Understanding soilless engineered soil as a sustainable growing material for food production in a green roof

Abstract

Urbanization has resulted in a substantial reduction of greenery. While we cannot stop urbanization, we can increase green content through green roofing. Typically green roofs are used for gardening; however, they can also be used as a kitchen garden, where fresh food is produced, organically. Engineered soil also called soilless media is a suitable way to grow plants in green roofs in it by suitably selecting the right chemical constituents of the soil mixture such that it becomes most suitable for a particular plant to grow in it. In this research, we develop a way to select the right kind of combination of the constituents of soil for a plant depending on the various needs of the plant growth. The materials that are selected are based on the natural requirements of the plants. The aim is to create a sustainable and eco-friendly environment in every house, predominantly in roofs and in balconies too.