Green Roof Growing Medium

Growing medium is not the same material used for a house plant or a garden.

Green roof growing medium.

Green roof substrate has been researched developed blended and improved over several decades. For the best green roof medium the growing media should contain the following. A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof which involves at a minimum high quality water proofing root repellent system drainage system filter cloth a lightweight growing medium and plants. Green roofs designed for biodiversity biodiverse green roofs green roof designed for biodiversity basel switzerland.

Types of green roofs. Traditional soil is heavy and packs tight after repeated rains reducing water retention and aeration for plant roots. Green roof systems may be modular with drainage layers filter cloth growing media and plants already prepared in movable often. Commonly referred to as growing media or soil substrates the growing medium used is an essential part of the green roof system.

When saturated these layers can weigh in at more than 100kg per square metre or 20lbs per square foot. However the factors allowing for a lightweight roof can create a high stress environment for plant material. Green roofs are made up of several layers typically a waterproof root barrier layer to protect the roof a drainage layer water retention mat then the growing medium and vegetation. This of course can be reflected in the cost of building materials.

During dry spells the growing medium can shrink leaving it vulnerable to weeds. In general the bulk of the water storage in a green roof buildup is in the growing medium. Green roof growing medium is composed of mineral aggregates and only a small amount of organic material. These aggregates make a good basis for a growing medium.

Then a yearly haircut and occasional fertilizer as indicated by a soil test is all that s needed to keep the green roof fit and trim. The extensive green roof lightweight cost effective and probably the most popular of the green roofs. Over the years the brown roof idea developed into the green roof designed for biodiversity. Greater water holding capacity.

Pumice is somewhat porous and is lighter than most aggregates. Over a 100m2 green roof with 10cm depth of growing medium the weight saved by using substrate instead of soil is considerable. Ensuring the growing medium is right for the type of. Lightweight volcanic aggregate such as pumice or lava.

Quality control of the aggregate. Sarah and scott can irrigate this roof with a self coiling garden hose threaded into the second floor bathroom sink faucet.