An adaptive approach to intensive green roofs in the Mediterranean climatic region

The present study aims to introduce an adaptive approach to intensive green roofs by evaluating suitable, lightweight substrates and by determining the effect of their depth on the growth and physiological status of Pittosporum tobira L. and Olea europaea L. The two-year study was conducted in outdoor containers (1.2 m × 1.2 m) while treatments included the use of two depths (30 cm and 40 cm) and three different substrates: (a) pumice (Pum) mixed with peat (P) and zeolite (Z) in a volumetric proportion of 65:30:5 (Pum65:P30:Z5), (b) pumice mixed with compost (C) and zeolite in a volumetric proportion of 65:30:5 (Pum65:C30:Z5) and (c) sandy loam soil (S) mixed with perlite (Per) and zeolite in a volumetric proportion of 30:65:5 (S30:Per65:Z5). Each experimental plot was planted with four plants of P. tobira and one plant of O. europaea var. Koroneiki. Measurements included determination of the physical and chemical characteristics of the substrates while plant growth and physiological status were determined through plant growth index, trunk perimeter for olive trees, SPAD measurements and chlorophylla+b content. Both the plant species exhibited better growth and higher chlorophyll content in the compost-amended substrate (Pum65:C30:Z5) due to its higher nutrient content. The 40 cm depth substrate provided minimal improvement in the growth of both the plants at the end of the first year while in the second year the deeper substrate positively influenced the growth of olive trees.