The potential contribution of the development of Edible Parks in providing Thermal comfort in cities

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran

2 Dept. of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

10.22034/saps.2024.62865.3263

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Expansion and industrialization in cities cause challenges, including sustainable food supply and ecological needs, particularly in developing cities. In recent years, Edible Parks have been implemented to address a portion of these ecological, environmental, and social needs through green infrastructure, thereby contributing significantly to urban sustainability.
 
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted through a combination of field investigation, analytical assessment, and quantitative evaluation. In the first phase, the physical and microclimatic characteristics of the site—including topography, vegetation cover, and surface material composition—were systematically monitored. To assess the impact of different planting configurations on thermal comfort conditions, a comparative scenario analysis approach was employed. Accordingly, seven distinct planting scenarios, comprising various combinations of deciduous trees, evergreen trees, and shrubs, were developed and implemented on a fixed study site.
To accurately analyze the microclimatic performance of each scenario, simulations were carried out using ENVI-MET 4 and RayMan for calculating thermal comfort indices. All scenarios were simulated over an 8-hour period, from 10:00 to 18:00, on 30 June 2020, identified based on meteorological data as one of the hottest days of the year. Input data, including air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and atmospheric boundary conditions, were obtained from the nearest meteorological station and incorporated into the simulation models
 
 
Results and Discussion: The implementation of planting scenarios consisting of deciduous trees, evergreen trees, and shrubs within urban agricultural lands demonstrated a substantial impact on improving microclimatic conditions and enhancing thermal comfort. Analysis of the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index revealed that the presence of multilayer vegetation reduced PMV values by 1/5 units compared to the non-vegetated surface and by 1/4 units relative to the cultivated simulated surface, indicating a marked decrease in heat stress during peak daytime hours. Similarly, the assessment of the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) index confirmed the significant effectiveness of the planting configurations, as PET values decreased by 6°C relative to bare ground and by 5/57°C compared to the cultivated surface scenario. These reductions are primarily attributed to enhanced shading, increased evapotranspiration, and the attenuation of incoming solar radiation provided by the vegetative layers. Furthermore, the ambient air temperature exhibited an average reduction of 0/49°C under the planting scenarios, which, although modest in magnitude, plays a meaningful role in mitigating localized urban heat accumulation.
 
Conclusion: The findings of this study clearly demonstrate that integrating tree plantings—including both deciduous and evergreen species—with agricultural crops within a defined site can serve as an effective strategy for the development of edible parks. Analysis of thermal comfort indices indicates that the presence of multilayer vegetative structures significantly improves microclimatic conditions through increased shading, reduced surface temperatures, and enhanced relative humidity. Moreover, the application of well‑designed and principled planting configurations within the proposed scenarios not only systematizes and optimizes the climatic modifications induced by vegetation but also contributes to the restoration of abandoned or degraded agricultural lands. This integrated approach supports both ecological revitalization and the sustainable enhancement of multifunctional urban green infrastructures.
 
Keywords: Edible Park, PMV Index, Simulation, Thermal Comfort, Urban Climate

Keywords

References

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production
Volume 36, Issue 1
2026
Pages 275-301

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