How to Study the Ecology of Food in the City: An Overview of Natural Science Methodologies

Though many methods from ecology translate well to agroecosystems and still further, urban agroecosystems, systems of food production in areas of dense human occupation often necessitate a different approach to ecological research. This chapter provides a primer on natural science research methods for new researchers in UA. The chapter overviews recent ecological research in or relevant to urban agriculture, paying particular attention to methodological advancements made from a natural science perspective. Specifically, this chapter outlines 1) the application of classic ecological theory to urban agriculture's unique ecological conditions; 2) open questions in the ecology of UA, and broader questions in ecology that can be addressed in UA systems; 3) what methods from ecology and agroecology translate well and what must be newly adapted; and 4) the most pressing methodological issues for future urban agroecologial research to address.