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Research article2004Peer reviewed

Comparison of establishment methods for extensive green roofs in southern Sweden

Emilsson T, Rolf K

Abstract

The most common technique for establishment of thin extensive green roofs in Sweden has been using prefabricated vegetation mats. Our study investigated (1) how the establishment ofgreen roofs in Sweden was influenced by the establishment method (prefabricated vegetation mat, plug-plant, shoot), substrate composition and species mixture, and (2) whether on-site construction was a possible alternative. The establishment of the vegetation, which in all cases consisted of succulent species, was recorded using the quadrate point intercept method in fixed plots and the success measured as frequency cover. Prefabricated vegetation mats had higher succulent plant cover than on-site constructed roofs. There was no difference in succulent plant cover between plots established using plug-plants compared to shoots. Shoot-established plots had more moss than the other establishment methods. The commercial substrate ‘Roofsoil’ had significantly higher succulent plant cover than the other substrates, which might be related to a higher nutrient content. The organic content ofthe non-commercial substrates was rapidly decomposed. The standard species mixture produced a higher cover than both the mix developed for northern conditions and the mix with an increased proportion of big leaved species. The total cover ofthe plots was mainly dependent on the cover oftwo species: Sedum album (L.) and Sedum acre (L.). Few species managed to establish spontaneously but the establishment ofwoody species highlighted the need for proper maintenance

Keywords

Crassulaceae; On-site construction; Sedum; Vegetated roofs

Published in

Urban Forestry and Urban Greening
2004, Volume: 3, number: 2, pages: 103-111

      SLU Authors

    • Rolf, Kaj

      • Department of Landscape Management and Horticultural Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

      • Emilsson, Tobias

        • Department of Landscape Management and Horticultural Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

      UKÄ Subject classification

      Landscape Architecture

      Publication identifier

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2004.07.001

      Permanent link to this page (URI)

      https://res.slu.se/id/publ/4673