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Potential for Agriculture in Combination with Native Plants on Extensive Green Roofs
MacDonald, Lindsey
MacDonald, Lindsey
2008-04
Abstract: As human populations continue to increase and degrade the environment, efficient
and environmentally conscious utilization of space is becoming more imperative. With
their myriad of benefits to humans and the environment, green roofs have the potential to
alleviate this issue. Research was conducted to analyze the potential for agriculture in
combination with native plants, on extensive green roofs, in an attempt to determine
which of these benefits can be combined. Six green roof simulation boxes, three of
which were 10.16cm in depth and three of which were 15.24cm, as well as three ground
plots were constructed to compare four perennial native species and four perennial food
crops grown both alone (food crops only or native plants only) and in mixture. Change in
diameter (radial spread), change in height, above ground biomass, water content, and fruit
count were analyzed after one growing season to determine growth trends for a green
roof system. Results indicated that there is potential for agriculture on extensive green
roofs. Food crops grew more (change in diameter, change in height, and dry weight) in
mixture with native plants than alone, both food crops and native plants grew more
(change in diameter, change in height, and dry weight) in deeper plots than in shallow
boxes or the ground, food crops had a higher water content in shallow plots than deep
plots, and more strawberry fruits were produced in deep plots. This research indicates
that extensive green roofs, planted with food crops and native species, are a viable option
to consider for reducing environmental degradation and adding to humans’ quality of life.