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Urbanisation and worsening climate change mean that we have less and less healthy food. In addition, farmers are struggling with the problem of soil aridity, making it increasingly difficult for them to find arable land that guarantees a good harvest. A way to solve these problems is to grow plants on rooftops, urban farms and community gardens. Why is urban agriculture so important? Not only does it provide fresh food for local residents, but it also helps fight smog, reduces so-called heat islands and supports biodiversity. That’s not all, as there are more advantages to this type of agriculture.
Emissions of urban agriculture
The impact of urban agriculture on greenhouse gas emissions depends on the specifics of the farm and the type of crop. For example, vegetables such as tomatoes grown in cities contribute to a smaller carbon footprint than those transported from other countries by air.
What matters most in terms of carbon footprint is how the infrastructure for the crops is created. The construction of greenhouses, raised beds or irrigation systems can generate significant amounts of CO₂. It is therefore best to use recycled materials and design energy-efficient systems. This will reduce the negative impact on the climate.
How does urban agriculture help the environment?
Urban agriculture fits into the concept of sustainable development. The integration of green spaces into urban areas contributes to improving the quality of life of residents and protecting the environment. The advantages of using this method of agriculture are many:
Carbon dioxide reduction
The green spaces created by urban agriculture act as carbon sinks. Plants absorb CO₂ during the process of photosynthesis, which contributes to lowering its concentration in the atmosphere. Thus, urban agriculture reduces the heating of so-called “heat islands”, i.e. sunny areas covered with asphalt or paving stones.
Traditional building materials such as concrete or asphalt absorb and emit heat, leading to higher temperatures in urban areas. Green roofs can lower it by 2.5-6°C.
Improving air quality
Plants grown in cities contribute to air purification. They absorb pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides or volatile organic compounds produced by industry and transport.
Studies in Chicago have shown that green roofs can reduce the concentration of harmful compounds in the air by up to 60% – 19.8 hectares of green roofs in Chicago removed a total of 1,675 kg of air pollution in a year. This benefits not only the environment, but also the residents. As a result, they can avoid many diseases.
Reducing the negative effects of transport
According to the USDA, the use of urban spaces for agriculture can reduce carbon emissions not only directly, but also indirectly, as food grown in or near cities travels shorter distances to consumers.
Local distribution of agricultural products shortens the supply chain, so urban cultivation of crops, fruit and vegetables helps to combat climate change.
Biodiversity
Urban agriculture helps to increase biodiversity in urbanised environments. The creation of community gardens, green roofs or balconies with potted crops attracts pollinating insects, birds and other fauna. Such activities support local ecosystems. In addition, sustainable urban agriculture contributes to preserving the genetic richness of the flora.
Reduced water use
Modern irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation or hydroponics, are increasingly being used in urban agriculture to make efficient use of water. These technologies minimise losses due to evaporation or surface run-off, which is particularly important in the context of limited water resources in cities.
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants, minimising losses due to evaporation and surface runoff. Hydroponic systems, on the other hand, involve growing plants without soil in nutrient-rich water solutions. This solution helps reduce water consumption by more than 90%.
How does urban agriculture affect food production?
Urban agriculture is an important complement to traditional agriculture, especially in the context of increasing urbanisation and the problem of soil aridity in agricultural areas. Through urban farms, community gardens or balcony crops, city dwellers gain direct access to fresh, locally produced fruit and vegetables. Such initiatives not only shorten the supply chain, but also increase food security.
In conclusion, sustainable urban agriculture has a positive impact on the environment. However, space for cultivation should be properly designed to minimise carbon footprint in the creation of the necessary structures.