Community Gardens and Urban Farms Have a Positive Impact on Biodiversity, Local Ecosystems, and Human Health

Traditionally, it has been assumed that growing food causes biodiversity loss and has a negative impact on an ecosystem.

A new study from multiple universities, including The University of Texas at Austin, contradicts this assumption, demonstrating that community gardens and urban farms benefit biodiversity, local ecosystems, and the well-being of the people who work in them.

Urban gardens are good for ecosystems and humans

(Photo : FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

The study, published in Ecology Letters, examined 28 urban community gardens in California over a five-year period, quantifying biodiversity in plant and animal life as well as ecosystem functions like pollination, carbon sequestration, food production, pest control, and human well-being.

"We wanted to see if there were any tradeoffs in terms of biodiversity or impacts on ecosystem function," said Shalene Jha, the paper's lead author and associate professor of integrative biology, as per ScienceDaily.

What they've discovered is that these gardens, which provide tremendous nutritional resources and increase gardener well-being, also support incredibly high levels of plant and animal biodiversity.

Previous scientific assumptions about the negative impact of food production on biodiversity were almost entirely based on intensive rural agriculture enterprises that typically grow only one or two types of crops, often on a massive scale.

 In smaller areas, urban community gardens, private gardens, and urban farms and orchards tend to grow more types of plants.

This is the first study to look at the effects of urban gardens on a variety of biodiversity measures and ecological services.

It is estimated that by 2030, approximately 60% of the world's population will live in cities.

Because urban farms and gardens currently provide 15% to 20% of our food supply, they are critical in addressing food insecurity issues.

What we're seeing is that urban gardens offer a critical opportunity to support biodiversity as well as local food production.

The study also discovered that gardeners' choices can have a significant impact on their local ecosystem.

Planting trees outside crop beds, for example, could increase carbon sequestration without limiting pollinators or reducing food production due to excessive shade.

Furthermore, mulching only within crop beds may help improve soil carbon services while minimizing negative effects on pest control and pollinators.

Also Read: Species Biodiversity: Rare Plants in Urban Gardens Can Also Attract a Rare Biodiversity of Bees and Birds

In The New Sustainable Cities, Urban Vegetable Gardens

Urban vegetable gardens as examples of city sustainability first appeared in the 1960s, associated with environmentalism and movements advocating for a more natural, equitable, and caring world, as per Iberdrola.

Domestic agriculture was transformed into a path to self-management, social inclusion, and thriving community life by groups such as the US Green Guerrillas.

Community gardens have evolved into much more than just vegetable plots since then.

They have evolved into places for recreation, relaxation, environmental education, and the practice of healing therapies in natural settings.

Many citizens now actively participate in private or community urban vegetable gardens and municipal governments include them in their sustainable city planning.

Benefits of Urban Gardening

Improved Soil Yields

Domestic operations can produce up to 15 times as much as rural operations - up to 20 kg of food per square meter per year.

Ideal For Vegetable Growing

Because they grow in a matter of weeks, these plants are ideal for urban horticulture.

More Equitable And Sustainable

Urban vegetable gardens reduce the number of intermediaries, which saves money on transportation, packaging, and storage. This ensures that horticulturists earn more while emitting less pollution.

They Provide Employment

Horticulture is estimated to generate one job for every 100 square metres cultivated. Furthermore, these jobs will benefit disadvantaged groups or those at risk of exclusion.

They Improve The Quality Of Food And The Environment

Urban agriculture provides fresh food to the population, creates green zones, recycles municipal waste, and fortifies cities against climate change.

Related article: Study Claims that Urban Greening May Help Reduce the Impacts of Global Heating