11.3 Green infrastructure and urban soil management

Urban green infrastructure is a game-changer for city environments. It's all about creating networks of natural features that boost environmental, social, and economic benefits. From rain gardens to green roofs, these elements tackle urban challenges head-on.

Managing urban soil is key to successful green infrastructure. It's about improving soil health, enhancing water retention, and supporting biodiversity. Proper soil management techniques, like amending and conditioning, are crucial for overcoming urban challenges and maximizing the benefits of green spaces.

Green Infrastructure in Urban Environments

Definition of green infrastructure

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Top images from around the web for Definition of green infrastructure

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  Frontiers | Temporal Evolution of Green Stormwater Infrastructure Strategies in Three US Cities View original

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• 

  SOIL - Using constructed soils for green infrastructure – challenges and limitations View original

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  Frontiers | Temporal Evolution of Green Stormwater Infrastructure Strategies in Three US Cities View original

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  Potential components of a Green Infrastructure View original

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• Green infrastructure forms a network of natural and semi-natural features in urban areas designed to provide environmental, social, and economic benefits
• Plays crucial role in urban soil management by improving soil health and structure, enhancing water infiltration and retention, reducing soil erosion and compaction, and supporting biodiversity in urban soils
• Includes rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, green roofs, and urban forests which mitigate urban environmental challenges

Benefits of urban green spaces

• Environmental benefits include improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, increased carbon sequestration, and enhanced stormwater management
• Social benefits encompass improved mental and physical health, increased recreational opportunities, and enhanced community cohesion
• Economic benefits result in increased property values, reduced energy costs for buildings, and decreased stormwater management expenses
• Ecosystem services provide habitat for urban wildlife (birds, insects) and support pollination for urban agriculture (community gardens, rooftop farms)

Urban Soil Management for Green Infrastructure

Soil management for green infrastructure

• Crucial soil characteristics include texture and structure, organic matter content, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability
• Soil quality impacts plant growth and survival through root development and establishment, drought resistance, and disease resistance
• Urban soil management techniques involve soil amendment and conditioning, mulching and erosion control, and aeration and decompaction
• Challenges in urban environments include contamination mitigation (heavy metals, pollutants), compaction prevention, and pH regulation

Design of urban soil management plans

• Site assessment requires:
  1. Soil testing and analysis
  2. Drainage patterns evaluation
  3. Existing vegetation inventory
• Soil improvement strategies incorporate organic matter (compost, leaf mold), adjust pH (lime, sulfur), and manage nutrients (fertilizers, compost tea)
• Water management techniques include irrigation system design, rainwater harvesting (rain barrels, cisterns), and drought-tolerant plant selection (native species, succulents)
• Plant selection prioritizes native species, manages root zones, and establishes pruning and maintenance schedules
• Monitoring and adaptive management involve regular soil testing, plant health assessment, and adjusting practices based on observations