Scholarly record
HALOPHYTES AND MEDITERRANEAN XEROPHYTES IN EXTENSIVE GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR STORMWATER RETENTION AND NATURE-BASED SALINE IRRIGATION STRATEGIES
Abstract
Urbanization and climate change increase pressure on water resources and urban drainage systems, particularly in Mediterranean regions. Extensive green roofs have emerged as nature-based solutions capable of reducing stormwater runoff while improving urban microclimates. The present study evaluates the performance of halophytic and Mediterranean drought-tolerant plant species in extensive green roof systems irrigated with waters of different salinity levels. An experimental setup using the DIADEM-150 multilayer green roof system was established in Messolonghi, Greece. The response of the halophyte Salicornia europaea and selected xerophytic species (Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula dentata, and Mesembryanthemum acinaciforme) was examined under three irrigation regimes (freshwater, brackish water, and seawater) and three substrate mixtures (A, B, and C). Hydrological performance was evaluated through runoff measurements following thirteen irrigation events. Results showed that substrate mixture C (perlite:peat:vermiculite = 1:1:0.5) achieved the highest stormwater retention (68.6%). Salicornia europaea demonstrated the highest tolerance to salinity and exhibited maximum growth under brackish irrigation conditions, whereas most xerophytic species showed growth inhibition or leaf necrosis under high salinity levels. The findings indicate that integrating halophytic species into extensive green roof systems may significantly reduce potable water consumption while maintaining satisfactory hydrological performance. Such vegetation strategies could contribute to sustainable urban water management and climate adaptation in Mediterranean cities. These findings highlight the potential of green roof systems as nature-based solutions for climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
Publication details
References9
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