Biochar enhances native species on green roofs

Green roofs have increased exponentially in urban areas of North America over the last two decades, but regional roof planting palettes still rely heavily on non-native Sedum species. We tested native plants in typical green roof systems with the addition of wood biochars, which are charcoal-like soil amendments produced by pyrolysis of forestry by-products, and are known to increase soil moisture and plant nutrient uptake. Over a two-year timespan, we found that several species of plants native to nearby alvar and meadow ecosystems benefited from biochar amendments during their establishment phase, and also thrived through vegetative and reproductive stages.