A review of urban agriculture (#journal)

Urban versus conventional agriculture, taxonomy of resource profiles: a review

This article reviews urban agriculture’s comparative performance relative to conventional food production. The main findings are: (1) benefits, such as reduced embodied greenhouse gases, urban heat island reduction, and storm water mitigation, have strong support in current literature. (2) Other benefits such as food waste minimization and ecological footprint reduction require further exploration. (3) Urban agriculture benefits to both food supply chains and urban ecosystems vary considerably with system type. The authors therefore propose a taxonomy which can aid future research on the intersection of urban food production and the larger material and energy regimes of cities.

50 innovative solutions for the planet (book)

Two Percent Solutions for the Planet: 50 Low-Cost, Low-Tech, Nature-Based Practices for Combatting Hunger, Drought, and Climate Change

This book profiles fifty innovative practices that soak up carbon dioxide, reduce energy use, sustainably intensify food production, and increase water quality. The “two percent” refers to the amount of new carbon in the soil needed to reap great benefits, the percentage of the nation’s population who are farmers, and the GDP that is needed to get this work done. The book includes holistic grazing, edible forests, biochar, weed-eating livestock, food co-ops, keyline ploughing, restoration agriculture, bioenergy, aquaponics, animal power, Farm Hack, bees, bears, wildlife corridors, rainwater harvesting and native seeds. These short, engaging success stories will inspire readers energized by the news that solutions abound.

The forest garden greenhouse (book)

The Forest Garden Greenhouse: How to Design and Manage an Indoor Permaculture Oasis.

In this groundbreaking book, Jerome Osentowski, one of North America’s most accomplished permaculture designers, shows how bringing the forest garden indoors is doable on unlikely terrain and in cold climates, using near-net-zero technology. This book advocates for an indoor agriculture using permaculture design concepts—integration, multi-functions, perennials, and polycultures—that take season extension into new and important territory. With detailed design drawings, photos, and profiles of successful greenhouse projects on all scales, this inspirational manual will considerably change the conversation about greenhouse design.

Systems thinking for social change (book)

Systems Thinking For Social Change

This book enables readers to contribute more effectively to society by helping them understand what systems thinking is and why it is so important in their work. It also gives concrete guidance on how to incorporate systems thinking in problem solving, decision making, and strategic planning without becoming a technical expert. The result is a highly readable, effective guide to understanding systems and using that knowledge to get the results you want.

Backyard orchards (book)

The Backyard Orchardist: A complete guide to growing fruit trees in the home garden

This expanded and updated edition offers even more hands-on horticulture. Horticultural fundamentals are simplified into practical techniques for ongoing care and maintenance of a thriving orchard. Gain understanding of soil biology, master how to prune with precision, water with confidence. The pests and disease sections are extensively illustrated to help with identification. Harvest hints, use, and storage recommendations help you enjoy your fruit at its peak flavour or preserve it for the off-season.

Horse-powered farming (book)

Horse-Powered Farming for the 21st Century: A Complete Guide to Equipment, Methods, and Management for Organic Growers

Now is a time of exciting new developments for live animal power, as ecologically minded farmers are developing efficient horse-drawn systems, and equipment manufacturers in small shops all are coming forth with new innovations in ground-drive technology that have us poised on the cusp of another agricultural revolution — with horses and oxen at the heart of it. This book is focused on the tools and methods required to successfully manage the horse-powered market garden. This is a manual that presents a range of options and approaches, illustrated with insightful reports from over sixty draft animal-powered farmers from across North America and Europe.

UK conservationists propose charter for trees (online)

Campaigners call for new British charter for trees

Conservation groups want a new national charter to save trees and woods from the threat of development, disease and climate change and trees risk being “neglected, undervalued and forgotten”. Community groups, clubs, councils and committees are being encouraged to help build the charter. To kickstart the campaign, people across the UK are being urged to share their stories of treasured or significant moments involving trees.