Allotment holders were told to ‘dig for victory’ during the Second World War to help the country feed itself.
According to new research, allotments could be an option for reducing import dependency in an eco-friendly fashion. It has been shown that they are as productive as farmland and require fewer toxic chemical.
The University of Sussex study found individual allotment holders harvested just over 2lb (1kg) of food per square metre – a similar yield to that of a conventional farm.
Over a single season, the yields were averaged at 154lb (70kg), with minimal pesticide usage.
Benefits seen in the citizen science project in Brighton included the creation of biodiversity havens, with volunteers recording more than 2,000 insects – most commonly bees – visiting their plants over the two-year study.
They grew berries, soft fruits, and beans.
The University of Sussex study found individual allotment holders harvested just over 2lb (1kg) of food per square metre – a similar yield to that of a conventional farm. Average yields were 154lb (70kg), with minimal pesticide usage (file photo from Fitzroy Park, London allotment owner).
Dr Beth Nicholls, the lead author of this study said that in a world with increasing urbanization, food production around cities could have the potential to enhance both nutrition and health.
She added: ‘The UK imports approximately £8billion of fruit and vegetables each year.
“Our findings show that green spaces, including allotments or community gardens in cities could be an important part of meeting this demand on a local level.
Dr Nicholls surveyed 30 persons who gave data on their allotments or gardens.
England has an estimated 330,000 allotment parcels.
The study also showed that urban farming can improve health. Participants reported feeling relaxed and satisfied while tending their crops.
It is estimated that there are 330,000 allotment plots across England. (Fitzroy Park photo, London).
Dr Nicholls said that it is more sustainable and productive than traditional agriculture.
It has been estimated allotments are capable of producing up to 20 percent of the world’s food, which could prove vital at a time when the world’s population is on track to soar to 10 billion by 2050.
Calcutta is currently conducting a similar study.
Dr Nicholls explained that they are working with the Centre for Pollination Studies, University of Calcutta.
“They’re exploring whether urban food production is viable in India. This developing country has a greater scale of urban production and more food can be produced for consumption.