Terrace Gardens Research Articles

Impact of growing media on growth of Mexican carpet grass in commercial trays for terrace gardening

Impact of growing media on growth of Mexican carpet grass in commercial trays for terrace gardening

Обоснование конструктивно-технологической схемы машины для подбора и измельчения срезанных ветвей плодовых насаждений в террасном садоводстве

The experience of using machines for selecting and chopping cut branches in lowland intensive gardening has shown that chopping cut branches with embedding the resulting chips into the soil and scattering them on the soil surface can increase the fertility of the soil cover in the rows of the garden. However, the most rational technology for waste disposal in terrace gardening is the selection and chopping of cut branches with transportation of the crushed biomass of the branches to the trunk strips of fruit plantings. To solve this problem, a new design and technological scheme of the machine is proposed. Keywords: TERRACE GARDENING, FRUIT PLANTINGS, PRUNING, CUT BRANCHES, SELECTION, GRINDING, TRANSPORTATION, TRUNK STRIP

The Influence of Container Types and Potting Media on the Biometric, Phenological and Yield Parameters of Strawberry Cv. Winter Dawn

Strawberry being an annual herbaceous plant with delicious fruit can be easily grown in a container filled with a potting media and suitable for growing in terrace garden or rooftop gardening in urban areas where the area for cultivation is less. This intends to augment the farmer’s income and increase the overall production of strawberry. The study was conducted in the experimental field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) during 2023-2024. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of container types and potting media on the biometric, phenological and yield parameters of strawberry cv. Winter Dawn. The experiment was laid out according to a factorial completely randomized block design. Observations on the biometric, phenological, and yield parameters of each plant were recorded during the study. The result of the statistical analysis revealed that among all the combinations of potting media, the combination of cocopeat, perlite and vermicompost in the ratio of 1:1:2 was found to be superior. Better biometric, phenological, and yield parameters were observed in plants grown in earthen pots. Based on the interaction effect, plants raised in PVC pots with a growing media ratio of 1:1:2 cocopeat + perlite + vermicompost (C2M1) result in maximum plant height (18.10 cm), plant spread (16.10 cm), number of leaves (26.67), number of fruits per plant (15.91) and total yield per plant (341.00 g). The study revealed that the minimum days to initiate first flower (47.10), flowering to harvest duration (27.67) and days to first fruiting (68.13) was reported in C2M1: PVC pots {(cocopeat + Perlite + Vermicompost) (1:1:2)}. Thus, strawberry production using cocopeat + perlite + vermicompost in 1:1:2 ratio in PVC Pots will ensure greater success in plant establishment and produce healthy and disease-free strawberries.

Comparative Study Dynamics Analysis of a Multi-story Building with and without a Floating Column

Parking spaces, lobby areas, terrace gardens, and other amenities are highly sought-after in densely populated urban regions. Although floating columns can be useful and an achievable choice, it is important to research their structural performance and cost-effectiveness in the event of substantial ground motion imposed on by an earthquake. A building’s overall dimensions, geometry, and shape all impact how it acts and acts when subjected to seismic loads. For this reason, it is necessary to assess how well floating column buildings perform in seismically vulnerable places in comparison to conventional buildings. In this work, the performance of structures with floating columns for seismic loading is observed using dynamic analytic techniques in accordance with IS 1893 (2005). This study analyses both the floating columns and the conventional building without floating columns. When compared to a regular building, the research reveals that the floating column buildings exhibit a very quick increase in base shear and story displacement. The horizontal displacements experienced by floating column buildings are proportionally larger due to an increase in the fundamental time period. If the lateral displacement exceeds the codespecified maximum limit, damage to structural and non-structural parts may result. Because of the discontinuity in the load distribution path, seismic base shear and overturning moment are also increasing in the case of buildings with floating columns. Additionally, while asymmetrically introducing floating columns, torsional irregularity has been produced but the modal mass participation ratio has decreased. While it is true that the use of floating columns in high-rise structures allows for continuous open floor plans, they are also dangerous and susceptible in seismically active locations

Adoption of terrace gardening by Urban Dwellers in Telangana state

Adoption of terrace gardening by Urban Dwellers in Telangana state

Unveiling the Alchemical Nexus: Exploring the Profound Interplay between Terrace Gardening, Indoor Gardening, and Human Biochemistry

The intricate interplay between terrace gardening, indoor gardening, and human biochemistry uncovers a captivating world of possibilities. Terrace gardens, revitalized from ancient times, transcend their role as urban landscapes to become alchemical laboratories where plants synthesize an array of bioactive compounds. These compounds hold immense potential to shape human biochemistry, offering transformative effects on our physical and mental states. Similarly, indoor gardening, a response to urban living, not only purifies the air but also emits subtle vibrations that harmonize with our physiological and psychological well-being. The symbiotic exchange of energy between humans and indoor plants influences our moods, cognition, and overall vitality. In this fascinating exploration, we witness the convergence of ancient wisdom, spiritual traditions, and scientific disciplines such as biochemistry, botany, pharmacology, and neuroscience. By recognizing plants as intricate allies, we can tap into their latent powers and forge a harmonious coexistence with the natural world, ultimately reclaiming our inherent connection to nature. The alchemical nexus invites us to embark on a transformative journey, where the boundaries between science, spirituality, and horticulture dissolve, allowing us to harness the energies that surround us and embark on a remarkable path of self-discovery and ecological harmony in the midst of rapid urbanization and technological advancements.

A Study on Consumer Buying Behavior of Vermicompost in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Understanding the consumer buying behavior of vermicompost in the Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh is a critical aspect that needs to be understood in order to promote sustainable agriculture. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the buying behavior of consumers towards vermicompost. The researcher employed a mixed-method approach, including both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The data was collected from primary as well as secondary sources of data. Secondary data was collected from published literature. In this study, we are going to find out the mindset of the consumer while purchasing vermicompost or bio-fertilizer. Nowadays, vermicompost is becoming increasingly popular because heavy chemical fertilizers are used to grow food grains, vegetables, and pulses, which has led to a lot of health issues in humans, with cancer being one of the major concerns. Apart from health issues, degrading soil health is a major problem faced by Indian farmers, and the only solution they have is vermicompost or bio-fertilizer. The researcher found that out of 100 respondents, only 40% were using vermicompost, while 60% were not using it. It has been noticed that the maximum number of respondents using vermicompost are marginal farmers or the urban population who are interested in kitchen or terrace gardening. The findings reveal that out of 100 respondents, only 40% were currently using vermicompost, indicating a relatively low adoption rate. Among the vermicompost users, 37% belonged to the marginal category of farmers with smaller land holdings. In contrast, the majority of non-users were large-scale farmers, citing higher costs as the primary reason for not adopting vermicompost. The study identifies key factors influencing consumer behavior. Awareness plays a significant role, with 20% of respondents reporting it as a motivation for purchasing or using vermicompost. Other factors include health consciousness (12.5%), involvement in vermicompost production (25%), nature-loving practices (17.5%), and the ease of application (12.5%).
 The researcher concluded the research by recommending appropriate and useful strategies to promote the adoption of vermicompost among consumers in the Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh

Sustainability of Urban Vegetable Gardening in Tamil Nadu, India

Urban vegetable gardens are being developed in many places in India and abroad. A lot of passionate urban dwellers are taking up such initiatives in their own households. A study was conducted on sustainability of Urban vegetable gardening in Tamil Nadu, India with the objective to study the nature of urban vegetable gardening and to develop strategy for sustainability of urban vegetable gardening.
 The beneficiaries of vegetable kit distribution programme and other vegetable gardeners were purposively selected. A total of 120 respondents was selected randomly. It was found that about 50 percent of the respondents were house wives and nearly 50 percent had garden in their terrace. Nearly 52 percent of the respondents took up gardening to avoid chemicals while 48 percent took it up as hobby. 100 percent took gardening only for household consumption, none of them had any commercial outlook on the products. Recycled products were utilized by majority of the people (58%), almost equal proportion of respondents purchased material from JDAs office, Shops, online. About 48 percent used coir pith while the remaining used soil as the medium for growth. Homemade composting and vermicompost were used by majority of the respondents to a tune of 1-5 kg per month.
 The potager scheme was very well taken by the urban dwellers in Coimbatore but it was discontinued after a year. However, it has caused a lot of awareness among them and their requirements are fulfilled by online sellers. Sustained and profitable terrace gardening requires scientific and precise calculations on inputs and time of use. Planned development in urban and peri urban areas by institutional interventions will lead to sustained and feasible projects which will contribute to the green cover and contribute to the food requirement of the urban areas.

Companion Plants of Tea: From Ancient to Terrace to Forest.

China is one of the origins of ancient tea gardens, with a long history of tea culture and tea cultivation. Guizhou Province is an important tea production place in southwest China with rich forest tea resources. The purpose of this study is to obtain historical information on companion plants in historical tea gardens and provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of forest tea gardens in Guizhou Province. We conducted a statistical analysis and comparison of plant species among ancient tea gardens, terrace tea gardens, and forest tea gardens from a diachronic perspective, based on 21 ancient tea literature studies, 116 terrace tea garden documents, and 18 sampled plots of forest tea gardens in Guizhou. A total of 24 companion plants species belonging to 16 families and 22 genera were found in ancient tea gardens, 81 species were found in terrace tea gardens belonging to 37 families and 74 genera, and 232 species were found in sample plots of forest tea gardens belonging to 90 families and 178 genera. Companion plants can be divided into three categories. Most of the plant families recorded in the literature also appeared in the forest tea garden we surveyed. In ancient tea gardens, terrace tea gardens, and forest tea gardens, Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Rosaceae were the most dominant families, respectively. The intercropping of tea gardens has been practiced since ancient times. Companion plants in natural forest tea gardens not only provide important insights into intercropping of terrace gardens but also hold significant implications for the conservation of existing forest tea gardens and the sustainable development of tea gardens.

Strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and challenges of online learning in agriculture

COVID-19 has jeopardized the academic calendars of majority of the educational institutes across the world. Distance Education and online learning platforms have become a potential solution for education post pandemic situation despite many technical constraints. However, the questions about effectiveness of e-learning, especially for Agricultural courses is not defined. In this study, we focus on studying the SWOC (Strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and challenges) of online learning by students enrolled in Agricultural certificate courses offered by ODLC (Open and Distance Learning centre), ANGRAU (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University) in the year 2021-22. The present study is conducted through an online survey of 300 randomly selected students of the five online certificate courses - Organic Farming, Bee Keeping, Mushroom Cultivation, Millets Production and Processing and Terrace Gardening in telugu offered by ANGRAU in 2021-22 which would be helpful in designing a more effective online learning environment for Agricultural courses. The results indicated that majority of the participants preferred online classes during the pandemic. The respondents who have completed the courses perceived high level of effectiveness (49.50 percent) about the two distance learning courses while 37.00 percent expressed medium level of effectiveness and a meagre 13.50 percent perceived the courses to be less effective. The SWAC analysis of the responses revealed that the major strength in online learning was the provision of session recordings for retention of learning followed by Location flexibility and Time flexibility. The major weakness perceived were Technical difficulties due to lack of power or poor internet connection followed by other network distractions and Online sessions unsuitable for practical learning. Opportunities felt were Reinforced learning with Recordings/PPTs followed by pursuit of interests outside one’s profession and Age is not a barrier for online learning. The major challenge expressed by the students was the Teacher-Student ratio. The findings of this study provide insights to academicians to redesign the courses in a hybrid mode complementing theory and practical sessions without shifting completely to online education as more number are interested to enroll for online classes rather than contact classes.

Standardization of growing media on growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in containers

The entitled research work “Standardization of growing media for organic cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Production in containers” was conducted during the rabi season of the year 2020-21 in the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Indore (M.P.). The research material under research comprised of 8 treatment 8G1-soil + sawdust + FYM (2:1:1), G2-soil + cocopeat + FYM (2:1:1), G3-soil + sawdust + vermicompost (2:1:1), G4-soil + cocopeat + vermicompost (2:1:1), G5-soil + cocopeat + vermiculite + perlite (2:1:1:1), G6-soil + cocopeat + vermiculite + FYM (2:1:1:2), G7-sawdust + vermiculite + FYM + perlite + coco coir (1:1:2:1:1), and G8-soil alone (Control) which were tested in RBD with three replications with the objectives viz.1.To find out the effect of different growing media on growth and yield of cucumber in containers.2.To find out the suitable growing media for rooftop and terrace gardening of cucumber.3.To know the economics of different growing media in containers.It can be concluded that the applied of different treatment combinations, treatment G5-soil + cocopeat + vermiculite + perlite (2:1:1:1), was best at all the stages of growth, quality and yield parameters like vine length (cm), number of primary branches per vine, number of leaves per vine, number of nodes per vine, days to first flower initiation, fruit length (cm), fruit girth (cm), total number of picking, no. of fruit per vine, average fruit weight per vine, fruits yield per vine, total fruit yield per container and fruit TSS parameters showed better performance from other treatment levels. B:C ratio was obtained under different treatments ranged from -0.07 to 1.50. It was found to be highest (1.50) under the G1-Soil +sawdust +FYM and the lowest (-0.07) under the G7-sawdust +vermiculite +FYM +perlite +Cococoir, no doubt this is due to more input cost of media in the treatment.

Smart Plant Monitoring System for Plant Fitness Using IoT

Technology has made amazing strides in all regions of lifestyles which includes enterprise and agriculture. Agricultural improvement is vital to our survival. Researchers are looking to comprise current era into agriculture to broaden new techniques to enhance agricultural lifestyles. People in large towns have a difficult time retaining their veggies in exact condition. This article indicates smart IoT based plant fitness tracking system using microcontroller, sensors like soil moisture, Light detecting register. With the assist of Bolt-IoT cloud user may be capable of get statistics approximately plant fitness on their phone App. Users might be capable of higher control their gardens plant fitness and increase with the assist of this system. The basic application is terrace garden where working people can take care of their plants at office time plus get updated information on their Mobile App. The cause of this system is to introduce and enhance the improvement of IoT for cultivating terrace garden in smart towns in our society.

Perception and Preferences of Online Learners of Certificate Courses in Agriculture

COVID-19 has jeopardized the academic calendars of majority of the educational institutes across the world. In this study, we focus on understanding the perception and preferences of participants of distance learning Agricultural courses of ANGRAU (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University) through online platform. The present study is conducted through an online survey of 400 randomly selected participants of the four online certifi cate courses - Organic Farming, Bee Keeping, Mushroom Cultivation and Terrace Gardening in telugu off ered by ANGRAU in 2020-21 which would be helpful in designing an eff ective online learning environment. The study explores the eff ectiveness of online learning, perception and preferences of participants for various attributes of online classes. The results indicated that majority of the participants preferred online classes during the pandemic. The respondents who have completed the courses perceived high level of eff ectiveness (67.50%) about the two distance learning courses while 23.50 percent expressed medium level of eff ectiveness and a meagre 9 percent perceived the courses to be less eff ective. The fi ndings of this study provide insights to academicians to redesign the courses to a hybrid mode complementing theory and practicals without shifting completely to online education as more number are interested to enroll for online classes rather than contact classes

Crater mound nests of the ant, Camponotus sp. in a terrace garden in Bangalore

Crater mound nests of the ant, Camponotus sp. in a terrace garden in Bangalore

Lived Experience of Senior Citizens on Plant-Human Relationship: A Phenomenological Study of Therapeutic Wellbeing in Urban Nepal

Ageing is a natural phenomenon, and it is inevitable. Everyone eventually grows, and this growth brings weakness and decline in the individual’s physical, mental, and overall well-being. There have been many studies done regarding identifying the possible link between the plant-human relationship and its impact on the well-being of humans. This phenomenological study has provided the perspective of elderly people/senior citizens concerning their experience with plant-related activities. The foundation of this study is based on five key primary questions in the thematic area of “plant-health relationship for subjective wellbeing in later life of retirees”. This study involved fifteen participants: four women and eleven men aged 60-80 years who were retired from 20 to 40 years of service in governmental, semi-, and non-governmental organizations. They were living with their families and had fairly similar physical and cognitive abilities. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using the descriptive phenomenological method. Retired professionals from different sectors (education, police force, banking, agriculture, Army, engineering, nursing, community development, etc.) were found to be active, having a good understanding of plants and their relationship to human wellbeing. Most of them spent more than three hours daily in their horticultural activities (like kitchen gardening, rooftop gardening, terrace gardening, lawn or indoor plants). They utilized their competence and experiences gained from parents and ancestors, keeping themselves busy and productive after retirement. The narrative presented in this study directs towards a strong link between plant-human relationships and wellbeing.

Immigrant Birds

Immigrant Birds

Aberdeen, City of Culture?

Aberdeen, City of Culture?

Potting substrate effect on yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) in terrace gardening

Terrace gardening or rooftop gardening is becoming popular in urban and peri-urban areas of metro cities worldwide including in India. Among various crops suitable for growing in terrace garden, strawberry is a popular one as being an important annual herbaceous plant with delicious fruits which can be easily grown in pots or containers including grow bags filled with different pottingsubstrates. In the present study, different combinations of soil, organic manure (vermi-compost and FYM) and cocopeat were tested for growth, yield and physico-chemical characteristics of two strawberry cultivars (Winter Dawn and Sweet Charlie). Winter dawn was found better than Sweet Charlie for measured growth and yield parameters, and potting substrates had similar effect on both the cultivars as no interaction effect was noticed. Combination of Soil + vermi-compost + cocopeat or soil + FYM + cocopeat in equal proportion (1:1:1) was found most appropriate potting substrate for strawberry cultivation, hence suggested as a suitable growing medium for production of strawberries in terrace or rooftop gardening in peri-urban areas of Delhi/ National Capital Territory. Further investigation is needed to standardize cost-effective management agro-techniques of strawberry cultivation in terrace garden involving some other cultivars, nutrient management and environment protective structures and so on

Terrace Gardening: A Sustainable yet Economic Approach

The study emphasizes the importance of terrace gardening in providing fresh, seasonal, and most importantly, chemical-free vegetables for everyday family requirements. It also tackles the problem of odorous, untouchable and unwanted kitchen waste by converting it into valuable organic manure that may be used as a low-cost, environmentally acceptable input for organic terrace gardening. This study was conducted with the ultimate aim to document the socio-economic profile of households practicing terrace gardening and list out the perceived benefits and constraints in adoption of terrace gardening. Ninety sample respondents who were practicing terrace gardening in Hyderabad were chosen for the study. Respondents who were practicing terrace gardening for the past 5 years were selected randomly from the list obtained from Horticulture Training Institute. The results inferred that majority of the respondents perceived that terrace gardening was providing them fresh fruits and vegetables with minimal investment as well as increased emotional well-being. Lack of availability suitable land near residential areas is identified as the major constraint and followed by lack of time was reported along with other constraints.

Occurrence of the red spider mite, Tetranychus sp on red amaranthus in terrace garden in Bangalore

Occurrence of the red spider mite, Tetranychus sp on red amaranthus in terrace garden in Bangalore