Biochar for Vertical Greenery Systems

Michal Kraus,Kateřina Žáková,Jaroslav Žák

doi:10.3390/en13236320

Michal Kraus, Kateřina Žáková + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en13236320

Copy DOI

Abstract

Vertical greenery systems (VGS) are effective at solving urban heat. They can absorb noise pollution and dust, and, aesthetically, they are positively perceived. Systems using hydroponic irrigation and nutrition, in combination with mineral wool as a base, are light and effective (they are able to hold water, with a high percentage of air, and a good mechanical structure to hold the plant stable). However, the functionality of a system can be compromised if the water supply is depleted or the irrigation system fails. This deficiency can be partially remedied if a certain amount of biochar or a suitable organic fertilizer is also a part of the system. The research task consisted of verifying this assumption and determining the effective amount of the biochar. Samples with different amounts of biochar were examined under the same temperature and humidity conditions; extended drying times, additional costs, and safety tank size savings were found. Subsequently, the effective amount of the biochar was determined by the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method. It has been experimentally verified that biochar has a positive effect and prolongs the drying time; the additional costs are almost offset by the benefits. It should be noted that the results are valid for central Europe, and may be modified for different climate and economic zones.

Highlights

Changes in metropolis environments have led to significant vegetation losses, as spaces are often allocated to concrete structures, buildings, large parking lots, and other paved surfaces
The results of this study showed that the eco-physiological responses of plants to biochar are highly dose-dependent and appear species-specific
The time in hours by which the drying of the ivy was prolonged, for different amounts of added biochar for three different panel thicknesses, was measured

Summary

Introduction

Changes in metropolis environments have led to significant vegetation losses, as spaces are often allocated to concrete structures, buildings, large parking lots, and other paved surfaces. The extent of temperature anomalies is determined by the size of the cities and the level of their urbanization [2]. Vegetation provides shading, especially evapotranspiration services that are crucial for cooling, and decrease of surface and atmospheric temperatures. Transpiration is the action of water relocation away from the vegetation canopy to the leaf stomata [4]. This process significantly contributes to lowering temperatures, especially in the centres of cities, and helps avoid urban heat islands (UHI). UHI can be determined as the air temperature difference or surface temperature difference between a city’s urban and un-urbanized rural areas. Natural drainage (runoff) points are missing, which reduces the cooling potential of the surroundings due to the natural evaporation of water

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion