Use of organic wastes to create lightweight green roof substrates with increased plant-available water

Abstract

Substrate design is important for stormwater retention and plant survival on green roofs. Green roof substrates are mostly inorganic, providing long-term stability, while organic components (<20% v/v) reduce substrate weight and increase water retention, depending on rate and type. Selection of organic components depends on availability and organic waste materials can improve sustainability and reduce costs. We aimed to use organic waste materials to create lightweight substrates with good aeration and increased plant-available water (PAW) to support plant growth on green roofs. We evaluated the effects of five locally available organic waste components (coarse coir, fine coir, composted gre..