Healthy Soils, Healthy Communities
In New York City, there are more than 700 community gardens and urban farms. The recent increase in urban gardening for recreation, education and local food production means that more residents are interacting with soil. However, these gardens may be on properties with a history of soil contamination. To reduce human health risks, understandable and comprehensive soil information needs to be available to gardeners, residents, educators, land managers, and administrators.
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Cornell University Cooperative Extension – NYC, Cornell soil scientists, Extension Educators, and New York state and city government agencies have launched a dual research and outreach project that will assess issues of concern and the need for information and education about possible exposure to contaminants in urban soils.
The research portion of the project will quantify the amount and extent of contaminants in urban gardens and other community sites. It will also develop soil testing protocols and guidelines for understanding soil results. This project will also evaluate current management strategies and develop ways to address the public’s concerns. Results will help inform public health policies and programs that encourage community-based awareness about the benefits and risks of gardening in urban soils. |
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An Extension Educator shares soil testing information with a participant at GrowTogether. |
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Accomplishments
§ In May 2010, presented project information to representatives from the Philippines’ Agricultural Training Institute.
§ In February 2010, delivered a workshop on soil fertility and organic methods for New York Restoration Project staff and volunteers.
§ Delivered workshops and provided informational materials at Making Brooklyn Bloom and GrowTogether in 2009 and 2010.
§ Presented a project poster at the 2009 Soils of the Urban, Industrial, Traffic, Mining, and Military Areas: Fifth International Conference.
§ Completed and distributed three comprehensive fact sheets on soil contaminants, soil testing, and minimizing exposure.
Resources
Factsheets covering the topics below can be found at the Cornell Waste Management Institute.
§ Sources and Impacts of Contaminants in Soils
§ Guide to Soil Testing and Interpreting Results
§ Soil Contaminants and Best Practices for Healthy Gardens
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