Weeds and compacted soil in the establishment of an urban garden using the biointensive approach: Experiences and limitations

Abstract

The interest of people in consuming their own agricultural products is on the rise, leading to an increase in the number of urban gardens established in Bogotá over the past years. These gardens operated using the biointensive method as a model for urban agriculture present an environmentally sustainable alternative. However, this system comes with challenges and limitations that may hinder the establishment of such a project. To test this, an urban garden focused on biosystems with high levels of agricultural biodiversity was established within a greenhouse of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá campus. This was carried out in an area with a covered and an uncovered section. A weed germination trial was conducted in planting containers, assessing the relative representation of weeds in two random samplings taken from different containers over a two-month measurement period and a previous soil analysis was realized to evaluate the physical and chemical conditions of the soil. Consequently, 13 weed species were identified in the soil bank of weeds, with Veronica spp. being the most relatively represented in both samplings. However, within the established orchard, the predominant plants were those belonging to the Poaceae family, such as Lolium temulentum and Cenchrus clandestinus. Finally, through the biointensive method and the addition of organic materials such as biochar and regular topsoil, soil properties like structure, porosity, and friability were improved. This, in turn, enabled better root development and the successful establishment of various cultivars in the garden.