A pilot study on improve the functioning of extensive green roofs in city centers using mosses

Abstract

Most of environmental benefits of green roofs results from the presence of a vegetation layer. However vascular plants quickly die in harsh urban conditions. This paper presents research involving moss species appearing spontaneously on green roofs in cities to test whether we can create a vegetation layer with simplifi ed structure introducing that moss. It was checked using two transplant methods and three models of such roofs. Research evidenced that moss Ceratodon purpureus Hedw. is able to survive on green roofs in cities with high efficiency and can develop after transplant on roofs with a simple structure. Maximum weight of the moss layer during the year did not exceed 7.0 kg·m–2.

Keywords

• green infrastructure
• green roof challenges
• moss roofs
• longevity of vegetated roofs
• simplified green roof design