The Effect of Combined Drought and Temperature Stress on the Physiological Status of Calcareous Grassland Species as Potential Candidates for Urban Green Infrastructure

Abstract

Nature-based solutions are promising for climate adaptation and environmental management in urban areas, but urban conditions are stressful for vegetation. In particular, the interaction of drought and high temperatures may be detrimental. Guiding plant selection for urban greening with native species requires a far better knowledge of plant adaptations and stress acclimation. We tested the physiological responses of four candidate calcareous grassland species for green roofs and walls to the combined effects of drought and high temperatures under controlled conditions. The tested species proved relatively resistant to stress despite different strategies to protect the photosynthetic apparatus, maintain water balance, and repair damages. Based on the physiological responses, we rank the species in descending order of resistance to the stress factors tested: Trifolium medium > Festuca ovina > Carex flacca > Potentilla reptans, but all four can serve as potential candidates for green walls and roofs. Physiological stress screening of plant species for use on green roofs and walls supplements the habitat template approach to provide a stronger and wider base for prioritizations.

Evaluation of Different Combinations of Ornamental Perennials for Sustainable Management in Urban Greening

“…By covering the ground during the whole year, ornamental perennials obstruct weed growth, thus reducing management costs [ 29 ]. Furthermore, Krzyzak et al [ 30 ] considered nature-based solutions for climate adaptation in urban contexts, selecting species for their adaptability to environmental stresses. Many studies focus on different weed-control methods in urban landscape planting beds, including the use of mulching or herbicides [ 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”