Growing Gardens in Shrinking Cities: A Solution to the Soil Lead Problem?

Kirsten Schwarz, Bethany B. Cutts, Jonathan K. London and Mary L. Cadenasso
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Kirsten Schwarz: Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
Bethany B. Cutts: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
Jonathan K. London: Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
Mary L. Cadenasso: Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA

Sustainability, 2016, vol. 8, issue 2, 1-11

Abstract: As cities shrink, they often leave a patchwork of vacancy on the landscape. The maintenance of vacant lands and eventual transformation to sustainable land uses is a challenge all cities face, but one that is particularly pronounced in shrinking cities. Vacant lands can support sustainability initiatives, specifically the expansion of urban gardens and local food production. However, many shrinking cities are the same aging cities that have experienced the highest soil lead burdens from their industrial past as well as the historic use of lead-based paint and leaded gasoline. Elevated soil lead is often viewed as a barrier to urban agriculture and managing for multiple ecosystem services, including food production and reduced soil lead exposure, remains a challenge. In this paper, we argue that a shift in framing the soil lead and gardening issue from potential conflict to potential solution can advance both urban sustainability goals and support healthy gardening efforts. Urban gardening as a potential solution to the soil lead problem stems from investment in place and is realized through multiple activities, in particular (1) soil management, including soil testing and the addition of amendments, and (2) social network and community building that leverages resources and knowledge.

Keywords: urban; gardening; agriculture; soil; metals; lead; shrinking cities; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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