Drought Resistance Assessment of Four Shrub Species Including Nandina Domestica for Extensive Green Roof

Abstract

This study is to compare drought-resistance and to find the permanent wilting coefficient of Syringa Dilatata, Euonymus Japonica, Ligustrum Obtusifolium, Nandina Domestica, which are commonly used for rooftop garden due to their relatively strong drought resistance To compare the drought resistance precipitation was blocked from June 4, 2013 to July 20, 2013. During this time, the relative water content, specific electrical conductance, and water potential were measured every seven days and permanent wilting coefficients were investigated. Two days after precipitation was blocked, the relative water content in leaves were measured as follows: Ligustrum Obtusifolium 91.3%, Syringa Dilatata 92.9%, Nandina Domestica 91.2%, and Euonymus Japonica 90.1% respectively. After 28 days, relative water contents of leaves were reduced greatly 60.2% for Ligustrum Obtusifolium and 67.8% for Syringa Dilatata, but Nandina Domestica and Euonymus Japonica's reduced to 80.1% and 81.7% respectively. Permanent wilting coefficient was Ligustrum Obtusifolium 3.1%, Syringa Dilatata 2.1%, Nandina Domestica 1.6% and Euonymus Japonica 0.7%. In other words, the above four tree species are strong in drought resistance and Euonymus Japonica's drought resistance is the strongest while Nandina Domestica, Syringa Dilatata, Ligustrum Obtusifolium follow in that order.