Change of nutrients, microorganisms, and physical properties of exposed extensive green roof substrate

Hongqing Liu, Haiwei Yin, Fanhua Kong, Ariane Middel, Xiandi Zheng, Jing Huang, Tao Sun, Ding Wang, Itamar M. Lensky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Green roofs (GR) can be used as a nature-based solution to tackle eco-environmental problems caused by climate change and rapid urbanization. The substrate in the GRs is the growing medium for vegetation, and its properties directly affect the ecosystem services of GRs. To investigate the characteristic changes of an exposed substrate after the removal of vegetation, a one-year field experiment was conducted. Substrate properties were comprehensively compared for areas in GR that were planted with Sedum lineare and those with bare substrate. Results show that vegetation cover not only prevented substrate loss by 5.14% (p < 0.05) but also protected the chemical, microbial, and physical properties of the substrate. Moreover, the structure of the substrate changed, as evidenced by a significant increase in fine sand (p < 0.05). The results highlight that attention should be paid to maintaining vegetation cover during GR management. In addition, extensive GRs may not be suitable for fallowing. Once a GR has been established, it needs regular maintenance. Otherwise, the ecological and economic benefits of the GR may be reduced. The findings of the present study can be used to determine the life-cycle costs. Further research should focus on differences in the substrate loss rates, runoff, and temperatures of the substrates under exposure and vegetation cover. The microbial changes after revegetation should also be studied to clarify the role of vegetation in GR ecosystems. The present study provides a reference for improving GR management and ensuring their sustainability.

Original languageEnglish
Article number150344
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume805
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 Jan 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Elsevier B.V.

Funding

This research was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2017YFE0196000 ), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51878328 and 31670470 ).

FundersFunder number
National Natural Science Foundation of China31670470, 51878328
National Key Research and Development Program of China2017YFE0196000

    Keywords

    • Green infrastructure
    • Nature-based solution
    • Sedum lineare
    • Substrate loss
    • Sustainability

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