Introduction of Sustainable Plant Components in Green Infrastructure in the Context of Nature-Oriented Solutions

Abstract

Purpose. Justification of the introduction of sustainable plant components into the green infrastructure of the urban environment in the context of nature-oriented solutions (on the example of Slobodsky district Kharkiv city).

Methods. For the development of inventory maps of open urban landscapes of the Slobodsky district Kharkiv city, occupied by lawns and grass stands of the lawn type, the ArcGIS software product was used and methods of traditional economic calculations.

Results. The paper presents a scientific rationale for the introduction of an alternative type of lawn - juniper into the green infrastructure of the city. Its creation is proposed with the help of horizontal juniper cultivars (Juniperus horizontalis), in particular the 'Prince of Wales' cultivar. This plastic plant, resistant to drought, high and low temperatures, has a high aesthetic expressiveness, and forms new standards for urban landscape design. On the basis of the inventory of lawns and grass stands of the lawn type in the Slobodsky district of Kharkiv, the area of lawns that are in an unsatisfactory condition (36478 m²) was determined, and which are proposed to be reconstructed using the above cultivar. Reconstruction of 36478 m² of grass stand area by creating juniper lawns and their maintenance will cost UAH 802,516 annually for the local budget, while the use of a traditional roll lawn will cost UAH 8,244,028 annually, that is, approximately UAH 7,500,000 more. Over a full cycle, that is, over 30 years, the savings will amount to UAH 225 million. The use of planting material grown at the city's public utilities, which are engaged in landscaping, will further significantly reduce the cost of creating juniper lawns.

Conclusions. Green infrastructure has an effective set of tools for the implementation of effective nature- based solutions for environmental management. The incorporation of the 'Prince of Wales' horizontal juniper cultivar into green infrastructure will help ensure urban sustainability and renew standards for sustainable urban landscape design. The increase in the area of urban open landscapes under the juniper lawn allows not only to effectively enhance the ecological and aesthetic functions of the green infrastructure of the city, but also to significantly save local budget funds.