Green roofs are increasing in popularity in the US because of the benefits they provide over traditional roofs such as reducing stormwater runoff and improving runoff quality; reducing air conditioning costs; lengthening roof membrane life; and providing an aesthetically pleasing roof. Green roof media testing is important for characterizing the physical and chemical properties of the medium to ensure that it meets the requirements of the intended use.
The Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory employs test procedures recommended by the FLL (Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau) in its Guideline for the Planning, Execution and Upkeep of Green-Roof Sites (Release 2008) or equivalent ASTM methods when available.
Green Roof Media Test Packages
Service Fees
| Service | Includes the following: | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| GR01A | Samples are analyzed for particle size distribution (< 0.002 to > 12.5 mm) with graphical display of results relative to FLL limits, dry weight density, density at maximum water-holding capacity, total porosity, air-filled porosity at maximum water-holding capacity, water permeability factor (hydraulic conductivity), pH, total soluble salts, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrate and ammonium. Methods followed are those specified in the FLL Guideline for the Planning, Execution and Upkeep of Green-Roof Sites or equivalent ASTM methods (ASTM E2399) with the exception of total porosity which is determined using a measured, not estimated, particle density. This test package meets the FLL requirement for intensive and extensive multi-course and multi-layer systems. | $260.00 |
| GR01B | Test GR01B is the same as Test GR01A but provides results for pH, total soluble salts, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrate-nitrogen and ammonium-nitrogen using the saturated media test procedure instead of FLL test methods. Saturated media test results for boron, copper, iron, manganese, sodium, and zinc are also provided. | $235.00 |
| GR02 | Test GR02 is the same as Test GR01A but without the plant nutrients phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrate and ammonium. It may be used alone or in combination with alternative tests to those recommended by FLL for plant nutrients (see Optional Tests below). Methods followed are those specified in the FLL Guideline for the Planning, Execution and Upkeep of Green Roof Sites or equivalent ASTM methods (ASTM E2399) with the exception of total porosity which is determined using a measured, not estimated, particle density. This test package meets the FLL requirement for single layer extensive system. | $210.00 |
| GR03 | Samples are analyzed for the percentage of silt-sized (< 0.05 mm) particles; dry weight density, density at maximum water-holding capacity, total porosity, water permeability factor (hydraulic conductivity), pH, and total soluble salts. Methods followed are those specified in the FLL Guideline for the Planning, Execution and Upkeep of Green Roof Sites or equivalent ASTM methods (ASTM E2399) with the exception of total porosity which is determined using a measured, not estimated, particle density. This test package meets the FLL requirement for drainage courses for extensive multi-course systems. | $180.00 |
Sample size required for tests GR01A, GR01B, GR02, or GR03: approximately 5 gallons (20 L).
Optional Analyses
Service Fees
| Service | Includes the following: | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium Carbonate Equivalence (CCE) | Test for measuring a material's neutralizing value expressed as calcium carbonate equivalence (ASTM Method C-25). | $27.00 |
| Mehlich 3 extractable nutrients | Test for extractable phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium by the Mehlich 3 method. | $25.00 |
| Total metals/trace elements | Test for total sorbed arsenic, cadmium, copper, molybdenum, nickel, lead, selenium, and zinc (EPA Method 3050B) and total mercury (EPA Method 7473). | $175.00 |
| Saturated paste pH, salts and nutrients |
Test for pH, nitrate-nitrogen, total soluble salts, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc using the saturated media extract method with DTPA. One quart sample size required. |
$40.00 |
| Saturated paste pH, salts, nutrients plus percent solids and organic matter |
Test for pH, nitrate-nitrogen, total soluble salts, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc using the saturated media extract method with DTPA plus percent solids and organic matter. One quart sample size required. |
$54.00 |
| Saturated Water Permeability of Granular Drainage Media |
Test for measuring the water permeability of coarse granular materials used in the drainage layers of green roof systems (ASTM Method E2396). Four gallon (16 liter) sample size required. |
$85.00 |
| Maximum Media Density | This test determines the density, percent moisture and water permeability at maximum water-holding capacity (ASTM Method E2399). Results for total and air-filled porosity are also provided. Three gallon (12 liter) sample size required. |
$95.00 |
| Particle Size Distribution | This test determines the particle size distribution of the media (< 0.002 to > 12.5 mm). One-half gallon (2 liter) sample size required. |
$110.00 |
Submitting Samples
To submit a green roof media sample for analysis, send the appropriate amount of sample listed from above, along with a completed submission form specifying test(s) requested to the Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory.
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Ag Analytical Services Lab
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Email aaslab@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-0841
- Fax 814-863-4540
Ag Analytical Services Lab
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Email aaslab@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-0841
- Fax 814-863-4540
