Manufacturers
often ask us to assist in developing and characterizing
new roofing materials in
our test facilities. In these cases we are happy to allow test plots to be
developed and installed by the manufacturer on our site for assessment with
varying plant varieties and in various installation configurations. For
example, in the picture above, we have a
test plot
for assessing the water retention performance of an expanded slate aggregate by
comparing the growth performance of plants in similar plots with and without the
stone mulch.
Our plant beds, greenhouses, seedling trays, and other equipment make maximum use of reclaimed, recycled, and recyclable materials.
We are an organically oriented operation, taking maximum advantage of locally available, sustainable, and natural fertilizers and materials.
In addition to our own research, Emory Knoll Farms actively supports research efforts by universities and industry. In this page are highlights of some of the programs we support. Often we are asked to provide plant material for various University research projects. In other cases we work more closely with university research teams in planning and executing projects. Currently, we are actively supporting these research efforts:
Universities
University of New Hampshire
North Carolina State University
University of North Carolina
Penn State University
Michigan State University
Research Projects
Penn State R&D
Penn State is doing extensive research in green roofs on the State College, PA. campus. Under the direction of Dr. David Beatty, the mission of the Penn State Green Roof Center is to to demonstrate and promote green roof research, education, and technology transfer in the Northeastern US. Visit the center's website here: Penn State University Green Roof Center.
A photo gallery of the Penn State test roofs can be seen here: Penn State University
North Carolina State University
N.C. State has planted two green roof projects using plant stock from Emory Knoll Farms for the purpose of fundamental research projects. Visit North Carolina State University's BAE Greenroof Research site HERE.
Goldsboro, NC
The extensive green roof at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC was constructed in April 2002. Research is being conducted to collect data on stormwater retention, water quality, and plant survival. Two different soil depths of 2" and 4" are being researched and it is evident that the plants thrive more in the 4" soil depth. This approximate 750 ft2 green roof and is compared with a control roof of equal size for research purposes.
A photo gallery of Wayne Community College can be seen here: Wayne Community College
Kinston, NC
The extensive green roof at the Neuseway Nature Center in Kinston, NC was constructed in April 2002. This approximate 250 ft2 green roof has a 3% pitch with a soil depth of 4" and is compared with a control roof on site for research purposes. Research will be conducted to collect data on stormwater retention, water quality, and plant survival.
A photo gallery of the Kinston Nature Center can be seen here: Kinston Nature Center
Bill Hunt And North Carolina Extension Agents visit Green Roof Plants at Emory Knoll Farms
Emory Knoll Farms participated in both the Kinston Community Center and Wayne Community College projects with plants supplied by Green Roof Plants.
Green Grid Roofs - Weston Systems
WESTON installed a demonstration GreenGrid™ green roof at Emory Knoll Farms. The green roof project was built at ground level to facilitate viewing, and is elevated and sloped to simulate a pitched roof top (approximately 25%). The GreenGrid™ extensive modules are underlain by an EDPM Mulehide roofing membrane and contain sensors to automatically monitor temperature variations between the exposed roof surface and the surface beneath the GreenGrid™ modules. This data is compiled in a data logger and can be downloaded and monitored remotely.
The demonstration GreenGrid™ project was completed in association with Mr. Ed Snodgrass and greenroofplants.com, who contributed the plants and assisted with installation and monitoring. The installation is used for educational purposes by the many visitors to Emory Knoll Farms, and to collect research data for further expansion of the green roof marketplace. Mr. Snodgrass has also incorporated GreenGrid™ modules into a green roof installed on the barn at Emory Knoll Farms.
At home, at Emory Knoll Farms, we
have planted several green roofs for various purposes.
Recently, we planted a small green roof on a shed building in order to assess plant growth characteristics and as a demonstrator for numerous green roof plants to assess the plants in an actual roof environment. We have planted 140 varieties of green roof plants on this roof. Because the roof is low, and accessible from ground level, visitors are encouraged to examine each variety closely. This test roof is shown on the right.
In other areas, we have green roofs planted on our barn and work sheds. We are also experimenting with various propagation methods.
The photo to our left show a ground level display bed. It is planted for the purpose of testing spreading rates for various plant varieties and also to allow close-up views of several popular varieties.
Emory Knoll Farms, Inc.
3410 Ady Rd.
Street MD 21154
410-452-5880