OAI351 URBAN AGRICULTURE LTPC 3003

UNIT III SOIL LESS CULTIVATION 9

Hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics: merits and limitations, costs and Challenges,
backyard gardens- tactical gardens- street landscaping- forest gardening, greenhouses,
urban beekeeping

UNIT IV MODERN CONCEPTS 9

Growth of plants in vertical pipes in terraces and inside buildings, micro irrigation
concepts suitable for roof top gardening, rain hose system, Green house, polyhouse and
shade net system of crop production on roof tops

UNIT V WASTE MANAGEMENT 9

Concept, scope and maintenance of waste management- recycle of organic waste, garden
wastes solid waste management-scope, microbiology of waste, other ingredients like
insecticide, pesticides and fungicides residues, waste utilization.
 UNIT I INTRODUCTION
Benefits of urban agriculture- economic benefits, environmental benefits, social and
cultural benefits, educational, skill-building and job training benefits, health, nutrition
and food accessibility benefits.
PART-A
1. How does urban agriculture contribute to local economies?
Urban agriculture creates jobs, stimulates local markets, and reduces the need for
transportation, thus keeping more money within the community.

2. In what way can urban agriculture help reduce food costs for consumers?
By growing food locally, urban agriculture reduces transportation and distribution costs,
which can lead to lower prices for consumers.

3. What role does urban agriculture play in reducing the urban heat island effect?
Urban agriculture increases green spaces, which help to lower temperatures and mitigate the heat
island effect.

4. How does urban agriculture improve air quality in cities?

Plants in urban agriculture absorb pollutants and produce oxygen, leading to improved air
quality.

5. How can urban agriculture enhance community cohesion?

Urban agriculture projects bring people together for a common goal, fostering social
interaction and community building.

6. What is one way urban agriculture can promote cultural diversity?

Urban agriculture allows for the cultivation of diverse crops, reflecting the cultural heritage and
preferences of different communities.

7. How does urban agriculture serve as an educational tool for children?

It provides hands-on learning experiences about biology, ecology, and food systems.

8. What is one benefit of urban agriculture programs in schools?

They help students understand where their food comes from and the importance of
sustainable practices.
1. How does urban agriculture provide job training opportunities?
It offers training in agricultural skills, business management, and
environmental stewardship.

2. In what way can urban agriculture help with the development of vocational skills?
It provides practical experience in areas like horticulture, landscaping, and entrepreneurship.
3. How can urban agriculture contribute to healthier diets?
It provides access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, which can improve dietary
quality.

4. What is one way urban agriculture can promote physical activity?

Gardening and farming activities involve physical work, contributing to increased exercise
and overall fitness.

5. How does urban agriculture improve food accessibility in underserved areas?

It establishes local food sources, making fresh produce more readily available to
communities with limited access.

6. What is one advantage of growing your own food through urban agriculture?
It allows individuals to have direct access to fresh, nutritious produce without the need for
long-distance transportation.

7. How can urban agriculture increase property values?

Well-maintained urban farms and gardens can enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods,
potentially increasing property values.

8. What is one benefit of using organic methods in urban agriculture?

Organic methods reduce chemical runoff and promote soil health, contributing to a more
sustainable environment.
9. How can urban agriculture initiatives support local food traditions?
They can cultivate traditional crops and support local food practices, preserving cultural
heritage.

10. How does urban agriculture support STEM education?

It provides practical applications for science, technology, engineering, and math concepts
through real-world agricultural practices.

11. How can community gardens contribute to mental well-being?

Engaging in gardening activities can reduce stress and improve mental health through
relaxation and connection with nature.

12. What types of skills can participants in urban agriculture programs develop?
Participants can develop skills in project management, crop management, and community
engagement.

13. How does urban agriculture impact local economies and create job opportunities.?
Urban agriculture boosts local economies by reducing food transportation costs and supporting local
markets. It creates job opportunities in farming, processing, distribution, and agri-business, while
also promoting entrepreneurship and skill development.

14. Demonstrate the ways urban agriculture contribute to environmental sustainability

and resource conservation.

Urban agriculture promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the need for long-distance food
transportation, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It also supports resource conservation
through practices like composting organic waste, recycling water, and using efficient irrigation
systems, which reduce water and soil pollution while conserving natural resources.
PART-B

1. Explain briefly about Benefits of urban agriculture, economic

benefits, ,environmental benefits.
2. How can urban agriculture contribute to economic resilience in cities facing economic
downturns?
3. In what ways can urban agriculture be integrated into city planning to enhance urban
sustainability?
4. How can urban agriculture projects foster social inclusion and address issues of food
inequality?
5. How can urban agriculture programs be designed to effectively address unemployment
and underemployment in urban areas?
6. How can urban agriculture be leveraged to address urban health disparities and promote
community wellness?
7. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with monetizing urban agriculture?

UNIT II VERTICAL FARMING

Vertical farming- types, green facade, living/green wall-modular green wall , vegetated
mat wall Structures and components for green wall system: plant selection, growing
media, irrigation and plant nutrition: Design, light, benefits of vertical gardening. Roof
garden and its types. Kitchen garden, hanging baskets: The house plants/ indoor plants
PART-A

1. Define vertical farming and mention its significance.

Vertical farming is a method of growing crops in stacked layers or vertically inclined surfaces using
controlled-environment agriculture. It reduces land use, promotes food security in urban areas, and
enables year-round crop production.

2. Mention the advantages of vertical farming.

a. Less deforestation and land use. This means less erosion and less flooding.
b. Abandoned or unused properties will be used productively.
c. Crops will be protected from harsh weather conditions like floods, droughts and Snow.
d. Reduction in vehicular transport as the crops produced is easily consumed.
e. Less CO2 emission and pollution by decreasing reliance on coal burning product.
f. Overall wellness as city wastes will be channelized directly into farm buildings.
g. Water is used more effectively.

3. What is a green facade?

A green facade is a vertical green system where climbing plants grow directly on a building
wall or on a support structure such as trellises or cables. These plants either root in the ground
or in containers and cover the wall surface over time, providing aesthetic, insulation, and
environmental benefits.
4.What are the different types of vertical farming systems?
The main types of vertical farming are:

1. Hydroponics – Growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution without soil.

2. Aeroponics – Growing plants in air or mist with nutrient spray, without soil or water
medium.
3. Aquaponics – A combination of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics, where fish
waste provides nutrients for plants.
4. Soil-based Vertical Farming – Traditional soil is used in stacked layers or containers.
5. Container Farming – Farming done in repurposed shipping containers with controlled
environments.

5. Mention types of growing media used in green walls.

 Soil-based Media – Traditional soil or potting mix used in containers or modules.

 Cocopeat – A lightweight, organic medium made from coconut husk.

 Rockwool – A fibrous material made from molten rock, used for hydroponic growing.

 Perlite and Vermiculite Mix – Lightweight, porous materials that improve drainage and
aeration.

 Felt or Fabric Mats – Synthetic or natural fiber mats used in vegetated mat wall systems.

6.Distinguish Between Green Facade and Living Wall

Green Facade and Living Wall are both types of vertical greening systems, but they differ in
structure, plant types, and maintenance.

Aspect Green Façade Living Wall

A system where plants are grown in
Plants climb up walls using trellises or
Definition panels or pockets fixed to the wall
wires, rooted in the ground or containers.
surface.
Growing Lightweight media like coco peat, rock
Soil at the base or in pots.
Medium wool, or felt.
Variety of plants – ferns, herbs,
Plant Type Mostly climbers like ivy, bougainvillea.
succulents, flowering plants.
Automated drip or mist system with
Irrigation Manual or basic drip system.
nutrient supply.
7. What is a modular green wall?
A modular green wall consists of pre-planted panels or containers attached to a frame. It allows easy
installation and maintenance and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.
8. Explain the concept of a vegetated mat wall.
A vegetated mat wall uses layered fabric or mats where plants grow. It relies on continuous
irrigation and is ideal for indoor decorative vertical gardens.
9. What factors should be considered in plant selection for green walls?

 Light and humidity tolerance

 Growth habit (climbers, ferns, etc.)
  Maintenance needs
 Suitability for indoor/outdoor use

10. Name any four suitable plants used in vertical gardening.

 Money plant
 Spider plant
 Philodendron
 Golden pothos

11. List the commonly used growing media for vertical gardens.

 Coconut coir
 Peat moss
 Perlite/Vermiculite
 Rock wool

12. What is fertigation?

Fertigation is the process of delivering fertilizers through an irrigation system, allowing plants to
receive nutrients directly with water, commonly used in hydroponics.
13. What are the design considerations for green wall systems?

 Structural strength
 Waterproofing
 Drainage
 Light availability
 Accessibility for maintenance

14. Describe the role of light in vertical gardening.

Light is essential for photosynthesis. Natural sunlight or artificial grow lights (like LEDs) are used.
Blue and red light spectrums are vital for vegetative and flowering stages.
15. State any four benefits of vertical gardening.

 Saves space in urban areas

 Improves air quality
 Enhances building aesthetics
 Reduces urban heat island effect

16. What is a roof garden?

A roof garden is a garden built on the roof of a building, used for growing ornamental or edible
plants, improving insulation, and promoting urban greenery.
17. Differentiate between intensive and extensive roof gardens.

 Intensive: Deep soil, supports trees and vegetables, high maintenance.

 Extensive: Shallow soil, supports grasses and mosses, low maintenance.

18. What are the advantages of roof gardens?

 Reduces building temperature

 Provides insulation
 Enhances biodiversity
  Manages storm water runoff

19. What is a kitchen garden?

A kitchen garden is a small-scale home garden used to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs for
household use, often located near the kitchen or backyard.

20. List any four benefits of kitchen gardening.

 Ensures fresh produce

 Reduces grocery costs
 Promotes healthy eating
 Encourages family gardening activity

21. What are hanging baskets and where are they used?
Hanging baskets are containers suspended from ceilings or hooks for growing decorative or edible
plants. Used in balconies, patios, and indoor spaces.

22. Mention any four commonly grown indoor plants.

 Snake plant
 Peace lily
 ZZ plant
 Aloe vera

PART-B