Effects of Leaf Area Index and Degree of Canopy Cover of Green Turf and Ground Cover Plants on Rainwater Interception

摘要

Turf and ground cover plants are major components of ground coverage of urban green spaces. Canopy interception is a critical link in the atmospheric water circulation of plant elements. Leaf area index (LAI) and degree of canopy cover are major factors affecting canopy interception of grass coverage. Six plant varieties in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China, namely, Festuca arundinacea, Trifolium repens, Oxalis corymbosa, Liriope angustissima, Zephyranthes candida and Iris tectorum were experimented in this study. Their LAI, interception capacity per unit leaf area, and degree of canopy cover were measured using weighing-scanning, soaking and image processing methods, respectively, with the interception capacity per unit area calculated. Our results show that Liriope angustissima, Oxalis corymbosa and Iris tectorum have comparatively high LAI; Zephyranthes candida and Festuca arundinacea have comparatively high interception capacity per unit leaf area; Liriope angustissima, Iris tectorum and Oxalis corymbosa have comparatively high interception capacity per leaf area; Oxalis corymbosa, Trifolium repens and Liriope angustissima have comparatively high degree of canopy cover. We conclude that a comprehensive consideration of LAI and degree of canopy cover of grass plants is preferred in urban greening plans, in order to achieve better performance of canopy interception. This conclusion also provides a reference to stormwater management and ecological water usage in urban green spaces.