INS 10-7 - Biochar enhances native species on green roofs

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT

Location: 520A

Presenting Author(s)

MS

Melanie Sifton, MSc

PhD Candidate
University of Toronto, United States

Co-author(s)

ST

Sean C. Thomas, PhD

Professor
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
SS

Sandy M. Smith, PhD

Professor
University of Toronto, Institute of Forestry & Conservation

Green roofs have increased exponentially in urban areas of North America over the last two decades, but regional roof planting palettes still rely heavily on non-native Sedum species. We tested native plants in typical green roof systems with the addition of wood biochars, which are charcoal-like soil amendments produced by pyrolysis of forestry by-products, and are known to increase soil moisture and plant nutrient uptake. Over a two-year timespan, we found that several species of plants native to nearby alvar and meadow ecosystems benefited from biochar amendments during their establishment phase, and also thrived through vegetative and reproductive stages.