banker is more highly valued than a tomato. In
spite of this criticism, Vertical Farming is slowly taking hold in cities around the world.
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23. Case study of the Brooklyn Grange
The Brooklyn Grange is the world’s largest rooftop farm
(Brooklyn Grange, 2012); it exists in a 40,000 square foot
space on top of a six-story warehouse, situated in Long
Island City (Leahy, 2011). The farm, which first began in
the spring of 2010, outputs over 40 species of agricultural
crops ranging from tomatoes and kale, to carrots and
fennel (Leahy, 2011). The crops produced on the farm are
sold to community members, local restaurants and
grocery stores, and the owners have recently
incorporated an aviary to harvest honey. The farm is run
as a fully functioning business, with aims to provide a
sustainable model for Urban Agriculture, to provide
healthy and nutritious produce to the local community,
and to benefit the environment (Brooklyn Grange, 2012).
The produce, which is all completely organic, is grown in
soil 8 to 12 inches deep (Brooklyn Grange, 2012). The soil,
termed ‘Rooflite’ by its Pennsylvanian supplier, consists of
compost, for organic nutrients, and porous stones, which
reduce the weight of the soil and, when they break down,
provide minerals for the plants (Brooklyn Grange, 2012). Cyrus Dowlatshahi, http://www.inhabitat.com
In addition to this, no synthetic or chemical herbicides,
fertilisers or pesticides are used.
There was some concern that the pollution from the city
would manifest itself in the produce. However, the life
span of the plants, unlike that of humans, is too short for
them to be affected by the air pollutants. On the contrary,
the presence of the plants actually improves the quality of
the air as gases, such as Carbon Dioxide, are absorbed by
the plants (Brooklyn Grange, 2012).
24.
25. THE SCIENCE BEHIND URBAN AGRICULTURE
Urban Agriculture is, for the most part, viewed as a greener and more sustainable method of producing food.
At present, agriculture in rural areas uses, and thereby contaminates, 70% of the world’s fresh water supply
(Despommier, 2009). Most Urban Farming systems are, by contrast, highly efficient; they utilise recycled
wastewater, require less space and resources, and the crops mature at a much faster rate than that of
conventional farming (Despommier, 2009). One city block, only 30 stories high, could potentially yield as much
as 2,400 acres using conventional farming techniques, with a significantly reduced environmental impact
(Despommier, 2009).
A study undertaken by Harazono, et al., (1991), looking at the efficiency of a fully sustainable rooftop garden,
found that the crops being produced grew at a similar, if not better rate, than those grown using conventional
farming methods. The effectiveness of the garden as an integrated aspect of the building was also
investigated; the garden aided in reducing the thermal load on the building during periods of warmer climate.
The study also observed an improvement in the quality of the air in the vicinity of the garden. Harazono’s
study, despite being over two decades old, is one of very few published scientific undertakings in the field of
Urban Agriculture. As such, the full scientific ramifications of Urban Agriculture, in regards to its
environmental impact and its viability in terms of food security, is, as yet, undetermined.
26. IS IT THE ANSWER?
Urban Agriculture has many health, environmental, and socio-economic benefits, and there is no doubt that it
is a significant improvement from conventional farming. However, the real question here is whether Urban
Agriculture can be used as a means of ensuring urban Food Security.
Presently, there is very little scientific literature available on the subject of Urban Agriculture; only a handful
of reliable studies have been undertaken in regards to its efficacy and viability. As a result, it has not been
developed to its full potential; it will likely be many years yet before Urban Agriculture techniques have been
advanced to the point where they may be applied to feed whole cities. Current Urban Agriculture methods
may not be able to solve urban food insecurity, but their contribution to the improvement of living conditions
cannot be disregarded. It may not be applicable in extreme situations, however Urban Agriculture is valuable
as a supplement to rural farming.
There are those who believe that the path to food security is via even more intensive and industrialised
farming techniques. But the fact of the matter is, we simply do not have the room or the resources to
continue down the path that we are on. Something needs to change; whether it be an ideological shift to
Urban Agriculture, or a physical shift to the cities, the Earth simply cannot sustain the population in our
present state. So, while Urban Agriculture may not be the only, or even the best option, when it comes to
improving urban food security, it is a major step in the process of providing everyone with the most basic
Human Right of having access to food.