Abstract:
Humanity is increasingly urban, but continues to depend on nature for its survival.
Cities are dependent on the ecosystems beyond the city limits, but also benefit from
internal urban ecosystems. The aim of this study is to identify the ecosystem services
generated by ecosystems within the Rooftop Gardens and to examine the biotic and
abiotic components that contribute to overall ecosystem services. The experimental
survey was conducted from June, 2014 to March, 2015. A questionnaire survey was
conducted by face to face interviewing of forty respondent garden owners among four
different Thana (Mohammadpur, Adabor, Dhanmondi and Kalabagan) within Dhaka
city. Data were collected both qualitatively and wherever possible quantitatively.
Thermal performance of Roof gardening was measured using Thermo-hygrograph at
the warmest week of the year. The experimental analysis of thermal performance
resulted that average roof air temperature is reduced by 5.2°C with roof garden during
sunshine hours while average room temperature is reduced by 1.7°C with roof garden
compared to bare roof. ‘Ecosystem services’ found in the research were provisioning
services (Fruits and Vegetable production), supporting services (plant species
diversity conservation and economic support), regulating services (thermal and
disease regulation) and cultural services (aesthetic value, recreation, education and
learning). The overall ecosystem services provided by the roof gardens were mostly
found medium. Among these the most prominent and remarkable services were plant
species diversity conservation (diversity index 4.51), thermal regulation and mental
satisfaction.
Description:
A Thesis
Submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture,
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University,
Dhaka, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements
for the degree
of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN
AGROFORESTRY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
