How biological inputs and collaborative knowledge networks are transforming periurban horticulture for sustainable urban feeding
Imagine a silent revolution unfolding in the neglected spaces where city meets countryside—in vacant lots, along railway corridors, and in the small family farms that cling to urban edges.
An ancient practice being transformed by cutting-edge ecological science and collaborative networks of farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
Products derived from natural organisms that enhance crop growth, control pests, and restore soil health.
As one study notes, "Periurban agriculture can be defined as a farming system realized in a defined space surrounding an urban area," serving multiple purposes that "depend directly on the requirements of the urban population" 1 .
Innovative networks for biological inputs represent a radical departure from traditional agricultural extension models. Instead of top-down information transfer, they function as dynamic ecosystems where farmers, scientists, suppliers, and policymakers co-create knowledge through continuous experimentation and feedback 6 .
Biological inputs, or "biologicals," constitute a category of agricultural products derived from naturally occurring organisms or their derivatives. Unlike synthetic chemicals, these solutions work with ecological processes rather than against them.
Products containing live microorganisms that improve nutrient availability
Substances that enhance plant growth, nutrient efficiency, and stress tolerance
Beneficial organisms or naturally occurring compounds that manage pests and diseases
Research confirms that "periurban farmers are more oriented to supplying organic products than farmers in other locations, given their proximity to urban populations who are keen on consuming organic products and are willing to pay a premium price for them" 1 .
A groundbreaking study conducted in the "Agri-food Region of Central Córdoba" (ARCC) in Argentina offers compelling evidence for the effectiveness of biological approaches in periurban contexts 3 .
Facing a stunning 75% reduction in horticultural land over three decades due to urban sprawl, researchers documented how diversified farms incorporating biological principles maintained remarkable productivity despite mounting pressures.
The findings revealed several remarkable patterns that underscore the value of biological approaches in periurban systems.
| Metric | Value | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Number of species recorded | 30 | High biodiversity |
| Vegetable crop productivity mean | 3.46 kg/m² | Efficient land use |
| Total annual food supply | 72,881 tons | Significant urban food contribution |
| Average farm size | <20 hectares | Small-scale, intensive production |
The research demonstrated that "diversity in farming systems can combine high ecological and socio-economic benefits, in terms of ecosystem service provision and sustainable food production" 3 .
The success of periurban horticultural systems depends on having the right tools for the job.
| Biological Solution | Primary Function | Example Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium) | Converts atmospheric nitrogen to plant-available forms | Legume inoculation for reduced fertilizer need |
| Phosphate-solubilizing microbes | Releases bound phosphorus in soil | Application in phosphorus-deficient soils |
| Mycorrhizal fungi | Extends root absorption capacity | Enhanced water/nutrient uptake in stressed conditions |
| Trichoderma fungi | Biological control against pathogens | Seed treatment for disease prevention |
| Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) | Specific insect pest control | Caterpillar management in leafy greens |
| Predatory insects (ladybugs, etc.) | Natural pest population control | Aphid management in greenhouse production |
| Seaweed extracts | Biostimulant for stress tolerance | Improved drought resistance in tomatoes |
| Humic/fulvic acids | Soil structure and nutrient enhancement | Improved yield in compacted urban soils |
through biofertilizers
through biocontrols
These tools exemplify how biological inputs "reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers," allowing farmers to "minimize pollution, runoff, and health risks associated with overuse of agrochemicals" 4 —a particularly valuable benefit in populated periurban areas.
The true potential of biological inputs is realized when their adoption spreads through robust knowledge networks. These networks function as innovation accelerators, reducing the typical 5-8 year adoption timeline for new agricultural practices 6 .
Realizing the full potential of biological approaches in periurban horticulture requires supportive policy frameworks. Research indicates that "periurban agricultural areas have often been neglected by both rural and urban studies" 1 , falling between administrative cracks.
The evidence suggests that "the synergy between periurban agriculture and organic farming is also relevant for the design and targeting of specific policies" 1 that can enhance regional food system resilience.
The quiet revolution in our urban edges represents more than just a novel farming method—it embodies a fundamental rethinking of how knowledge is created and applied in agriculture.
The networks forming around biological inputs demonstrate that the most sustainable solutions emerge from collective intelligence.
As metropolitan areas continue to expand, the importance of resilient periurban food systems will only intensify.
The green belts surrounding our cities are becoming vital laboratories where we learn to feed growing cities while healing the planet.
The ultimate lesson from these innovative networks may be this: just as they leverage biological diversity to strengthen farming systems, they harness cognitive diversity to strengthen agricultural innovation. In the intricate dance of microorganisms beneath the soil and the exchange of insights among farmers and researchers, we find parallel processes—both creating resilience through connection, both building sustainable futures from the ground up.