Factors Hindering the Use of Urban Farming Techniques in Buildings: Architects’ Perspective

Researchers and the government have advocated for the implementation of urban agriculture projects in Sri Lanka; however, the demand and supply of sustainable urban agriculture initiatives have been limited and are growing slowly. This study aims to explore the obstacles hindering the adoption of sustainable urban agriculture. The research employed a cross-sectional survey methodology using a questionnaire encompassing 19 barriers to the adoption of sustainable urban agriculture, administered to 34 professionals within the relevant industry. The study found that the key barriers inhibiting the uptake of sustainable urban agriculture in Sri Lanka are the lack of experience in implementing urban agriculture projects within the industry, challenges related to maintenance, insufficient technology for implementing, and the higher capital costs associated with sustainable urban agriculture compared to conventional practices. In light of the findings, it can be inferred that the advancement of sustainable urban agriculture hinges on factors such as technological innovation, effective policies, skill enhancement, increased awareness, improved homebuyer engagement, and cost considerations. The research concludes by presenting a comprehensive cycle of barriers that must be addressed to accelerate the adoption of sustainable urban agriculture practices

Woodchip biochar with or without synthetic fertilizers affects soil properties and available phosphorus in two alkaline, Chernozemic soils

Fertility enhancement with biochar application is well documented for tropical acidic soils; however, benefits of biochar co-applied with synthetic fertilizers on soil fertility are not well documented, particularly for alkaline chernozems. We examined the short-term interactive effects of woodchip biochar amendment with fertilizers on selected soil properties, available phosphorus (P) and P fractions of two alkaline Chernozems from Manitoba. Treatments were (1) urea and monoammonium phosphate fertilizers, (2) biochar at 10 g kgThe accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author