Rolf, Kaj
- Department of Landscape Management and Horticultural Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Research article2004Peer reviewed
Emilsson T, Rolf K
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
Crassulaceae; On-site construction; Sedum; Vegetated roofs
Urban Forestry and Urban Greening
2004, Volume: 3, number: 2, pages: 103-111
Landscape Architecture
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2004.07.001
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/4673