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Plant functional traits predict green roof ecosystem services
Jeremy Lundholm1, Stephanie Tran, Luke Gebert
1Biology/Environmental Science, Saint Mary's University , 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3 Canada.
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 20, 2015
Summary
Easily measured plant traits like height and specific leaf area can optimize engineered ecosystems. This research shows how selecting plant species based on these traits improves green roof services, including thermal regulation and water quality.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Horticultural Engineering
Background:
- Engineered ecosystems, such as green roofs, rely on plant contributions for essential services.
- Ecologists commonly use plant traits to predict distribution and ecosystem function, but this has been underexplored for optimizing engineered systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate four plant species traits as predictors of ecosystem properties and services in a modular green roof system.
- To determine if easily measured plant traits can guide species selection for enhanced green roof performance.
Main Methods:
- Assessed six indicators of ecosystem services (thermal, hydrological, water quality, carbon sequestration) in a green roof with 21 plant species.
- Correlated four plant traits (height, individual leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content) with ecosystem services, considering effects on canopy density and albedo.
Main Results:
- Species average height and specific leaf area were identified as key traits for predicting ecosystem services.
- These traits influenced services directly or indirectly through their impact on canopy density and growth rate.
- The study demonstrated significant relationships between plant traits and multiple green roof functions.
Conclusions:
- Easily measurable plant traits can effectively predict and optimize multiple ecosystem services in green roof systems.
- Plant trait-based selection is a viable strategy for enhancing the performance of engineered ecosystems.
- This approach offers a practical method for designing more functional and beneficial green roofs.
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