The main objectives of the NativeScapeGR project are:
1-to study green roofs as alternative urban landscapes, regarding low water requirements and the use of native species, in order to:
i) save water, ii) take advantage of environmental adaptations of native species, namely to drought conditions, to create landscape areas that maintain ecological, functional, aesthetic and recreation value, iii) avoid the introduction of invasive species, iv) and promote biodiversity and wildlife refuges in urban areas;
2-to quantify the water requirements of landscape species/areas by: i) quantifying the water requirements of a set of chosen native species using gravimetric measurements of potted plants, in relation with irrigation levels and ornamental value, ii) and quantifying the water requirements of green roofs with native plants, by the use of soil water balance.
3-to simulate the water requirements of green roofs, regarding irrigation scheduling, by using a model formerly adapted to agricultural applications, extending it to landscape areas.
4-to test the possibility of using Biocrusts in green roofs based on the use of mosses without additional water and comparing the
performance of these organisms with the average/expected advantages of a green roof, namely the capacity to retain water and reduce roof temperatures.
5-to test the hydrological performance of the green roofs and the capacity to replace ecosystem functions.
FCT: Projectos de Investigação Científica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em todos os Domínios Científicos - Fundos Estruturais da EU (gestão nacional) - EXPL/ATP-ARP/0252/2013.
Leader: Teresa Afonso do Paço (ISA).
Partners: BIOFIG, ISA, SIGMETUM, NEOTURF, MGS and FCUL.
