Vegetable Garden Research Articles

Solar irrigator: analysis of its performance a home vegetable garden according to a Gaussian Distribution

The maturation process of some vegetables depends on many factors, among the main ones are the amount of sunlight received in the form of infrared radiation, which is responsible for their growth, and the amount of water absorbed during the days, which plays a fundamental role in the biochemical process for the production of energy by the plant. Depending on the region, if the plant receives too little or too much solar radiation during the days and how it is irrigated determine its growth and production. This study aimed to analyze the performance of an automatic solar irrigator built with low-cost materials in a small beet crop, implemented in a region located 17 km from the city of Abaetetuba during the months of March, April, May, and June. The results showed that the irrigator had better performance in the month of June due to the balance between high temperatures (satisfying a Gaussian distribution) and the amount of water delivered. It was found that the performance of the solar irrigator, although satisfactory, did not have a good evaluation in the production of beets, thus it is not a determining factor in the production of this type of crop under the research conditions.

LOCAL MANIFESTATION OF TEMPERATURE INVERSIONS AND ITS IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE OF MIDDLE PRYDNISTERIA

The article describes in detail the phenomenon of temperature inversions using the Ternava River canyon (Middle Prydnisteria) as an example. Reverse frosts are one of the most dangerous agrometeorological phenomena. They can occur as a result of temperature inversions. Their manifestation is uneven and depends on the local conditions of the area, especially the topography. The relevance is that on the basis of such studies, a comprehensive assessment of the thermal regime and taking into account the influence of temperature inversions on the development of agricultural crops can be carried out. The conducted research is at the intersection of scientific and practical research in a number of spheres of economic and scientific activity. The territory of the study is the territory of an orchard, near the settlement of Kytaygorod, where a gentle slope turns into a sharp ledge of the Ternava river terraces. The purpose of the research is to record the temperature difference during the night in each of the points in order to understand the mechanism of atmospheric air movement during the formation of temperature inversions. An inversion is a phenomenon when the air temperature in some layer increases with height, instead of decreasing. Inversions affect the development of atmospheric processes and have stable stratification, and their power is small. In the conditions of the variegated topography of the Middle Prydnisteria, it is most often possible to find the manifestation of radiation temperature inversions, which arise as a result of the nocturnal radiation cooling of the earth's surface and the adjacent air layer. They begin to form immediately after sunset, intensifying during the night and reaching maximum values in the morning. In our case, the situational factors contributing to the formation of a temperature inversion are the lowering of the relief in the river valley, where cool air can descend and accumulate. An important factor is the significant height difference, which contributes to the differentiation of air temperature with a significant amplitude. Our studies proved that the temperature difference between the upper and lower parts of the canyons can reach more than 5 °С. The measurements carried out on October 10 and 11, 2023 showed that the air temperature in the evening before sunset in the upper part of the slope was 7.8-7.9 °C, and at the bottom of the canyon it was 8.6 °C, which, in our opinion, is due to stronger heating canyon walls, which in this part have a western direction. At 21:00, at the bottom of the canyon, the air temperature drops to a level lower than at the top of the slope, which corresponds to the "classic" course of temperature inversion formation, during which, in the absence of wind, cold air descends into the relief. Further measurements show that the temperature differentiation of the air increases, and in the lowest areas the air temperature reaches negative values. The impact of temperature inversions on agriculture depends on the conditions and phases of plant development, as well as the level of temperature reduction in a specific area. The greatest impact of temperature inversions occurs when the air temperature drops to sub-zero values, as cold air remains near the surface where plants are located. This is especially important for gardens and vegetable gardens, as well as field depressions, where sensitive plants can suffer from negative temperatures. Low temperatures can damage buds, flowers and fruits, which can affect yield and product quality. Reducing the negative impact of low temperatures is a rather difficult and extremely necessary task for many branches of crop production. This need is especially acute in viticulture, horticulture and vegetable growing. In the conditions of Middle Prydnisteria, the main way to combat negative temperature indicators caused by temperature inversions is to use the territory taking into account its relief features and hardening of plants. The practical significance of scientific research lies in expanding the possibilities of adapting modern agriculture to global climate changes, developing preventive measures to combat frosts, and solving the tasks of agrometeorological maintenance of agricultural production. Key words: temperature inversions, radiation inversions, advective inversions, microclimate, Middle Prydnisteria.

Draft genome sequence of Escherichia coli MTR_GS_S1457 strain isolated from a soil sample of a vegetable garden in Gazipur, Bangladesh.

We announce the sequence of the Escherichia coli MTR_GS_S1457 strain isolated from a soil sample of a vegetable gardening system for the first time in Bangladesh. With a length of 4,918,647 bp, this strain contained one plasmid, two CRISPR arrays, 54 predicted antibiotic resistance genes, and 81 predicted virulence factor genes.

The Daily Life of the Cheremkhov Miners in the Year of the Great Turning Point: The Collective Agreement of 1930

The article is devoted to the everyday life of the Cheremkhov workers through the content of the Collective Agreement of 1930 concluded between the Cheremkhov Union of Miners and the Mine Administration. In regional historiography, the topic of everyday life of coal industry workers has not been disclosed, which determines the scientific novelty and relevance of this article. The Contract determined the amount of wages, conditions of employment, production standards, provision of work clothes and housing, it recorded a list of working specialties with a description of the level labor mechanization. The purpose of the study to analyze the everyday life of Cheremkhov workers. The authors used the case study method, source and comparative analyses, a systematic approach, and the concept of Siberia industrialization by V. P. Zinoviev. The Document was adopted in the year of the Great Turning Point – the transition from the legal functioning of the labor market to the prohibition of market relations. The text of the Contract reflects both the inertia of the previous era and the emerging realities of the new era of labor relations. Its primary characteristic is the decisive role of party bodies, which prescriptively determine the main parameters of production standards. The priority was to increase labor productivity, increase output, and consolidate working hours. In conditions of predominance of manual labor and weak mechanization, this led to an increase in the exploitation of workers. At the same time, the Document protects some workers’ rights in the sphere of work and life, so the authors compare it with the Collective Agreement of 1904 between Baku workers and Caspian oil industrialist. There are no fundamental differences between these documents, and the working and living conditions have not changed since 1904. The authors concluded that the terms of the 1930 Agreement indicate that even such a highly paid and politically privileged part of the workers of Siberia as the Cheremkhov miners lived in difficult housing conditions and were forced to maintain vegetable gardens and livestock.

PROPOSALS FOR THE LOCATION OF SOCIAL PROTECTION INSTITUTIONS FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

The article discusses the design of social protection institutions in China, their main urban planning directions, which must be based on the current state regulations of the PRC, as well as the DBN (State Building Norms) of Ukraine mentioned in the article. The urban placement of social protection institutions is subordinate to the strategy for the development of the spatial system of settlements. This system of state-guaranteed economic, social, and legal measures provides elderly people with opportunities to overcome the limitations of life activities by creating specialized institutions where inclusive spaces are formed. Defined approaches to the urban placement of these institutions within the city structure include locations in green zones of central city parts, suburbs, and recreational areas of towns and rural settlements. The placement, capacity, and sizes of land plots for social protection institutions must be determined based on the design task, taking into account the requirements of such Ukrainian regulatory acts as: DBN B 2.2-12:2018; DBN B. 2.2-5:2011; DBN V.1.1-7:2016; DBN B 2.3-18:2007; DBN V. 2.2-9: 2018; DBN V. 2.2-16: 2007; DBN V. 2.2-40:2018; DBN V. 2.2 - 10: 2022; DBN V.2.2 -13: 2003; DBN V. 2.2 -16-2018; DBN V. 2.2 - 25: 2009; DBN V.2.2- 11:2002. The location of social protection institutions depends on the chosen development plot because these facilities require adjacent areas to have natural greening, which will facilitate the conduct of rehabilitation and rehabilitation processes within these institutions. The area of green plantings, which will include lawns, flower beds, fruit gardens, and vegetable gardens, must constitute no less than 50% of the plot area of the social protection institution building.

Rodent Gut Bacteria Coexisting with an Insect Gut Virus in Tapeworm Parasitic Cysts: Metagenomic Evidence of Microbial Selection in Extra-Intestinal Clinical Niches.

In medicine, parasitic cysts (e.g., brain cysticerci) are believed to be sterile, and are primarily treated with antiparasitic medications, not antibiotics, which could prevent abscess formation and localized inflammation. This study quantified the microbial composition of parasitic cysts in a wild rodent, using multi-kingdom metagenomics to comprehensively assess if parasitic cysts are sterile, and further understand gut microbial translocation and adaptation in wildlife confined environments, outside the gut. Analysis was conducted on DNA from two hepatic parasitic cysts from a feline tapeworm, Hydatigera (Taenia) taeniaeformis, affecting a wild vole mouse (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and from feces, liver and peritoneal fluid of this and two other concurrent individual wild voles trapped during pest control in one of our university research vegetable gardens. Bacterial metagenomics revealed the presence of gut commensal/opportunistic species, Parabacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides (Bacteroidota); Klebsiella variicola, E. coli (Enterobacteriaceae); Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus acidophilus (Bacillota) inhabiting the cysts, and peritoneal fluid. Remarkably, viral metagenomics revealed various murine viral species, and unexpectedly, a virus from the insect armyworm moth (Pseudaletia/Mythimna unipuncta), known as Mythimna unipuncta granulovirus A (MyunGV-A), in both cysts, and in one fecal and one peritoneal sample from the other non-cyst voles, indicating the survival and adaption potential of the insect virus in voles. Metagenomics also revealed a significantly lower probability of fungal detection in cysts compared to that in peritoneal fluid/feces (p < 0.05), with single taxon detection in each cyst (Malassezia and Pseudophaeomoniella oleicola). The peritoneal fluid had the highest probability for fungi. In conclusion, metagenomics revealed that bacteria/viruses/fungi coexist within parasitic cysts supporting the potential therapeutic benefits of antibiotics in cystic diseases, and in inflammatory microniches of chronic diseases, such as Crohn's disease gut wall cavitating micropathologies, from which we recently isolated similar synergistic pathogenic Bacteroidota and Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacillota.

The Diversity of pollinator insects in vegetable gardens, Kabawo District, Muna Regency

Pollinator insects play an important role in pollination to increase the productivity of flowering plants. The aim of this study was to analyze the abundance, diversity, and specific taxon of insect pollinators among different vegetable crops in local farmers' gardens. Insects were sampled from four gardens, namely polyculture long bean (KKP), eggplant polyculture (KT), curly chili monoculture (KCK), and Indofood chili monoculture (KCI) used nets and light traps. The results showed that the abundance and diversity of pollinator insects varied between gardens. The pollinator insect community in KCI was most similar to that in KCK; KT was similar to the KCI and KCK groups, while KKP were separate from the KT, KCK and KCI groups. The richest genus occurs in KKP, while chili plantations are the poorest. The apis genus in KKP and KT, and the Nomina genus in KCK and KCI were dominant. The specific pollinator insect genus in KKP is the richest. It concluded that plant species and cropping patterns contribute to the composition and diversity of the pollinator insect community.

Characterization of Mixtures of Rugulopteryx okamurae Compost and Plant Residues to Determine the Most Effective Composition as a Substrate and Source of Nutrients

The increasing invasion of Rugulopteryx okamurae algae along the coast of southeastern Spain has prompted efforts to explore its potential as a resource. Consequently, composting this alga is considered a viable solution for agricultural applications. This study investigates the composting process of mixtures of R. okamurae seaweed with plant residues and characterizes the final compost for its use as a substrate and/or source of nutrients to determine the most effective composition of the mixture. The composting process was conducted using varying proportions of seaweed (100%, 30–35%, and 15%) combined with plant residues (from vegetable plants, fruits, and gardens) and included both washed and unwashed seaweed. The first trials revealed challenges associated with Rugulopteryx okamurae, such as a low C/N ratio and algae washing. Consequently, a second trial was conducted to optimize the mixtures, aiming for a C/N ratio close to 30. Additionally, it was decided not to wash the algae to reduce the electrical conductivity (EC) in the mixtures. The findings indicate that the composting process remains unaffected by high electrical conductivity when algae are unwashed. However, washing the algae before composting did affect the compost quality, as the composts with washed algae with garden waste (SwP 34.0 dS m−1) had a lower electrical conductivity (EC) than did the unwashed composts with garden waste (SP 51.6 dS m−1 and SFP 64.9 dS m−1). On the other hand, the compost-only horticultural and garden waste (FHP 43.7 dS m−1) had a high EC; therefore, the EC was not increased with low proportions of unwashed algae, as was seen with the compost with 15% unwashed algae (SFHP 47.6 dS m−1). The other quality parameters were not affected by the absence of algae washing at the beginning of the composting process.

Can local ecological knowledge establish conservation baselines for the Critically Endangered Blue‐crowned Laughingthrush?

Abstract Designing conservation interventions for rare species can be hindered by a lack of relevant data. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) has potential to provide rapidly collected, cost‐effective data across large spatio‐temporal scales, but has rarely been used as a source of conservation‐relevant information for the Asian Songbird Crisis. The Blue‐crowned Laughingthrush (Pterorhinus courtoisi; BCLT) is a Critically Endangered passerine found only in southeastern China. It is unclear why the species' breeding range and global population are extremely small, as it occurs in human‐occupied forest‐agricultural landscapes similar to surrounding environments across southern China. We conducted systematic range‐wide interviews on BCLT (n = 519) to collect novel information on the species' temporal and spatial distribution, and on potential human activities and landscape changes associated with its presence or absence. Recognition of BCLT was moderate (45.0% of respondents reported sightings), with sightings within the previous 18 months across the study area, within and beyond their known distribution. Over half of known breeding villages were confirmed by LEK data, and nesting was reported from two villages with no previous breeding records. BCLT trapping was reported across the study landscape, mostly from the last decade and associated with trappers from urban centres. BCLT trapping and lack of fengshui forest were associated with sites where BCLTs did not breed. Breeding sites were associated with increases in vegetable gardens over respondents' lifetimes, and other sites within the species' range were associated with decreases in bush/scrub. We demonstrate that LEK can identify potential threats, new breeding sites and landscape changes correlated with species presence or absence for threatened birds affected by the Asian songbird crisis. This study provides the first evidence of ongoing trapping as a threat to BCLT, and remedial measures are urgently required across the region. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

The traditional ecological knowledge of the local people of Cijambu Village, Sumedang, Indonesia, on the diversity, utilization, management, and conservation of bamboo

Abstract. Ihsan M, Irawan B, Iskandar J. 2024. The traditional ecological knowledge of the local people of Cijambu Village, Sumedang, Indonesia, on the diversity, utilization, management, and conservation of bamboo. Biodiversitas 25: 1754-1770. Bamboos have been known to play an important role in the socio-economic, cultural, and ecological benefits of rural people in West Java. However, many bamboo gardens have been converted to other land-use types, including commercial vegetable gardens. The study aimed to record local people's Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Cijambu, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia, regarding the diversity, utilization, management, and conservation of ethnobotany and bamboo. The mixed method, combining approaches with an ethnobotanical perspective, was employed in this study through semi-structured and structured interviews with informants. The study results showed a diversity of bamboo landraces with six types of bamboo identified by the community: Awi Tali (Gigantochloa apus), Awi Gombong/Awi Surat (Gigantochloa verticillata), Awi Temen (Gigantochloa atter), Awi Bitung (Dendrocalamus asper), Haur Héjo (Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris), and Haur Konéng (Bambusa vulgaris var. striata). Bamboo has 41 uses: 3 ecological uses, 32 economic uses, and 6 socio-cultural uses. Bamboo management involves maintaining and transforming bamboo gardens into mixed gardens, combining vegetables and coffee plants to increase income. Community conservation efforts involve selective logging to ensure the sustainability and regeneration of bamboo. The conservation process is influenced by cultural beliefs and myths, such as refraining from cutting or taking bamboo on Fridays. Bamboo people believe in Tolak Bala, which uses Haur Konéng bamboo.

Occupant Needs for Neighborhood Outdoor Spaces Based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Evidence from Wuxi, China

This study investigates the correlation between the needs of residents in Wuxi, China, and the provision of neighborhood outdoor spaces, through the lens of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The objective is to discern and comprehend the distinct needs residents have for outdoor spaces across various tiers of Maslow's hierarchy, encompassing physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. This study utilizes quantitative research methods, integrating data obtained from a survey of 372 residents to acquire insights into their perspectives on outdoor spaces. The findings reveal that, at the physiological level, residents place a premium on access to clean and verdant spaces for relaxation and exercise. From a safety perspective, the availability of well-lit, secure, and meticulously maintained outdoor settings is deemed essential. In terms of love and belonging, environments that encourage neighborhood interaction and foster social bonds, such as playgrounds and community gardens, are highly valued. Regarding esteem, spaces that are aesthetically appealing and bolster local identity and pride hold significant importance. Finally, concerning self-actualization, areas that provide avenues for personal development and engagement with the environment, including educational workshops and neighborhood vegetable gardens, are in demand. The study underscores the necessity of adopting a holistic approach to urban planning that accounts for the multifaceted needs of residents at different levels of Maslow’s hierarchy. The insights garnered from Wuxi, China, suggest that satisfying these varied needs is pivotal to enhancing the overall well-being and contentment of residents with their community outdoor spaces. This research offers critical perspectives for urban planners, landscape architects, and policymakers dedicated to fostering more habitable, sustainable, and needs-focused outdoor environments in urban settings.

Revitalization of waste bank management in Cecelan Hamlet, Magelang Regency

Established in 2016, Bank Sampah Lestari, a community-based waste bank, was forced to cease operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This outreach initiative aimed to revitalize waste management activities at Bank Sampah Lestari. Employing a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach, the project encompassed a series of activities, including raising awareness about the crucial role of waste banks, guiding participants in waste sorting practices, facilitating the sale of paper and cardboard waste, teaching organic fertilizer production, promoting maggot cultivation, encouraging the creation of handicrafts from plastic waste, and supporting vegetable gardening within the bank's premises. The project's outcomes included: 1) the establishment of a new organizational structure for bank sampah membership, 2) the resumption of waste sorting, collection, and sales activities, and 3) enhanced community creativity and knowledge regarding waste management practices.

Integrating nutrition in the Sasakawa Africa Association extension services: Knowledge, attitude and practices among smallholder farmers

This survey aimed to establish nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and practices, and to observe how gender influences household food-related decision-making processes in the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) intervention areas in the Oromia and Southern Nation Nationalities and People regions of Ethiopia. The findings would inform implementation of communication for nutrition social and behaviour change among small-holder farmers as part of the SAA corporate strategy on nutrition-sensitive agriculture. The study population was smallholder farmers supported by SAA from which 311 respondents were selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected via a mixed methods approach consisting of a household survey, focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analysed using a narrative and content approach. The study focused on knowledge, attitudes and practices related to production and consumption of micronutrient-rich foods. Majority (59.5%) of the respondents were male. Men were the main decision makers on staple or commercial food crop production and proportion of produced crops to be consumed at home or sold in the market. Women mainly made decisions regarding production and consumption of fruits and vegetables, intra-household food distribution, preservation and storage. There was a lack of knowledge on iron and vitamin A fortified or biofortified sources of food. Nearly three quarters (72%) of women did not meet the minimum dietary diversity for women, a proxy indicator of adequacy of micronutrient intake and diet quality. The mean dietary diversity score was 3.8 with animal source foods being the least consumed. Not having sufficient money to buy food, unavailability of different food groups and poor intra-household food distribution were among the key reasons for lack of diverse diets. Majority of the respondents were aware of the importance of production and consumption of micronutrient-rich foods. However, there was a gap in practice and awareness about biofortified and fortified foods. While most of the respondents had produced fruits and vegetables in home gardens in the three months prior to this survey, more than half (54%) of the respondents thought it was not likely that they would produce fruits and vegetables for home consumption. More targeted nutrition campaigns are required to increase the ability of small-holder farmers to adopt best practices while reducing the barriers associated with access and consumption. Promotion of fruit and vegetable production in home gardens could be considered as option for improving household dietary quality as well as empowering women to make more decisions. Key words: Sasakawa Africa Association, Small-holder farmers, Nutrition, Knowledge, Practices

Application of a portable ion chromatograph for real-time field analysis of nitrite and nitrate in soils and soil pore waters

Real-time monitoring of nitrite and nitrate is crucial for maintaining soil health and promoting plant growth. In this study, a portable ion-chromatograph (IC, Aquamonitrix) analyser, coupled with a field-applicable ultrasonic-assisted extraction method, was utilised for in-field determination of nitrate and nitrite in soils. This is the first application of this type of analyser to soil nutrients. On-site analysis of soil from a local sports field showed 94.8 ± 4.3 μg g−1 nitrate, with LODs of 32.0 μg g−1 for nitrate and 5.4 μg g−1 for nitrite. The results were in close agreement with those obtained using a conventional lab-based IC. Relative standard deviations (%RSDs) for soil analysis using Aquamonitrix were consistently below 10%. The obtained average recoveries of samples spiked with nitrite were 100% and 104% for the portable IC and conventional IC, respectively. Furthermore, to assess the suitability of portable IC for samples with high organic matter content, various natural organic fertilisers were extracted and analysed. The results showed 16.2 ± 0.7 μg g−1 nitrite and 28.5 ± 5.6 μg g−1 nitrate in sheep manure samples with LODs of 2.0 μg g−1 for nitrite and 12.0 μg g−1 for nitrate. The portable IC system was further demonstrated via real-time on-site analysis of soil pore-water acquired using a portable battery-based ceramic pore-water sampler. A continuous increase in nitrate concentration over time was observed (from 80 to 148 μg mL−1) in the soil pore-water in a vegetable garden four days after heavy rain. Unlike conventionally sampled natural waters, 7-day storage of the studied pore water samples revealed no changes in nitrate concentrations. An average of 558 ± 51 μg mL−1 nitrate was detected in the soil pore-water samples analysed on a spinach farm, immediately after irrigation.

Proceso evolutivo de una organización de huerteros en la provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina): el caso de la Asociación Civil Los Cirujas de La Matanza

Due to the deepening of neoliberal policies in the 1990s, the labor market suffered changes that led to an increase in precariousness and unemployment, a drop in income, and an increase in poverty. In this context, the ProHuerta Program (Pro Vegetable Garden Program) was launched to facilitate access of the vulnerable population to a healthier and more diverse diet. In the district of La Matanza (province of Buenos Aires, Argentina), in 1996, some volunteer promoters of this program decided to create an association, the Cirujas Civil Association from La Matanza as an alternative organization, oriented to satisfy their needs and part of the Matanza community’s needs. The general objective of this study is to analyze the evolutionary process of this organizational experience as well as to understand its scope and contribution to community development. To this end, a case study was conducted following a qualitative approach.

Impact of Biochar on Pathogenic Bacteria and Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) Growth in Soil Treated with Chicken Manure

Chicken manure plays an important role in soil amendment by improving soil properties for plant growth. However, the high levels of pathogens can have an adverse effect on humans when used for sports turf. This study was conducted to 1) determine the pathogenic bacteria in chicken manure-amended soil, 2) identify the appropriate decomposition stage of manure associated with reduced number of pathogenic bacteria, 3) assess the effect of different rates of biochar on pathogenic bacteria in the amended soil and 4) determine the effect of biochar on the growth of Bermuda grass. The design used for the laboratory experiment was 3˟3 factorial in Completely Randomised Design (CRD) and it was replicated three times. The factors involved were: decomposition stages of chicken manure (3 levels) and the different rates of biochar (3 levels). The best combination of biochar and chicken manure at the percentages of 0, 5, 10, and 15 were then used together with soil and sand mix at a ratio of 100:00 and 70:30 to plant Bermuda grass. This experiment showed that E. coli was present in chicken manure and that increasing the decomposition period had a significant effect on the E. coli by reducing its load. Also, the addition of biochar to the chicken manure resulted in a significant reduction of E. coli count (p&lt;0.01). The soil amended with the biochar and manure also supported very well the growth of Bermuda grass with the 10% and 15% biochar manure mix in 70 to 30 ratio of topsoil and sand giving the best grass growth in terms of spread, thickness, height, and color. A regression analysis given by the equation Y(coverage)=176.857-23.0402(sprouting) (R2=0.99), indicated that sprouting significantly affected grass coverage such that 99% variation in the grass coverage was attributed to the sprouting. At the end of the study, it was concluded that well-composted chicken manure should be used together with biochar on sports fields to help remediate the problem of E. coli infestation and also improve the growth of grass on fields. Furthermore, biochar with chicken manure-amended soil could be ideal for vegetable garden to help reduce foodborne diseases caused by E. coli infestation.

Educational Strategies to Increase the Acceptability of Products with Vegetables among Children

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different educational techniques on the acceptability of products made with spinach among schoolchildren and analyze their physicochemical composition. Muffins and pancakes containing spinach were developed. Two hundred and fifty children were organized into five groups: Control Group (CG), sensory analysis of the products without any educational action; Group 1 (G1), theoretical activity; Group 2 (G2), cooking workshops; Group 3 (G3), implementation and cultivation of school vegetable garden; Group 4 (G4), cooking workshops and implementation of vegetable garden. Then, the children evaluated the food products sensorially. The combination of workshop and garden (G4) increased the acceptability of the muffin for aroma, color, and global acceptance and acceptability index (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The isolated interventions of workshop (G2), garden (G3), and both (G4) improved the acceptance of the taste, with no significant difference between the scores of the groups for appearance and texture in the muffin (p &amp;gt; 0.05).&amp;nbsp;Superior scores for the appearance and aroma of the pancake (p &amp;lt; 0.05) were observed in G4 compared to CG. G4 also showed better acceptance for color, global acceptance, and acceptability index when compared to CG, G1, and G3. Aroma and texture were not influenced by the interventions (p &amp;gt; 0.05). In conclusion, the cooking workshop and the vegetable garden combined are superior in increasing the sensory acceptance of food products to which vegetables with low acceptability among children are added. The preparations have a favorable nutritional profile and can be offered to children.

Dynamic spatiotemporal changes of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil and eggs of private gardens at different distances from a fluorochemical plant

Homegrown food serves as an important human exposure source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), yet little is known about their spatiotemporal distribution within and among private gardens. This knowledge is essential for more accurate site-specific risk assessment, identification of new sources and evaluating the effectiveness of regulations. The present study evaluated spatiotemporal changes of legacy and emerging PFAS in surface soil from vegetable gardens (N = 78) and chicken enclosures (N = 102), as well as in homegrown eggs (N = 134) of private gardens, across the Province of Antwerp (Belgium). Hereby, the potential influence of the wind orientation and distance towards a major fluorochemical plant was examined. The ∑short-chain PFAS and precursor concentrations were higher in vegetable garden soil (8.68 ng/g dry weight (dw)) compared to chicken enclosure soil (4.43 ng/g dw) and homegrown eggs (0.77 ng/g wet weight (ww)), while long-chain sulfonates and C11−14 carboxylates showed the opposite trend. Short-term (2018/2019–2022) changes were mostly absent in vegetable garden soil, while changes in chicken enclosure soils oriented S-SW nearby (<4 km) the fluorochemical plant were characterized by a local, high-concentration plume. Moreover, soil from chicken enclosures oriented SE and remotely from the plant site was characterized by a widespread, diffuse but relatively low-concentration plume. Long-term data (2010–2022) suggest that phaseout and regulatory measures have been effective, as PFOS concentrations nearby the fluorochemical plant in soil and eggs have declined from 25.8 to 2.86 ng/g dw and from 528 to 39.4 ng/g ww, respectively. However, PFOS and PFOA concentrations have remained largely stable within this timeframe in gardens remotely from the plant site, warranting further rapid regulation and remediation measures. Future monitoring efforts are needed to allow long-term comparison for multiple PFAS and better distinction from potential confounding variables, such as variable emission outputs and variability in wind patterns.

A new functional food product – microgreen vegetable beans – feature and nutritional properties

Microgreens are valued for their freshness and refined taste, and by adherents of a healthy diet – for their saturation with vitamins, trace elements, antioxidants, enzymes and valuable protein. The product enjoys steadily growing demand not only in the production segment (restaurants, cafes, supermarkets), but also in home cultivation – «vegetable garden on the window». Among vegetable crops, vegetable pea micro-greens are very popular, especially varieties with a mustachioed leaf type. It is this product that helps culinary masters to give products bright visual and taste accents. Few people know that among legumes, in addition to vegetable peas, there is an excellent alternative with no less nutritional value. This is a micro-green of vegetable beans. Bean shoots are more fleshy and juicy, crispy, sweet with a nutty taste, and most importantly, absolutely everyone can grow them. Obtaining microgreens from vegetable bean culture is a promising direction, since its nutritional value and biochemical composition are comparable to the microgreens of vegetable peas. The content of the main nutrients on average for the studied varieties of breeding of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (FSBSI FSVC) is: protein – 20-35% (dry weight), ascorbic acid – 0,51 mg/g, carotenoids – 0,48 mg/g, monosaccharide – 1,15%, dry matter – 10,62%. However, vegetable beans have an undeniable advantage in cultivation – it is the possibility of using up to two or three cuts from one crop, due to the ability to form additional shoots when using the method of cutting under the «root». The yield from the container when sowing 100 seeds obtained in two cuts ranged from 320 g to 400 g, depending on the variety and method of cutting. The highest yield was obtained from the cv. Velena, which forms about 200 g of fresh shoots both in the first and second cut. According to the results of our research, it is recommended to use two cuts for the cv. Belorusskie and cv. Russkie chernye, while the cv. Velena is able to give a full-fledged microgreen even with the third cut.

“The island is now a big vegetable garden”: Imaginaries of Nature and Carceral Reform at Rikers Island

AbstractThe practice of conflating green with a social and moral good is a historically specific social process. The purpose of this article is to show how that process has made particularly good company for carceral humanism and legitimisation. By tracing initiatives integrating gardening at New York City's Rikers Island jail complex, I argue that projects and narratives cloaked in visions of green, nature, and sustainability obscure and reproduce both popular and institutional claims to expansionist carceral reform in the name of offering an inherently rehabilitative service. Drawing on conversations around commodity fetishism, urban political ecology, sustainability, and carceral reform, this article shows how holding nature as an inherent source of moral high ground that, by default, rehabilitates all who take advantage of it, is to disregard the social mechanisms that in turn naturalise the prison‐industrial complex.