A Feasibility Growth Study of Native Mosses Associated with Self-Sustaining Flora on Vertical Infrastructure

Is moss with associated floras a feasible solution for application to vertical infrastructure? Studies in green roofs, a similar but not identical technology, hint that these types of structures have a lower NPV over 20 to 30 years, and produce measurable sound and radiant heat reduction. Other studies show mosses produce valuable ecological benefits from reducing erosion, to aiding in nutrient and water deposition, to sequestration of harmful particulates. Moss sequester as much and in some cases, more than grasses. Moss can handle dryer periods and survive desiccation to re-bloom. Various methodologies in this exploratory and supporting tests determined substrate needs, water quantities and pH ranges. Additional tests showed moss favor growing environments with fertilizers low in nitrogen. It is not very acidic, has a symbiotic relationship with flora. The addition of moss is a superior landscape design for sound and retaining walls in narrow and heavily traveled road corridors.