ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the factors influencing the chemical, physical and biological status of soils, water and the biosphere in urban allotment gardens. It discusses the past activity associated with the sites within the urban ecosystem. The chapter demonstrates links between the soil and water quality used as part of the functioning of allotments, and relationship to their ecosystem services. Soil is the substrate on which the allotment thrives; it provides both the micro environment for biological activity as well as the physical environment for plants and animals to exist. The diversity of urban allotment gardening activities across geographical and historical environments creates highly variable soil conditions. Atmospheric, water and solid waste pollution may influence the quality of urban allotment garden soils and induce health risks by consumption of contaminated vegetables. The allotment gardens can be a source of ornamental or edible exotic plants that become invasive or can be under pressure by the spreading of invasive plants.
