Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
09:39
Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
35.2K
Biochar granulation reduces substrate erosion on green roofs
Wenxi Liao1, Melanie A Sifton1, Sean C Thomas1
1Institute of Forestry and Conservation, John H Daniels Faculty of Architecture Landscape and Design, University of Toronto, 33 Willcocks St., Toronto, ON M5S 3B3 Canada.
Biochar
|November 1, 2022
Summary
Granulated biochar significantly reduces green roof erosion, unlike unprocessed biochar. Sedum album vegetation also proved more effective than native mixes in preventing substrate loss, enhancing green roof sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Horticultural Science
- Material Science
Background:
- Green roofs face erosion from wind and environmental stress, degrading vegetation and substrate.
- Unprocessed biochar, while beneficial for plant growth, is itself susceptible to erosion.
- Effective mitigation strategies for biochar and substrate erosion on green roofs are not well-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of granulated vs. unprocessed biochar on erosion.
- To assess the efficacy of an organic dust suppressant (Entac™).
- To evaluate the role of different vegetation types (Sedum album vs. native mix) in erosion control.
Main Methods:
- Surface application of granulated and unprocessed biochars on green roof test plots.
- Inclusion of an organic dust suppressant (Entac™) in some plots.
- Monitoring of biochar and substrate erosion over a two-year period.
- Comparison of erosion rates under Sedum album and a native plant mix.
Main Results:
- Unprocessed biochar experienced 94% loss over two years, irrespective of dust suppressant.
- Granulated biochar reduced biochar erosion by 74% and substrate erosion by 39%.
- Sedum album significantly outperformed the native plant mix in reducing erosion.
Conclusions:
- Granulated biochar is a viable solution to mitigate biochar and substrate erosion on green roofs.
- Vegetation choice, particularly Sedum album, plays a critical role in erosion control.
- These findings enhance the long-term sustainability and ecological function of green roofs.
