scholarly journals Green Roof Plant Suitability Analysis for Northern Climates

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 563-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine L. Vinson ◽  
Youbin Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Suitability Analysis ◽  
Production Growth ◽  
Diverse Plant Species ◽  
Extensive Green Roofs ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Diverse Plant

To select plant species and species combinations for northern climates, mats with different plant species and species combinations were constructed on a green roof plant production farm and later transported and installed on an urban rooftop. There were three treatments: two different planting combinations, which together consisted of 10 diverse plant species [both stonecrop (Sedum) species and nonstonecrop species], and a control, which consisted of 26 stonecrop species used for standard mat production. Growth measurements and observations were made at both sites and special attention was paid to the performance of species during the harvest, transportation, and installation stages, as well as during recovery postinstallation. All species but false rock cress (Aubrieta cultorum) were found to be suitable for extensive green roof applications in northern climates, although there were variations of suitability among the species. Good, mediocre, and poor interactions formed between numerous species, displaying different levels of compatibility. Finally, all species were considered appropriate for a mat production system; species that failed to germinate, species planted postinstallation, the frequently displaced rolling hens and chicks (Jovibarba sobolifera), and false rock cress were exceptions. Overall, many species in this study displayed successful, well-rounded growth. Based on results, species and species combinations were recommended for extensive green roofs in northern climates.

scholarly journals Moisture Content of Extensive Green Roof Substrate and Growth Response of 15 Temperate Plant Species during Dry Down

HortScience ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 518-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Bousselot ◽  
James E. Klett ◽  
Ronda D. Koski
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Herbaceous Species ◽  
Extensive Green Roof ◽  
Dry Down ◽  
Porous Soils ◽  
Extensive Green Roofs

Success of extensive green roof vegetation depends primarily on associated plant species' ability to survive the low moisture content of the substrate. As a result of the well-drained nature of the substrate, plants adaptable to dry, porous soils are primarily used in extensive green roof applications. Although Sedum species have dominated the plant palette for extensive green roofs, there is growing interest in expanding the plant list for extensive green roof systems. To effectively select suitable plants, species need to be evaluated in terms of their response to gradual and prolonged dry down of the substrate. A study to determine the relative rates of dry down for 15 species was conducted in greenhouse trials. During dry downs that extended over 5 months, the substrate of succulent and herbaceous species dried down at different rates. The change in moisture content of the substrate was not consistent among succulent and herbaceous plant species during the initial 18 d of dry down. Despite differences in rate of dry down, the succulent species, as a group, maintained viable foliage for over five times longer than the herbaceous species. The revival rates of the succulent species were nearly double those of the herbaceous species. Therefore, not only are succulent species more likely to survive during periods of drought, but these species are more likely to resume growth soon after water is again made available.

scholarly journals Phytophthora Diversity in Pennsylvania Nurseries and Greenhouses Inferred from Clinical Samples Collected over Four Decades

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 1056
Author(s):  
Cody Molnar ◽  
Ekaterina Nikolaeva ◽  
Seonghwan Kim ◽  
Tracey Olson ◽  
Devin Bily ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Phytophthora Species ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Distinct Subgroup ◽  
Exotic Pathogens ◽  
Diverse Plant Species ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Diverse Plant

The increasing movement of exotic pathogens calls for systematic surveillance so that newly introduced pathogens can be recognized and dealt with early. A resource crucial for recognizing such pathogens is knowledge about the spatial and temporal diversity of endemic pathogens. Here, we report an effort to build this resource for Pennsylvania (PA) by characterizing the identity and distribution of Phytophthora species isolated from diverse plant species in PA nurseries and greenhouses. We identified 1137 Phytophthora isolates cultured from clinical samples of >150 plant species submitted to the PA Department of Agriculture for diagnosis from 1975 to 2019 using sequences of one or more loci and morphological characteristics. The three most commonly received plants were Abies, Rhododendron, and Pseudotsuga. Thirty-six Phytophthora species identified represent all clades, except 3 and 10, and included a distinct subgroup of a known species and a prospective new species. Prominent pathogenic species such as P. cactorum, P. cinnamomi, P. nicotianae, P. drechsleri, P. pini, P. plurivora, and P. sp. kelmania have been found consistently since 1975. One isolate cultured from Juniperus horizontalis roots did not correspond to any known species, and several other isolates also show considerable genetic variation from any authentic species or isolate. Some species were isolated from never-before-documented plants, suggesting that their host range is larger than previously thought. This survey only provides a coarse picture of historical patterns of Phytophthora encounters in PA nurseries and greenhouses because the isolation of Phytophthora was not designed for a systematic survey. However, its extensive temporal and plant coverage offers a unique insight into the association of Phytophthora with diverse plants in nurseries and greenhouses.

scholarly journals A laboratory study to determine the use of polluted river sediment as a substrate for extensive green roofs

2018 ◽  
Vol 78 (11) ◽  
pp. 2247-2255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Xing Zhong ◽  
Wu Che ◽  
Huichao Sun ◽  
Hailong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
River Sediment ◽  
Peat Soil ◽  
River Sediments ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Polluted River ◽  
Artificial Rainfall ◽  
Study Laboratory ◽  
Extensive Green Roofs

Abstract In this study, laboratory-scale green (e.g. living) roof platforms were established to assess the potential use of polluted river sediment in their substrate mixture. The mean runoff retention of the green roof platforms, which contained peat and/or river sediment, after 11 artificial rainfall events was >72%, significantly higher than traditional roofs. However, green roof platforms that had been filled with peat soil showed chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) leaching. Green roofs that had used river sediment showed good leaching control for COD, TN and TP. The cumulative leaching masses from the green roofs contained 30% (COD), 42% (TN) and 47% (TP) as much as the total leaching mass from traditional roofs, and the Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb leaching risk from green roofs when river sediments are used as part of a substrate mixture was relatively low. Despite some nutrient leaching in the initial phase of runoff from the green roofs, river sediment has the potential to be used as a substrate for extensive green roofs.

scholarly journals First Report of Tomato chlorotic spot virus in Hoya wayetii and Schlumbergera truncata

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlye A. Baker ◽  
Scott Adkins
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Spot Virus ◽  
First Report ◽  
Chlorotic Spot ◽  
Production Space ◽  
Related Plant ◽  
Diverse Plant Species ◽  
Diverse Plant

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of TCSV infection of H. wayetii and S. truncata from any location, although other tospoviruses are known to infect these and related plant species. The identification of these two diverse plant species as the first reported natural ornamental hosts of TCSV has implications for TCSV epidemiology and management in ornamental and vegetable crops, which frequently share production space. Accepted by publication 15 January 2015. Published 25 February 2015.

scholarly journals Growth of Native Aromatic Xerophytes in an Extensive Mediterranean Green Roof as Affected by Substrate Type and Depth and Irrigation Frequency

HortScience ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (10) ◽  
pp. 1327-1333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Papafotiou ◽  
Niki Pergialioti ◽  
Lamprini Tassoula ◽  
Ioannis Massas ◽  
Georgios Kargas
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Substrate Type ◽  
Irrigation Frequency ◽  
Artemisia Absinthium ◽  
Grape Marc ◽  
Local Character

Green roofs could be a way to increase vegetation in the center of old Mediterranean cities. The need for conservation of local character and biodiversity requires the use of native plant species, whereas the deficiency of water, particularly in semiarid regions, requires the use of species with reduced irrigation needs. Moreover, the aged buildings lead to the use of lightweight green roof constructions. Therefore, research was undertaken to investigate the possibility of using three Mediterranean aromatic xerophytes, Artemisia absinthium L., Helichrysum italicum Roth., and H. orientale L., at an extensive green roof in Athens, Greece. Simultaneously, the possibility of using locally produced grape marc compost was investigated. Substrate type and depth and irrigation frequency effects on growth of these species were studied. Rooted cuttings were planted mid-May in plastic containers with a green roof infrastructure fitted (moisture retention and protection of the insulation mat, drainage layer, and filter sheet) and placed on a fully exposed third floor flat roof at the Agricultural University of Athens. Two types of substrates were used, grape marc compost:soil:perlite (2:3:5, v/v) and peat:soil:perlite (2:3:5, v/v, as a control), as well as two substrate depths, 7.5 (shallow) and 15 cm (deep), and two irrigation frequencies, sparse (5 or 7 days in shallow and deep substrate, respectively) and normal (3 or 5 days in shallow and deep substrate, respectively). Increased contents of macroelements, total phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in particular, were recorded in the compost-amended substrate, whereas both substrates had similar physical properties. Plant growth was recorded from May to October. The deep compost-amended substrate, independent of irrigation frequency, resulted in taller plants with bigger diameter and aboveground dry weight in all species. However, a remarkable result was that shallow compost-amended substrate with sparse irrigation resulted in similar or even bigger plant growth of all plant species compared with deep peat-amended substrate with normal irrigation. Thus, all three species were found suitable for use in Mediterranean extensive or semi-intensive green roofs, whereas the use of grape marc compost in the substrate allowed for less water consumption and the reduction of substrate depth without restriction of plant growth at the establishment phase and the first period of drought.

The effect of drainage height on plant-species composition on a semi-arid green roof system

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 149-155
Author(s):  
Har'el Agra ◽  
Hadar Shalom ◽  
Omar Bawab ◽  
Gyongyver J. Kadas ◽  
Leon Blaustein
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Diversity ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Plant Species Composition ◽  
Roof System ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract Green roofs are expected to contribute to higher biodiversity in urban surroundings. Typically, green roofs have been designed with low plant diversity. However, plant diversity can be enhanced by controlling resource availability and creating distinct niches. Here we hypothesize that by using different drainage heights during the short plant-growing season in a semi-arid green roof system we can create distinct niches and plant communities. Our experiment took place at the University of Haifa, north Israel. We tested three different heights of drainage outlet: 10 cm under the surface of the substrate (Low), 1 cm under the surface of the substrate (Medium) and 3 cm above the surface of the substrate (High) on plant species-composition in green-roof gardens. Grasses cover was higher in High and Medium drainages while forbs cover was higher in Low drainage. Species richness was the highest in Low drainage while diversity indices showed the opposite trend. We conclude that by changing the height of the drainage we can create different niches and change species composition in a short time period of one growing season. This way we can create more diverse green roof communities and enhance biodiversity in urban areas, particularly in semi-arid regions.

The effects of growth form on the impact of companion planting of nectar-producing plant species with Sedum album for extensive green roofs

2020 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. 126875
Author(s):  
Tatsuya Matsuoka ◽  
Kazuaki Tsuchiya ◽  
Susumu Yamada ◽  
Jeremy Lundholm ◽  
Toshiya Okuro
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Growth Form ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Extensive Green Roofs

scholarly journals Perception and Barriers to Implementation of Intensive and Extensive Green Roofs in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Buildings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Aslam Hossain ◽  
Shahriar Shams ◽  
Mahmud Amin ◽  
Md Sumon Reza ◽  
Tanvir Uddin Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Complete Darkness ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Extensive Green Roofs ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Socio Economic Factors

Buildings are one of the biggest consumers of fossil fuels, and thus, contribute largely to greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, a large number of studies have been conducted and innovative ideas or green solutions have been invented, adopted, and implemented across the globe. These solutions are often contextual and heavily dependent on local environmental and socio-economic factors. Green roofs are such an example. Green roofs (both intensive and extensive) for buildings have been successfully adopted in many countries around the world. Bangladesh, a developing country that can benefit from green roofs, seems to remain in complete darkness regarding its potential. The objective of this study is to identify the reasons why green roofs have not been widely implemented in Bangladesh, especially in the capital Dhaka, even though, theoretically, the climatic conditions of this country favor this technology. This study focuses on the perception of the construction industry to comprehend the possible obstacles they are facing towards using green roofs in their designs. A questionnaire study was conducted among architects, engineers, construction managers, contractors, and owners who are at different levels of experience in their respective fields. The results indicate a gap in knowledge and misconceptions, which are major hindrances to the implementation of green roofs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document