Lightweight soils are associated with green roofs as the growing medium. Depending on type of green roof (extensive or intensive) different depth and engineered soil mix are required. Applications on weight limiting structures would be in planters and pots. Examples of these would be on rooftop terraces and courtyards. Factors for lightweight soils on rooftops are susceptible to wind erosion and drying out due to rates of evotranspiration.

Basic Use
Rooftop gardens | Planters |Green roofs

multi-tray system by Crystals Light Soil. Low soil depths.

planter boxes on a roof top with a soil depth of 19”.

Extensive green roof- shallow soil depth up to 6”, drains water fast, exposed to extreme
temperatures, and high wind. Plants consist of low perennials with shallow root systems.
Intensive green roof-soil depth between 6”-12”, allowing for a wide diversity of plants.

The image is an example of the applications of lightweight soils for
applications on a green roof. The ASLA green roof was diagrammed out showing the structures load-bearing capacity as well as how much the lightweight soil given certain areas.