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In J. Douglas Porteous' work "Environmental Aesthetics: Ideas, Politics, and Planning," there is a compelling call for the transformation of society and the restoration of an ecologically sound harmony through the appreciation of aesthetics, particularly in urban areas. The evident interplay between Porteous' book and the assertions made by numerous researchers in urban agriculture inspired the creation of this article. The objective is to identify and analyze authors who discuss environmental aesthetics while developing their research within the realm of urban agriculture. The methodology involves conducting a comprehensive literature review and presenting the findings visually through tables. Unfortunately, no publications were found that address the intertwined topics of urban agriculture and environmental aesthetics. It is worth noting that the authors show a greater interest in the relationship between urban agriculture and landscape, as opposed to urban agriculture and aesthetics, even in contemporary studies. Furthermore, research exploring the application of aesthetic theory in the context of urban agriculture is limited in number, and it is virtually non-existent when considering settings with more advanced technology, such as vertical farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents two current problems the city of Rio de Janeiro faces. On the one hand, is the environmental issue caused by the fragmentation of the native restinga, a coastal plain native ecosystem, occurring because of urban development processes. On the other hand, the food shortage suffered by communities with low economic resources. A proposal for edible landscaping applied to Rio's west side public space that tackles these issues is presented. This work used different methods, including theoretical framework analyses, which explore landscape and ecosystems issues, historical urban processes, and the edible landscape concept. In addition, geo-technological tools and local visits to apply biophysical, urban, and architectural analyses to the study area were applied and made. This research project and process allowed the researchers to choose public space areas in which the edible landscape proposal would be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study propose edible landscaping as alternative to typical landscaping seen throughout Kerala which are solely for ornamental purposes. Multifunctional usage of edible plants for ornamental purpose further improves the efficacy of landscape by addition of more utility to the components of landscape beyond their aesthetic appeal. Edible landscape comes with immense benefits such as eco-frugality, resource efficiency, sustainable production, local climate control, economic rejuvenation, communal development, social health, and many more. This research study explores major landscape patterns existing in Kerala for organic foodscaping and also proposes a model for edible landscape in Kerala with support strategies. Survey method through online interview was used to collect data. It was found from the study that majority of the people of Kerala are ready to replace traditional landscape with edible paradise. The study concludes that underutilized land all over Kerala can be transformed into sustainable landscape with the successful implementation of edible landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract After an unpreceded physical separation occurred since the Industrial revolution, at present there is growing understanding that depriving humans from their connections with nature reduces mental, physical and social well-being. Accordingly, urban edible landscaping is now booming worldwide but, although UE is adopting policies supporting food production within the boundaries of many cities, research and knowledge on design and management practices for urban food forestry is still limited and no common guidelines for fruit production in urban areas are available. In particular, the urban environment is a pollution hotspot, and knowledge about the uptake and translocation of pollutants to a plant edible part is needed to match food security to food safety of edible landscapes. Widespread heavy metal pollution in urban soils sets the need of understanding the species-specific patterns of metal translocation within the plant and to its edible parts. Most common strategies include: exclusion, passive accumulation and active accumulation, but mechanisms are known only for very a limited number of woody edible species. Particulate matter and atmospheric can be other appreciable, soil-independent, sources of pollution for food cultivated in urban sites. Airborne metals can directly enter into the fruit or be absorbed by leaf through stomata and then translocated. Existing knowledge and gaps about metal uptake through leaf and re-distribution within the plant are reviewed here. This knowledge may guide species and cultivar selection to produce healthy food in urban sites and might be a pre-requisite to drive planning and management of edible landscapes with a higher degree of ecological complexity than urban orchards, such as urban food forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lucrari Stiintifice, Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole Si Medicina Veterinara Ion Ionescu de la Brad Iasi, Seria Horticultura is the property of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (Editura Ion Ionescu de la Brad) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study assesses whether multifunctional edible landscaping business models provide a sufficient business case at enterprise and city scales to justify widespread implementation. First, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four landscaping entrepreneurs, and the information obtained from the interviews was utilized to carry out a business model comparison with the Business Model Canvas framework. The comparison showed that the landscaping enterprises using multifunctional edible landscaping methods possessed a greater range of value propositions and revenue streams, enhancing their competitive advantage. Second, a GIS landscape analysis of seven Phoenix metro area cities was carried out to identify landscapes that were suited for becoming multifunctional edible landscapes. The GIS analysis identified single family residential, residential recreational open space, municipal parks, and municipal schools as being suitable landscapes, and that the area of these landscapes in the seven cities exceeded 180,000 acres. Third, scenarios were created using interview and GIS data to estimate potential value creation and return on investment of implementing multifunctional edible landscaping in the cities of interest. The scenarios found that the potential value creation of edible landscaping ranged between $3.9 and $66 billion, and that positive return on investment (ROI) could be achieved in 11 out of 12 scenarios within one to five years. Finally, the paper concludes by discussing potential long-term implications of implementing multifunctional edible urban landscaping, as well as possible future directions for multifunctional landscaping business model development and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Located in the transitional area from subtropical zone to warm temperate zone, Xinyang City is endowed with rich plant resources. With the development of modem urban landscape architecture, Xinyang City has had increasing needs on quality ornamental tree species. In view of the badly-needed ornamental tree species of local landscaping, this paper screened 20 ornamental tree species from the previously-investigated ones, then applied Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to establish the evaluation system according to ornamental characteristics of these species (such as flower color), and used this system to evaluate the preliminarily-chosen species, finally selected 7 species that can be widely applied, and 5 species that can be moderately applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the potential role of perennial woody food-producing species (“food trees”) in cities in the context of urban sustainable development and propose a multifunctional approach that combines elements of urban agriculture, urban forestry, and agroforestry into what we call “urban food forestry” (UFF). We used four approaches at different scales to gauge the potential of UFF to enhance urban sustainability and contribute to food security in the context of urbanization and climate change. First, we identified 37 current initiatives based around urban food trees, and analyzed their activities in three categories: planting, mapping, and harvesting, finding that the majority (73 %) only performed one activity, and only 8 % performed all three. Second, we analyzed 30 urban forestry master plans, finding that only 13 % included human food security among their objectives, while 77 % included habitat for wildlife. Third, we used Burlington, Vermont as a case study to quantify the potential fruit yield of publicly accessible open space if planted with Malus domestica (the common apple) under nine different planting and yield scenarios. We found that 108 % of the daily recommended minimum intake of fruit for the entire city’s population could be met under the most ambitious planting scenario, with substantial potential to contribute to food security even under more modest scenarios. Finally, we developed a Climate–Food–Species Matrix of potential food trees appropriate for temperate urban environments as a decision-making tool. We identified a total of 70 species, 30 of which we deemed “highly suitable” for urban food forestry based on their cold hardiness, drought tolerance, and edibility. We conclude that substantial untapped potential exists for urban food forestry to contribute to urban sustainability via increased food security and landscape multifunctionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Over the next decades, green infrastructure initiatives such as tree planting campaigns, and ecological restoration will dramatically change the species composition, species distribution and structure of urban forests across the United States. These impending changes are accompanied by a demand for urban public spaces where people can engage in practices such as gleaning, gardening, and livestock production. This article analyzes the institutional framework that undergirds efforts in Seattle, Washington to normalize the production and use of edible landscapes. We focus attention on the role of grassroots fruit gleaning groups and highlight their bridging function between Seattle''s agriculture and forestry policy arenas, creating an entry point for re-conceptualizing urban forests as sites of production. We conclude that a vision of urban forests as providers of goods as well as services may provide a more solid foundation for achieving urban sustainability than the current “hands off” approach to urban forest management. Gleaning and gathering in urban wild and cultivated landscapes provides opportunities for inhabitants to steward public natural resources and interact deeply with nature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The importance of vegetables is known by people worldwide by being a healthy and important food product. In this paperwork it is underlined the fact that vegetables are not used only in alimentary purposes, but can also be used for decoration. So, for diversifying the area of utility for vegetables plants, the so-called "edible landscaping" system is practiced. Root vegetables can be used in the purpose of creating carpets and beds made from vegetation. The kale is used in borders, squares, flower stands and can also be combined with other ornamental plants. The vegetables that are cultivated for pods, beans and capsules can be used in decorating pergolas and towers. For creating a colorful view or a contrast of colors, it is preferred to use green vegetables. To arrange beautiful garden using ornamental vegetables some basic landscape architecture principles need to be followed and the plants that are going to be used, chosen carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible landscaping is the practical integration of food producing plants within an ornamental or decorative setting. Using of edibles (trees, berry bushes, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers) in landscape design can enhance a garden by providing a unique ornamental component with additional health, aesthetic and economic benefits. These landscapes are created with consideration for the aesthetic value of edible plants, in addition to their food producing benefits. Thus, integration of vegetables in the landscape of private property could represent a source of healthy fresh food that assures a part of people's diet but at the same time growing varieties with unusual colors or shapes could add aesthetic value to the yard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava is a drought-tolerant, staple food crop grown in tropical and subtropical areas where many people are afflicted with undernutrition, making it a potentially valuable food source for developing countries. Cassava roots are a good source of energy while the leaves provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, cassava roots and leaves are deficient in sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine and cysteine) and some nutrients are not optimally distributed within the plant. Cassava also contains antinutrients that can have either positive or adverse effects on health depending upon the amount ingested. Although some of these compounds act as antioxidants and anticarcinogens, they can interfere with nutrient absorption and utilization and may have toxic side effects. Efforts to add nutritional value to cassava (biofortification) by increasing the contents of protein, minerals, starch, and β-carotene are underway. The transfer of a 284 bp synthetic gene coding for a storage protein rich in essential amino acids and the crossbreeding of wild-type cassava varieties with Manihot dichotoma or Manihot oligantha have shown promising results regarding cassava protein content. Enhancing ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase activity in cassava roots or adding amylase to cassava gruels increases cassava energy density. Moreover, carotenoid-rich yellow and orange cassava may be a foodstuff for delivering provitamin A to vitamin A–depleted populations. Researchers are currently investigating the effects of cassava processing techniques on carotenoid stability and isomerization, as well as the vitamin A value of different varieties of cassava. Biofortified cassava could alleviate some aspects of food insecurity in developing countries if widely adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lodi Winegrape District is one of the largest in California and encompasses a wide diversity of wine-grape varieties, production systems and soils, which complicates grape nutrient management. To identify regions within this district that have similar nutrient-management needs, we are developing a soil-landscape model based on soil survey information. Our current model identifies five regions within the Lodi district with presumed relationships between soil properties and potassium-supplying ability. Region 1 has weakly developed, clay-rich soils in basin alluvium; region 2 has weakly developed, coarser-textured soils on recent alluvial fans, flood plains and stream terraces; region 3 has moderately developed soils on low terraces derived from granitic alluvium; region 4 has highly developed soils on high terraces derived from mixed alluvium; and region 5 has weakly developed soils formed on undulating volcanic terrain. Field and lab studies of soils in these regions show that our model is reasonable in concept, but that it must be fine-tuned to account for differing degrees of soil variability within each region in order to make realistic nutrient-management predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open space provides people and the places where they live with numerous, well-documented benefits, very similar to those of trees and other landscaping. Often lost in the complicated development and growth arena, planning for the conservation of the green infrastructure of open space is important for healthy communities. The process of open space conservation provides arborists and urban foresters with opportunities to involve the community in planning and activism. Conserved open space provides arborists and urban foresters with maintenance and management opportunities and responsibilities. Although expensive and time-consuming, key informant interviews helped provide a logical process for a deeper understanding of open space conservation in a developing Pennsylvania watershed. This qualitative process can be used by urban foresters and others in more inclusive and successful planning and decision making. As an investigative tool, the interviews provided information about attitudes, issues, and obstacles expressed by local leaders. The interviews also provided evidence that concerns expressed by experienced planners since the 1960s about land use planning and open space conservation in growing areas continue to be relevant today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercial and ornamental potential of three apple-berry polyculture systems was ascertained by monitoring the above-ground performance of component species in plots of 'GoldRush' apple (Malus xdomestica Borkh.) trees on M.7 rootstock cropped with either blackberry (Rubus spp. L. 'Navaho'), edible honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L. 'Blue Belle' and 'Blue Velvet'), or jostaberry (Ribes nidigrolaria Bauer 'Josta') as understory plants. Polyculture plots and corresponding monoculture controls were established in 1999, with berry plants at recommended (R) or close [(C), half-recommended] spacings. Blackberries and jostaberries planted in monoculture at recommended spacings [i.e., control (R) plots] amassed dry weights >1 kg/plant by Fall 2001; the dry weight of edible honeysuckle from comparable plots was slightly >0.3 kg/plant. In 2001, blackberry yield (3.1 kg/plant) and fruit weight (3.4 g) were typical of 'Navaho' plantings of similar age, whereas jostaberry was only moderately productive (yield = 286 g/plant; fruit weight = 1.4 g). Edible honeysuckle productivity (yield = 13 g/plant, fruit weight = 0.5 g) was minimal, due to disparate flowering phenology between cultivars. 'GoldRush' apple growth and productivity (yield = 25 kg/tree; fruit weight = 158 g) was consistent with values expected for trees of similar age. Blackberry plant dry weights were reduced by 20% to 33% when planted at close spacing, whereas blackberry yields were reduced 35% to 38% when grown in polyculture with apple. Both polyculture and plant spacing significantly reduced jostaberry dry weights (i.e., 12% and 24%, respectively) relative to the control, but neither significantly affected jostaberry yield. Conversely, both close-spaced planting and the presence of an apple tree improved the yield of edible honeysuckle. Apple performance was not affected by the presence of an edible honeysuckle understory, but apple growth factors were reduced in blackberry and jostaberry polycultur... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone coal, as a main mining object, can be used by local inhabitants as daily fuel and by local industrial enterprises as industrial fuel in Pinglin County, Shaanxi Province, China. This study reports how the environmental ecosystems have been polluted around the Badao bone coal mine. Geochemical samples (e.g. rock, water, soil, edible plant and animal) were collected. Bone coal from the Badao mine contains Se up to 75 μg/g Se and 28 μg/g Se in ashes after its combustion, with higher contents of other trace elements. Bone coal and its ash seem to be the main geochemical source of trace elements in soils and plants, which may cause contamination of the local environmental ecosystems. Three ways by which soils have been contaminated by these trace elements derived from bone coal are proposed in this paper. Radishes and beans have the ability to accumulate Mo and Se from soils. There is no obvious difference in concentrations of Cu, Cr and F in each plant from the two areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]