Publisher : Elsevier B.V.
Place of publication :
Publication year : 2015
Thematic : Urban Biodiversity
Language : English
Note
Urban landscapes are spatially constrained, and vegetative land uses that provide beneficial ecosystem services are difficult
to maintain. Urban agricultural (UA) systems appear in many forms – from community farms and rooftop gardens to edible
landscaping and urban orchards – and can be productive features of cities and provide important environmental services. As
highly managed plant communities, UA can exhibit high levels of biodiversity, often exceeding that of other green space
areas within the city. Additionally, it is likely that variation in vegetation cover, diversity, and structure influence not only the
biodiversity in UA, but also the quantity and quality of ecosystem services supported by such systems. The biodiversity and
ecosystem services(B&ES) of UA can have potentially large societal and environmental benefitsfor cities,such as enhanced food
security, air quality, and water regulation. Yet few studies have synthesized knowledge regarding UA vegetation management
impacts on the quantity, quality, and stability of B&ES provided. This article presents the first survey of the existing research
on the characteristics of UA management and their potential to support ecosystem service delivery. Specifically, we examine:
(1) biodiversity patterns in UA, (2) ecosystem services provided by UA, and (3) the challenges of promoting UA systems that
support B&ES. Overall, our review reveals that varied vegetative structure, increased native plant diversity, and reduction of
urban impervioussurface are key features of UA systemsthat contribute significantly to urban biodiversity and provide important
ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, and climate resilience. We conclude with a discussion of critical gaps in
current research and strategies to better understand and support UA and ecosystem services.
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Keywords : enforcement
Encoded by : Pauline Carmel Joy Eje
