A green roof is a beautiful idea for cities. They feel good, look good, clean the air, and regulate temperatures. However, they are often disconnected from the vital soil ecosystem. Scientists are now exploring the use of mycorrhizal fungi to bring green roofs closer to the natural environment.
In the US, green roofs are commonly planted with non-native plants in sterile soils, leading to declining effectiveness over time. To address this, a research team from Dartmouth created an experimental green roof in Chicago to study the impact of native prairie microbes, especially mycorrhizal fungi, on soil development.
Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, delivering nutrients and water while receiving plant sugars in return. They are particularly beneficial for plants in challenging environments like green roofs exposed to extreme temperatures and limited water. The team added soil rich with native mycorrhizal fungi to the experimental green roof, ultimately fostering a more diverse and sustainable soil community.
Their findings, published in New Phytologist, highlight the accelerated soil development and increased diversity in fungal communities due to the active management of mycorrhizal fungi in green roofs. Lead author Paul Metzler notes that the long-term effects of the inoculum were surprising and beneficial, significantly impacting the soil’s health.
Green roof, Faroe island
The study underscores the importance of active management of microbial communities in urban green roofs, which tend to lose their efficacy over time. The authors emphasize the need for ecological considerations in the design and maintenance of green roofs to enhance their long-term sustainability and climate resilience in cities.
They believe that cities, being highly impacted by climate change, can serve as a microcosm for studying and addressing environmental impacts below ground. The active use of mycorrhizal fungi in green roofs could be a significant step towards achieving this goal, ultimately benefiting urban areas and their inhabitants.
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