Oil palm Fiber (Elaeis guineensis) and Hydrogel Substrate for Aptenia cordifolia
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Abstract
The valorization of agricultural residues through their incorporation into sustainable landscape systems represents a viable strategy to address the growing generation of organic waste. This study assessed the performance of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) fiber as a component of substrates for extensive green roofs, as well as the effect of potassium polyacrylate as a water-retaining hydrogel. A split-plot experimental design was implemented, consisting of eight treatments derived from the combination of two substrate types (one composed of 60% oil palm fiber and 40% compost, and another containing rice husk, sand, and compost) and four levels of polyacrylate (0, 100, 150, and 200 g/m²). Morphophysiological traits of Aptenia cordifolia were evaluated over a ten-week period. Results indicate that both substrates are suitable for the establishment of ornamental ground covers; however, the palm fiber substrate exhibited a significantly lower bulk density (0.22 g/cm³) a key advantage for reducing structural load in green roof systems along with higher porosity and water-holding capacity. Although the addition of polyacrylate did not produce statistically significant effects as an independent factor, it showed a positive synergistic interaction when combined with the porous palm-fiber substrate, improving overall moisture retention. These findings highlight the strong potential of oil palm fiber as an alternative substrate component for extensive green roofs, validating its use in urban green infrastructure as a sustainable measure to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
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