Strategic Integration of Floriculture into Urban Climate Mitigation and Greening Frameworks
Riya Jakhwal
Department of Agriculture, Shri Ram College, Muzaffarnagar, India.
Ashutosh Kumar
Department of Horticulture, Vegetable Science, KVK, Narkatiyaganj, RPCAU, Pusa Bihar, India.
Harsha
Department of horticulture, Fruit Science, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agriculture University, Gwalior, India.
Subhash Verma *
School of Agriculture, Eklavya University, Damoh (Madhya Pradesh)-470661, India.
Sandeep Bhardwaj
Civil Engineering Department of Basic Engineering COAE&T CCS Haryana Agricultural University Hisar Haryana India.
Vishal Gulab Vairagar
Agriculture Extension, KVK Mohol Solapur, Mahatma Phule krushi Vidyapeeth Rahuri, India.
Khan Chand
Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus-797106, Distt: Chumukedima, Nagaland, India.
Titus Dalang K Momin
SRF NICRA, KVK, South Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Climate change, urbanization, and the destruction of natural green infrastructure have become key global environmental challenges, especially in urban settings where the built environment is predominant and ecosystem services are compromised. Floriculture, which is the art and science of growing ornamental plants, flowers, and decorative landscaping species, presents a multidimensional solution to these challenges due to its ability to make important contributions towards climate change mitigation and green urbanization. By increasing vegetation cover, floriculture can contribute significantly to mitigating the urban microclimate, alleviating the urban heat island effect, and capturing atmospheric carbon. Ornamental crops, when correctly placed in urban settings, can also enhance air quality by taking in pollutants and emitting oxygen, while at the same time promoting urban biodiversity through the provision of habitats for pollinators and beneficial organisms.
Keywords: Ornamental plants, climate change, mitigation, plant density