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Nature-Based Solutions for the Sustainable Management of Urban Soils and Quality of Life Improvements

Author

Listed:
  • Slaveya Petrova

    (Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Conservation, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
    Department of Microbiology and Ecological Biotechnologies, Faculty of Plant Protection and Agroecology, Agricultural University, 12 Mendeleev Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Iliana Velcheva

    (Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Conservation, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Bogdan Nikolov

    (Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Conservation, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Nikola Angelov

    (Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Conservation, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Gergana Hristozova

    (Department of Educational Technologies, Faculty of Physics and Technology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Penka Zaprjanova

    (Department of Agroecology and Ecosystem Protection, Faculty of Plant Protection and Agroecology, Agricultural University, 12 Mendeleev Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Ekaterina Valcheva

    (Department of Agroecology and Ecosystem Protection, Faculty of Plant Protection and Agroecology, Agricultural University, 12 Mendeleev Blvd., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Irena Golubinova

    (Agricultural Academy, Institute of Forage Crops, 89 General Vladimir Vazov Str., 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria)

  • Plamen Marinov-Serafimov

    (Agricultural Academy, Institute of Forage Crops, 89 General Vladimir Vazov Str., 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria)

  • Petar Petrov

    (Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Restoration, Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture, University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Veneta Stefanova

    (Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Restoration, Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture, University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Evelina Varbanova

    (Department of Analytical and Computer Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Deyana Georgieva

    (Department of Analytical and Computer Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Violeta Stefanova

    (Department of Analytical and Computer Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Mariyana Marhova

    (Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Marinela Tsankova

    (Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

  • Ivan Iliev

    (Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 24 Tzar Asen Str., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

Abstract

The rehabilitation and restoration of land-based ecosystems is a key strategy for recovering the services (goods and resources) ecosystems offer to humankind. The use of nature-based solutions (NBSs) to restore degraded soil functions and improve soil quality can be a sustainable and successful strategy to enhance their ecosystem services by working together with the forces of nature and using well-designed measures that require less maintenance, are more cost-effective, and if constructed in the right way may even be more effective over long periods because nature’s forces can increase the structural efficiency. In this study, we aimed to (i) evaluate the bioremediation capacity of some grasses and their suitability for lawn planting in settlements (in residential and non-residential areas, along roads, etc.) and (ii) propose technological solutions for their practical application in an urban environment. Emphasis was placed on the potential of some perennial grasses and their application for the bioremediation of polluted urban soils, including perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.), crested wheatgrass ( Agropyron cristatum L.), tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb), and bird’s foot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus L.). A case study from the city of Plovdiv (Bulgaria) is presented, together with an effective technological solution for the establishment of urban lawns and the roadside green buffer patches.

Suggested Citation

  • Slaveya Petrova & Iliana Velcheva & Bogdan Nikolov & Nikola Angelov & Gergana Hristozova & Penka Zaprjanova & Ekaterina Valcheva & Irena Golubinova & Plamen Marinov-Serafimov & Petar Petrov & Veneta S, 2022. "Nature-Based Solutions for the Sustainable Management of Urban Soils and Quality of Life Improvements," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:4:p:569-:d:792238
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Galati, Antonino & Crescimanno, Maria & Gristina, Luciano & Keesstra, Saskia & Novara, Agata, 2016. "Actual provision as an alternative criterion to improve the efficiency of payments for ecosystem services for C sequestration in semiarid vineyards," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 58-64.
    2. Slaveya Petrova & Bogdan Nikolov & Iliana Velcheva & Nikola Angelov & Ekaterina Valcheva & Aneliya Katova & Irena Golubinova & Plamen Marinov-Serafimov, 2022. "Buffer Green Patches around Urban Road Network as a Tool for Sustainable Soil Management," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-23, February.
    3. Stijn Temmerman & Patrick Meire & Tjeerd J. Bouma & Peter M. J. Herman & Tom Ysebaert & Huib J. De Vriend, 2013. "Ecosystem-based coastal defence in the face of global change," Nature, Nature, vol. 504(7478), pages 79-83, December.
    4. Paula Meli & José María Rey Benayas & Patricia Balvanera & Miguel Martínez Ramos, 2014. "Restoration Enhances Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Supply, but Results Are Context-Dependent: A Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(4), pages 1-9, April.
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