Plant agronomic performance and selection for green roofs under mediterranean and maritime climate conditions
Author(s)
Provenzano, Maria Elena
Date Issued
March 18, 2011
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
This thesis describes a series of experiments conducted in two different climate conditions, Mediterranean and maritime. Research was focused on plant selection and agronomic performance mainly for extensive green roof systems. Specific objectives were: 1) to investigate suitability of a core of selected perennials for green roofs conditions, both in a Mediterranean and in a maritime environment; 2) to contrast plant performance also relatively to their provenance (native species, ecotypes and commercial material was included) and in some cases to the environmental growth conditions. Additionally the thermal effect of green roof systems and their vegetation in terms of temperature fluctuation reduction on the roof surface in a Mediterranean climate was tempted to be quantified. Studies were carried out at Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy, and at Sheffield University, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Results demonstrated that in both climates succulents species performed well confirming their adaptability to and suitability for the green roofs conditions, particularly the low input systems. However, other non-succulent perennials exhibited interesting features and good performance for roof greening as: Armeria maritima ‘Splendens’; Cerastium tomentosum; Delosperma cooperi and Thymus spp. Additionally, native species and wild forms responded well to the harsh conditions found on the rooftop, performing in some cases greater than non-native and the commercial material. Moreover, substrate depth seems to have an influence on plant initial growth as well as on long term vegetation dynamics, as plant germination, growth and diversity were favoured by deeper depths. Finally, in the Mediterranean climate it has been found that green roofs during summer can decrease the maximum temperature of the roof surface by up to 30°C, while in winter the temperature never goes below zero.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Ortoflorofrutticoltura
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