Human Issues in Horticulture Research from Lohr & Pearson-Mims

Benefits of Plants: Research on Human Issues in Horticulture

Virginia I. Lohr
Dept. of Horticulture
Washington State University

Linking ecology and aesthetics in sustainable agricultural landscapes: Lessons from the Palouse region of Washington, U.S.A? This work headed up by Dr. Linda Klein, showed that people respond more positively to agricultural landscapes with conservation buffers than without them. She also showed that how much these buffers contribute to ecological value of these landscapes.

A multicultural survey of the influence of childhood environmental experiences on adult sensitivities to urban and community forests The goal of this project, which was funded by the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, was to determine the relationship between childhood contact with nature and adult attitudes towards urban forests. Two thousand adults in the largest metropolitan areas across the U.S. were surveyed by telephone. We found that the more interaction that people had with nature as children, the more they valued plants as adults.

Tree canopy colors - People have strong responses to a range of tree colors, varying in hue and intensity, and respond most positively to green trees.

Human responses to tree forms - Humans feel better when viewing trees rather than inanimate objects, and the response is magnified when the tree has a spreading form.

Impact of interior plants on human stress and productivity - Indoor plants help people relax and increase speed on computer tasks involving mental concentration.

Impact of interior plants on air quality - Indoor plants reduce dust and increase relative humidity.

Plants and reducing physical discomfort - Indoor plants reduce physical discomfort and do more than just give you something to focus on other than pain.

Video: The Civilizing Nature of Plants. This video is an Extension Engaged talk that Virginia Lohr presented on April 9, 2004. View on RealPlayer - or - View on WindowsMedia Summary: People have always known that plants provide us food. This is essential for our survival. Plants also provide fibers for clothing, materials for buildings, and chemicals for medicines. The value of these tangible products can be easily appreciated. What is not so well known is that plants also produce a wide range of intangible effects on people. For example, plants calm us, reduce stress, increase pain tolerance, and speed recovery from illnesses. They also improve mental functioning in children and reduce domestic violence. In short, plants make us better, more civil people.

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Updated March 20, 2015