The Designed Steppe Research

My PhD thesis proposes steppe communities as relevant habitat templates under changing climatic conditions and in urban scenarios. The experimental part of the research tests this idea in the mild oceanic climate of the UK. The research introduces new species and phenotypes for green roofs as well as steppe species occurring naturally in the UK. Species selection and analysis of the results follows an ecologically based approach.

The aim of the experimental part of this research is to develop ‘Designed Steppe’ plant mixes that combine a long season of visual interest with drought and cold tolerance. These mixes are intended for use in semi-intensive roof and podium landscapes and are based on model or reference steppe plant communities of Eurasia.

The experiments look at so-called “Designed Steppe” — assemblages of steppe species that draw on the meadow steppes of Eurasia — tested in simulated green roof conditions in Sheffield, UK. Although “Designed Steppe” underpins the deliberate design and aesthetic element, it is nevertheless based on an ecological approach to planting design, not only in terms of visual inspiration but also in terms of fitness to the conditions.

I did my PhD under the supervision of professors Nigel Dunnet and James Hitchtmough as well as professor Jan Woudstra and steppe ecologist Ilya Smelyansky. Bags for the experiments donated by BACSAC, green roof substrate donated by Alfa Aggregates.