Vegetable Garden Research Articles

One Health Approach to Study the Occurrence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase- and Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. in Urban Agriculture in Burkina Faso

Data on antimicrobial resistance in Burkina Faso’s agricultural sector is still limited. This study assessed the occurrence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) and Klebsiella spp. (ESBL-K) in lettuce, environment, and gardeners’ stools in market gardens in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A total of 356 samples were collected from three vegetable gardens (76 lettuce, 76 soil, 62 manure, 63 irrigation water, and 79 human stools). The ESBL-selective medium was used for initial selection of ESBL-producing bacteria, and the isolates were further identified using biochemical tests. An antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using the disk diffusion method. The overall prevalence of ESBL-Ec and/or ESBL-K in the samples was 232/356 (65.2%). Of the lettuce samples, the prevalence of ESBL-Ec was 19/76 (25.0%) and ESBL-K 33/76 (43.4%). In the market gardens environment, the prevalence of ESBL-Ec was 32/201 (15.9%) and ESBL-K 124/201 (61.7%). In the gardeners’ stools, the prevalence of ESBL-Ec was 42/79 (53.2%) and ESBL-K 24/79 (30.4%). Two ESBL-K isolates were found to produce NDM carbapenemase. Due to the high prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria, which may also be carbapenemase producers, it is necessary to monitor pathogens in agricultural products with a “One Health” approach to limit and prevent infections in the population.

Large scale study on PFASs levels in fruits, vegetables and soil from allotments and gardens contaminated by atmospheric deposition from a Dutch fluorochemical production plant.

Citizens grow their own fruits and vegetables in allotment gardens in the vicinity of a fluorochemical production plant (FCPP) in The Netherlands. Historic emissions and the subsequent atmospheric deposition of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and GenX (hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid / HFPO-DA) from the FCPP have resulted in the nearby environment being contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). This research aimed to investigate the levels of PFASs in garden produce and whether a gradient can be observed in relation to distance from the FCPP. Furthermore, differences between certain types of fruits and vegetables were explored, as well as a potential relation between the measured concentrations in garden produce and soil. 737 fruit and vegetable samples were collected from 17 allotments and 4 gardens up to 20 kilometres from the FCPP, along with soil and water samples. Garden produce included fruits, potatoes, fruiting vegetables, brassicas, leafy vegetables, root vegetables, bulb vegetables, legumes and stem vegetables. PFASs concentrations in the samples were quantified using a very sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method. PFASs were detected in most samples above the analytical limit of detection (0.3 to 12.5 pg/g ww). PFOA and GenX were found in the highest concentrations (up to 5280 pg/g ww GenX and 3020 pg/g ww PFOA) in garden produce sampled downwind and close to the FCPP. Other PFASs were also found, but at (much) lower levels. Field-derived bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were calculated for PFOA and GenX. The BAFs for PFOA were shown to be approximately 1 order of magnitude lower than BAFs from other studies. This may be explained by aging of the PFASs contamination and the intense cultivation of the garden plots. This study shows that PFOA and GenX can end up in garden produce and this will result in human exposure when the garden produce is consumed.

First Person: The Happy Farm: Igniting the flame of knowledge in children

Teacher Shanshan Wang took the opportunity to transform an empty area near her school into a vegetable and fruit garden with her students, which they dubbed the Happy Farm. Students planted the seeds and tended the plants. They kept journals about the growing plants and worked together to solve problems when they arose. The produce from the garden is served in the school cafeteria. Wang writes that the students value being out in nature and learning through activities rather than just in their classrooms.

Towards more inclusive understandings of creativity

Creativity research could advantageously turn away from the notion that being creative is solely connected to novelty, youth, and renewal, and that the ability to be creative declines with age. On the contrary, it seems that people can find great value in being active, participating in the community, and creating—in the vegetable garden, with knitting, or together with others in choirs and community life. This commentary on Adams-Price and Morse “Creativity, aging, context and culture: Reimagining creativity in everyday life in older adults” invites the authors to go even further in their theoretical exploration of models of creativity adding an even stronger lifespan perspective on creativity.

Incidence of agroecological-based practices in urban vegetable gardens: effect on crop diversity and production levels

ABSTRACT Agroecological-based practices (ABPs) play a vital role in urban vegetable gardens, enhancing the quality of life. However, factors driving ABP implementation and their impact on crop production and diversity are not fully understood. Our study assessed the influence of socio-economic and environmental characteristics on ABP adoption, crop diversity, and total weight vegetable production in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. Through interviews and a multi-model inference approach, we found that ABP implementation is tied to gardener experience and formative assets (e.g. horticultural experience, specific training). Crop diversity, integral to ABP, is affected by farming practices and farmer characteristics (Farm animals, Pollinator-friendly practices, Experience, Additional training and Environmental knowledge). The Total weight produced was primarily influenced by the type of garden, the gardener’s experience and some ABPs. Long-standing commercial and community objectives and the use of farm animals and commercial seed led to greater production. Strengthening key drivers, such as farmer training, through public policies (e.g. income generation, financing, specific training, land access) can bolster the role of urban gardens in providing a healthy environment and promoting food sovereignty.

A Comprehensive Overview on Sustainable Vegetable Gardening: Eco-friendly Approaches to Home Grown Production

Sustainable vegetable gardening is an eco-friendly practice that integrates organic farming principles, resource conservation, and biodiversity promotion to produce nutritious, chemical-free food while minimizing environmental impact. This approach emphasizes soil health through the use of organic amendments, crop rotation, composting, and mulching to improve fertility and water retention. Water conservation techniques, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, are employed to optimize water use, especially in arid regions. Pest and disease management relies on integrated pest management (IPM), biological controls, companion planting, and the use of organic pesticides to reduce chemical input while maintaining crop health. Sustainable homegrown produce has been shown to have superior nutritional content compared to commercially grown produce, and the avoidance of synthetic chemicals reduces the risk of pesticide residue exposure. Gardening fosters healthy eating habits by connecting individuals to their food sources, encouraging the consumption of fresh, unprocessed vegetables, and contributing to food security. The mental and physical health benefits of gardening, including reduced stress, increased physical activity, and improved mental well-being, further highlight its holistic value. However, challenges such as the initial setup costs, time investment, pest management, and knowledge gaps can hinder widespread adoption. Addressing these challenges requires greater access to resources, educational initiatives, and the development of climate-resilient practices tailored to specific regions. Future trends in sustainable gardening include the adoption of technological innovations, such as smart irrigation systems, automation, and vertical farming, which offer scalable solutions for urban and small-scale gardeners. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of resilient, local food systems, and sustainable gardening is poised to play a critical role in addressing future food security concerns.

The Garden Vegetation Coverage Monitoring and Spatial Analysis Model based on Remote Sensing Technology

A correlation study was conducted between SPOTVEGNDVI monthly data and rainfall data in Yulin, Yan ’an, Xi ’an and Ankang of Shaanxi Province from 2015 to 2022. The ecological effects of urban vegetation cover were studied using the revised standardized Vegetation Index (NDVIC). It is found that NDVIC has a strong correlation with precipitation, and its correlation increases with the increase of altitude. Vegetation cover in the Ankang area increased significantly from 2016 to 2022. The net primary productivity index of urban green space increased significantly in October 2016-2022, which is an objective reflection of the effectiveness of urban green construction. This study can lay a theoretical foundation for the objective quantitative assessment of the ecological effects of urban vegetation cover.

Joint cultivation of fish and vegetable crops in an aquaponics system using floating beds

Comparative results of the cultivation of Silver crucian carp in conditions of aquarium circulation systems are presented, in one of which aquaponic cultivation of tomatoes and peppers on a floating bed in a fish tank was used. In comparison with the control, a significant improvement in hydrochemical parameters for dissolved oxygen and a group of nitrogen-containing compounds was noted in the experimental aquarium. The ratio of the specific formation as a result of the vital activity of fish and the absorption of nitrates by plants was 0,8 units. The results showed that for 1 kg of ichthyomass, 26 tomato plants or 34 bell pepper bushes can be planted on a floating bed. In the obtained fruits, the nitrate content turned out to be 2 times lower than the MPC for open and 4 times lower than the MPC for protected soil. The increase in the total ichthyomass of crucians in the experiment turned out to be 1,6 times higher, and feed costs 1,5 times lower than in the control. At the same time, the fish productivity of the aquarium with a floating vegetable garden increased by 9,7%.

Connecting Education and Nature: The Benefits of Direct Contact with the Natural Environment for the Holistic Development of Ninth-Grade Students at the Municipal School Prof. Dr. Amaro Fernandes de Oliveira Sobrinho

This study examined the benefits of direct contact with nature for ninth-grade students at Escola Municipal Prof. Dr. Amaro Fernandes de Oliveira Sobrinho. It emphasized hands-on experiences, such as visits to farms, the establishment of vegetable gardens, and the revitalization of existing gardens. These activities were designed to enhance academic learning and promote the holistic development of students. Interaction with the environment provided a deeper understanding of ecosystems and sustainable practices, enabling students to directly engage with concepts such as natural cycles and environmental impacts. In addition to the academic advantages, outdoor experiences have been shown to improve students' emotional well-being by reducing stress and fostering a sense of overall wellness. The activities also cultivated social skills, including communication and collaboration, by involving students in group projects. Immersion in nature contributed to a more collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, while sustainability practices heightened environmental awareness. The findings underscore the importance of integrating natural experiences into the school curriculum to facilitate more meaningful learning and prepare students to become responsible and well-rounded citizens in an increasingly urban and digital world.

Urban scavenging: vertebrates display greater sensitivity to land-cover and garden vegetation cover than invertebrates

Scavenging removes carrion or littered food waste from the environment, promoting nutrient cycling, and reducing waste management costs. These ecosystem services are important in urban environments, where high human population densities result in increased littered food waste. It is unclear how the magnitude of scavenging across urban-rural gradients is influenced by agent, land-cover type, and patch size. We investigated scavenging provision by vertebrates and invertebrates across a gradient of urbanisation, based on impervious surface cover, in woodlands and gardens in Liverpool, UK. The percentage dry weight loss of bait after 48 h, deployed within vertebrate exclusion cages or exposed to vertebrates and invertebrates, was used to quantify scavenging provision. General linear mixed effects models were used to assess the relative contributions of vertebrates and invertebrates across an urban-rural gradient, variation in scavenging between woodlands and gardens, and the effects of semi-natural vegetation cover on scavenging in gardens. We consider patch size as a preliminary assessment of how fragmentation influences scavenging. Vertebrates contributed substantially more to scavenging than invertebrates across the urbanisation gradient. Vertebrate scavenging was greater in woodlands than gardens, while invertebrate scavenging remained consistent. Scavenging increased with patch size in gardens, but not woodlands. Vertebrate scavenging increased with patch size and garden semi-natural vegetation cover. Urban woodlands and gardens make important contributions to scavenging-mediated ecosystem services. There is a need to increase the cover of semi-natural vegetation in gardens to increase their contributions, and protect and expand woodlands, especially in areas with a high demand for scavenging-mediated ecosystem services.

Implementasi Teknologi Digital Dalam Pemasaran Usaha Sayur Hidroponik Surabaya

This article examines digital implementation in marketing hydroponic vegetable businesses with a focus on hydroponic vegetable garden businesses in Surabaya. The main aim of this article is to understand how digital technology has become an important instrument in marketing hydroponic vegetable businesses. This article uses a qualitative approach with interview, observation and literature study methods to collect data from the Surabaya Vegetable Garden. The results of the article show that the digital technology used for marketing hydroponic vegetables has had a significant positive impact on the business at the Surabaya Vegetable Garden. Implementation of digital technology in marketing, which includes sales and promotions carried out on social media for hydroponic vegetables in the Surabaya Vegetable Garden by utilizing current technology. This article contributes to the understanding of digital technology used in the marketing system by Kebun Sayur Surabaya and the policy implications resulting from this article are the need to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of digital marketing.

Smallholder farmers’ knowledge and perceptions towards elephants and the restraining poliwire fences in Mambova wildlife corridor, southern Zambia

Human-elephant conflict (HEC) poses a major challenge for communities living within large transboundary corridors, affecting livelihoods and personal safety. Elephant-restraining solar-electric poliwire fences were implemented as HEC mitigation from 2017 to 2022 for 17 mixed-produce multi-farmer gardens in Mambova farming community in southern Zambia. To assess the knowledge and perceptions of farmers towards elephants and the newly established solar-electric poliwire fences, we conducted 60 semi-structured interviews (22 females, 38 males) with farmers from both fenced and unfenced gardens. The study found that community perceptions varied, and elephants and hippos caused significant crop damage to unfenced vegetable gardens, particularly during the dry season (95–96.3% of incidents occurring between July and November). Farmers reported elephants mainly damaged their gardens at night (21:00–03:00 h.), affecting crops like maize (Zea mays) and rape plants (Brassica napus). Most respondents (96.7%) found the solar-electric poliwire fence more effective in preventing crop damage than traditional mitigation measures, such as drumming and guarding. While some farmers were uncomfortable with elephants in their area (50%), others valued their presence for tourism and education (47%). A holistic approach, combining education, awareness campaigns, and conservation initiatives, is needed to manage HEC effectively. Understanding farmer perspectives and local knowledge about elephant behaviour and migration is vital for sustainable coexistence of humans with elephants.

Horta sustentável no âmbito escolar: Uma abordagem CTS junto ao ensino fundamental

We will present here the results of a research that aimed to ascertain the pedagogical potential of an educational product linked to the construction of a sustainable vegetable garden with students of the 5th year of Elementary School. This educational product was structured from a STS (Science, Technology and Society) approach in order to develop learning and skills capable of expanding the students' repertoires about Science, Technology and, mainly, about its implications in our society and environment. Our study is qualitative and as a data collection instrument we used a field diary. The data revealed that pedagogical actions – such as those of school gardens – supported by a STS approach contribute to the formation of students who are more critical about food and healthy processes related to human health.

Low-Cost Automated Vegetable Garden: Integrating Educational Robotics in High School

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the integration of Educational Robotics (ER) into high school curricula through the development of the Automated Vegetable Garden project, aiming to enhance student learning and support sustainable agricultural practices among small local producers. Theoretical Framework: This study is based on the theories of STEAM education, problem-based learning (PBL) and the principles of Design Thinking. These frameworks provide a foundation for inserting Educational Robotics into real-world interdisciplinary problems and enhancing individual and collaborative learning. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a Design Thinking approach divided into phases of exploration, ideation and prototyping. Participants include high school students and small, local producers. Materials used include the ESP8266 microcontroller and low-cost sensors, and to the use of Google Sheets for data collection. Data was collected through field testing. Results and Discussion: The results revealed the integration of Educational Robotics through the Automated Garden project, with two educational interventions being proposed: project-based, with the creation of the prototype, and another based on Storytelling. Research Implications: Practical implications of this research include the development of improved educational practices in ER, promoting students' skills in digital technologies and problem-solving. The project also promotes sustainable agricultural practices by providing smallholder farmers with actionable data. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating an approach to integrating Educational Robotics into high school curricula through practical real-world applications. The relevance and value of this research is evidenced by its potential to improve educational outcomes and support sustainable agriculture in local communities.

“The Nous Project”: A SEL program to promote emotional self-understanding in elementary school children

This article presents “The Nous Project,” a SEL program designed to promote and analyze the capacity for emotional self-understanding among children attending elementary schools in Italy. The project rests on the conceptual framework that authentic educational research should be not only explorative of a phenomenon but also transformative of a context and, to achieve this, it should introduce into schools new meaningful experiences and investigate them. The children involved in the project were invited to narrate the emotions they felt during the day in a “diary of emotional life” and analyze them with the help of the metaphor “vegetable garden of emotions.” These reflective exercises were qualitatively analyzed in order to understand what ways of emotional self-understanding emerge from the realized educative experience. At the end of the program, children were asked to write what they thought they had learned, and findings from the qualitative analysis of their answers highlight their perceptions about the effectiveness of the educative experience in which they were involved.

Development of the Optimal Logistics System for Organic Recycling

Abstract Along with the socio-economic development, the generation of solid waste in Vietnam is increasing, becoming an environmental problem. The amount of domestic solid waste generated in Vietnam is currently about 25.5 million tons/year, and is expected to increase on average by 10-15% per year due to rapid population growth, combined with the process of industrialization and urbanization. However, the collection and treatment system of solid waste is still a dilemma. Domestic solid waste management is still treated in traditional ways such as incineration and landfill, causing many harms to the environment. The Optimal Logistic System for Organic Recycling study aims to develop an IoT integrated Logistics system, called LogiOT system, to promote the circular economy model in Vietnam, and proposes a plan to combine waste segregation and utilization of domestic organic wastes as food for worm farming sites to produce organic fertilizers, will reduce CO2 emissions in greenhouse gas emission, contributing to the promotion of model development Circular economy in Vietnam helps to make the environment greener and cleaner. In addition, the logistics model is proposed to solve the problem of the collection system of waste from households, as well as the distribution of organic solid waste to worm farms and distribution of organic fertilizers to the vegetable gardens appropriately, optimizing the cost of the transportation as well as balancing the amount of organic solid waste distributed and the amount required by the garden owners and the amount of solid waste discharged.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN ELEMENTS AND NATURAL MATERIALS IN HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS

ABSTRACT Biophilic design elements in healthcare environments increase the connection between the built environment and its local natural environment and have been shown to improve the psychological and physiological well-being of patients and medical staff. Similarly, natural materials, which are part of the biophilic paradigm, have been shown to enhance the indoor qualities of habitable spaces. Despite these advantages, existing research on biophilia and natural materials in healthcare design has been mostly focused on specific case studies and thus requires further synthesis into practical design guidelines. To address this need, this paper uses case studies and evidence from the literature to enumerate predictable outcomes and develop visual guidelines related to biophilic design—daylight, views, gardens—with a final focus on materials. The implications of key design parameters are analyzed to their potential impact on patients and medical staff, including recovery rates, hospitalization days, pain medication intake, stress levels, active behavior, and task performance. The provided guidelines include biophilic light design specifications that can reduce hospital stays by 3.67 days and biophilic views that may reduce pain medication intake by up to 61%. Natural materials, including living garden vegetation, were shown to be most impactful on stress and behavioral well-being. An additional focus on natural materials for biophilic design is defined by developing a toolkit for analyzing effective locations for views of materials within a patient's room. The guidelines developed in this further support the transition into simulation and computational analysis tools that assess the health outcomes of various biophilic design strategies from a range of design characteristics and interventions to produce correlations to health and productivity metrics.

Educational Actions at School: Proposal to Increase Children’s Contact with Vegetables

The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of educational actions in the school environment on the level of food neophobia, knowledge, consumption, acceptance, frequency of intake, planting of vegetables and assistance in cooking preparations among children. In addition, to verify the impact of actions on the sensory acceptance of food products added with vegetables with low acceptability by this public. Eighty-six children aged 7 to 10 years participated. The research was organized in three stages: pre-intervention, with filling out questionnaires and sensory analysis of the products; intervention, with application of educational actions and; post-intervention, with reapplication of questionnaires and sensory analysis of products. Actions included the implementation of vegetable gardens, theoretical-practical activities and cooking workshops. The physicochemical composition of the products was carried out to ensure food safety. Educational actions reduced the degree of food neophobia and improved the acceptability of food products by children (p < 0.05). In general, the educational actions had a positive impact (p < 0.05) on the participants’ knowledge, consumption, acceptance and frequency of vegetables intake However, there was little influence to increase the planting of vegetables at home, with no change in helping children with cooking preparations (p > 0.05). The food products presented a good nutritional profile. It is concluded that educational actions carried out at school are efficient to reduce food neophobia and increase knowledge, consumption, acceptance and frequency of intake among children. Also, they improve the acceptability of food products with the addition of vegetables with low acceptance by this public.

The Path of Rural Social Capital Improvement in China from the Perspective of Planners: A Case Study of Hongtang Village in Yunnan Province

China’s rural areas have long been backward in development, and many villages have completed poverty alleviation with the help of the government. Facing the requirements of sustainable development, it is necessary to change the development path, continuously increase social capital, and effectively connect with government investment resources. The existing research and practice mostly construct the strategy of social capital from the inside of the village, lacking interaction with the superior government. This paper argues for the method of planners’ intervention. The advantage is that it links the power of government and villagers, creates a perceptible, experiential, valuable material environment, and promotes collective action. Through this process, the knowledge interaction and social relations in the village can be improved. The purpose of this paper is to study how participatory planning affects the content and mechanism of this process mentioned above. Taking Hongtang village as a case study, we analyze the in-depth changes that participatory planning has brought to the rural space and social level. In the participatory planning practice of Hongtang village, college rural planners took a small vegetable garden as the breakthrough point to stimulate villagers’ participation. In the process of the upgrade, planners evolved the interaction between the village committee and villagers in the path of IMEE, which is “Intervene, Motivate, Enable, Empower”. Moreover, planners always maintained contact with the higher-level government. Through the upgrade of small vegetable gardens, the villagers’ initiative was brought into practice, the social capital was fully explored, and an effective link with the government’s resource allocation was realized.

Modeling the Cadastral Value of Land Plots of Gardening and Horticultural Non-Profit Partnerships Taking into Account the Influence of Local Factors of the Territory

Concerning the dependence of land taxation on the cadastral or market value of lands in developed and developing countries, the role of land resources in the system of socio-economic development is quite high. World studies show the presence of methodological problems related, among other things, to the composition of price-forming factors of mass assessment. In relation to garden and vegetable garden lands, the issue of taking into account factors related to the immediate environment and soil quality is especially relevant, which is associated with the social justice of land taxation. The current paper aims to determine the influence of factors of the immediate environment and soil fertility on the cadastral value of the lands under consideration by determining which methodological apparatus has been built. Modeling of the specific indicator of cadastral value (SICV) of land plots is performed on the example of five gardening and vegetable gardening partnerships of the Belgorod district, where 79% of the territory is occupied by agricultural lands, which are quite diverse in soil composition, relief, and other studied factors. A linear model of dependence between local factors and the UPCS is proved. The reliability of the model is confirmed by testing for homoscedasticity, autocorrelation, and statistical significance of factors. The results of determining the cadastral value demonstrated an average change of 10%.