Sustainable and energy saving urban horticulture on rooftop gardens in Mediterranean climatic conditions

摘要

The aim of this work is the development of sustainable methods for the cultivation of vegetables in a seasonal succession on rooftop gardens, using containers and soilless substrates with addition of organic matter obtained from the recycling of foodwaste. The experiment was conducted on a terrace in central Italy in substrates of 17 cm depth, with controlled release fertilizer 15N-9P-15K and the following amendments: 5% compost, 5% biochar and 5% compost + 5% biochar. After the harvest the same substrates were used for the fall cultivation of Cichorium endivia, followed by Lactuca sativa in the spring. The amendment with compost + biochar produced an increase of the size of tomatoes, and biomass of the leafy vegetables. A second experiment evaluated the growth of aromatic species [Rosmarinus prostratus, Salvia officinalis, Thymus citriodorus) in soilless substrate and improvement of the plant growth was detected after amendment with 10% of compost. The evaluation of thermal parameters of installations with aromatic plants presented a decrease of the temperature of the substrates and the space under the structure, in relation to the plant development. The results suggest the feasibility of perennial aromatic plants for green roof installations aimed at mitigation of the indoor temperature in the summer periods.