Vertical Gardening as Means for Sustainable Food Production in Food Insecure Urban Communities

摘要

The University of Alabama at Birmingham undergraduate and graduate programs’ continued involvement in the Birmingham-Jefferson County community have identified food insecure areas, known as food deserts, and associated health issues negatively impacting the community due to poor diets. Farm stands and community gardens around the Birmingham- metropolitan area have increased availability during the last several years to encourage healthier eating habits. To combat food insecurity, sustainable alternative growing techniques for urban agriculture need to be implemented and incorporated into local community gardens. Alternative garden techniques such as vertical gardens maximize yield in limited spaces. This research seeks to analyze various vertical growth methods (Tower Garden, Pyramid, and Vertical-Pallet), water quality (collected city and lake), and overall yield. Biomass, chlorophyll a and b, and amount and type of water required for irrigation will be assessed to determine the growth system providing the most productive system in terms of production. The collected waters used will also be analyzed for the impact of the water source on production. The goal of this study is to determine conditions and techniques for vertical gardening in urban areas located in the Southeastern United States with limited resources such as space, water, and soil.