Theme 2 : Long-term impacts of development on urban soils
The second research theme is concerned with understanding the long-term impacts on urban soils related to human anthropogenic activities. Here, we evaluate and design innovative practices in new plantations, prioritizing adequate space for tree growth. Furthermore, we want to characterize the factors affecting the survival of new plantations to improve them, by focusing on soil substrates and healthy development of roots. Finally, we explore using urban soils as a climate change mitigation tool.
Maguire Project : Monitoring of different tree pit designs and installations on urban tree survival and growth
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In partnership with the City of Quebec, the CRAUM will take advantage of the new development of Maguire Avenue, which has been redeveloped into a friendly green street. Planting 94 urban trees was thought out upstream to integrate a research site to develop and evaluate new structural planting pits. Structural tree pits are important for the growth and survival of urban trees, and this site will allow us, among other things, to study the long-term effects of different pit and soil designs. This integrated approach, therefore, offers a golden research opportunity while improving the quality of urban life.
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Student : Dominic Bartolacci
Professional : Claudelle Bourque Category: Master Advisor : Janani Sivarajah Date : 2023 - ... |
Project 4 : Understanding the contribution of urban trees to methane and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Heat islands represent a kind of urban microclimate where temperatures are significantly higher than in the surrounding rural areas. For this trial project, 30 trees were selected, 15 in heat islands and 15 in cooler rural areas. The aim of the project is to understand the contribution of urban trees to methane and greenhouse gas emissions. Do urban trees contribute differently to methane levels in heat islands?
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Student : Alexandre Lescoulie
Category : Master Advisor : Janani Sivarajah Co-advisor : Marc-André Bourgault Date : September 2024 |
Technosol Project : Review of technosols and their potential for application in Quebec City
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In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fauna and Parks (MELCCFP), Université Laval, and the City of Quebec, the main objective of this project is to review the literature on technosols and its application methods to test its feasibility in Quebec City.
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Professionnal : Manuella Strukelj Humphery
Category : Research professional Advisor : Janani Sivarajah Date : 2023 - ... |
Project 5 : Analyze the potential, develop and create constructed soils (technosols) in urban areas
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The project's objective is to analyze to what extent constructed soils, from now on referred to as "technosol", contribute to increasing carbon storage in the soil and direct GHG emissions through substituting recycled materials. Working alongside our project partners, we conduct experiments and installations in the field to provide the best technosol recommendations for tree plantations and other uses in urban areas.
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Student : Tommy Gonthier
Category : Master Advisor : Janani Sivarajah Co-advisor : Alison Munson Date : January 2024 |
Project 6 : Assessing microclimate and site conditions of urban trees and soils to improve air quality for human health and ecosystem well-being
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In this inter-city project in Toronto, Montreal and Quebec, we are monitoring urban road dust near tree pits (both trees and soils). Additionally, we examine the stress tolerance of different tree species, the inter- and intraspecific variation of trees, and the extent to which trees and their different components (e.g., bark, leaves) can capture or filter stresses pollutants in different tree height strata and serve as passive air pollution monitors and indicators of urban forest health. The results of this project will provide recommendations on tree species planting and better tree management near high traffic areas.
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Student : Md Ahosan Habib Ador
Category : PhD Advisor : Janani Sivarajah Co-advisor : Clare Wiseman Date : January 2024 |
Project 8 : Mitigation of GHG from urban soils using biochar: a multi-city study
Thanks to all of our research partners and funders !
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