Green roof, park, and garden construction with
Bodrogkeresztúr Rhyolite Tuff
The Bodrogkeresztúr Rhyolite Tuff, produced by Colas Északkő, is an excellent choice for green roof, park, and landscape construction, as it serves as an ideal planting medium for vegetation. Due to its unique structure, it has outstanding water retention properties while also ensuring proper aeration in the root zone. Additionally, it is rich in trace elements and rare minerals, including calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc—all essential for plant health.
All our products are certified by NÉBIH (Hungarian National Food Chain Safety Office) and hold an Organic Farming Certification. Over the past two years, more than 10,000 tons of rhyolite tuff have been used in green roof and park construction projects across various locations in Hungary. Join us as a Partner!
Using Bodrogkeresztúr Rhyolite Tuff is a sustainable long-term choice, as it enhances soil quality without harming the environment.
Why choose Rhyolite Tuff for green roof and landscape construction?
Soil structure improvement
Ensures a porous, crumbly soil structure.
Stabilizes soil pH
Stabilizes soil pH levels.
20-25% water retention capacity
Balances soil water management.
Ideal growing medium for green roofs
A well-designed growing medium is a key factor in the success of a green roof. Today, the focus of technological advancements is on selecting the right substrate mix, which should be lightweight, well-aerated, and have excellent drainage properties, all while meeting the structural load-bearing requirements of the roof. Since soil replacement is usually not an option for green roofs, and any damage to the underlying waterproofing layer can cause significant issues, it is essential to create a structurally stable medium that meets these demands. For extensive green roofs, the substrate must contain minimal organic matter to prevent unwanted weed competition against drought-tolerant, low-nutrient-requirement plants. In contrast, intensive roof gardens require a more tailored, nutrient-rich approach, with specific fertilization strategies to support plant health and longevity.
The drainage layer
The drainage layer – also known as the drain layer – plays a crucial role in retaining moisture for the root zone while efficiently removing excess water. Plastic drainage boards not only protect the underlying waterproofing membrane but also have water storage capabilities. The stored rainwater in the drainage layer reaches plant roots through the capillary action of the soil. However, the growing medium requires an intermediary material to absorb water from the drainage trays. The most suitable materials for this are porous, lightweight substrates, such as rhyolite tuff. In contrast, gravel cannot absorb or transport water upwards; it merely facilitates the removal of excess rainwater, making it less effective for water retention in green roof systems.
Our recommended products for green roof and landscape construction
5-12 mm rhyolite tuff
Recommended grain size for extensive green roof construction.
0-12 mm rhyolite tuff
Recommended for intensive green roof construction.
0-5 mm rhyolite tuff
Recommended for intensive green roof construction.
One of the lightest substrates
The rhyolite tuff we use has an exceptionally favorable bulk density—0.9 t/m³ in dry condition and 1 t/m³ when moist.
This is especially important for green roofs and rooftop gardens, where structural load capacity is a critical factor. As a natural material, rhyolite tuff provides an eco-friendly solution, reducing environmental impact while offering outstanding construction properties.
Benefits of using rhyolite tuff
- Stabilizes soil pH in the neutral range due to its ion exchange capacity.
- Enhances moisture retention, allowing plants to access nutrients for a longer period, promoting optimal growth.
- Reduces soil toxicity through its adsorption properties, binding harmful fungi and bacteria.
- Balances temperature fluctuations, improving soil temperature regulation between day and night, which is particularly beneficial for plant health.
- Promotes strong root development in seedlings and ensures a high survival rate after transplantation.
- Encourages sturdy stem growth, enhancing plant stability and overall health.
- Proven to enhance flower color intensity in all plant varieties grown in rhyolite tuff-enriched soil, with no tuber deterioration after winter storage.
Get to know us!
Colas Északkő operates quarries across Northern Hungary, stretching from the Danube Bend through the Mátra Mountains to the Tokaj Hills. As a leader in stone mining and processing, we primarily produce andesite crushed stone for the construction industry.
At our Bodrogkeresztúr Quarry, we offer customized grain size processing tailored to our customers’ needs, directly at the extraction site. Through years of experience, we have gained in-depth knowledge of the unique properties of Bodrogkeresztúr Rhyolite Tuff. We firmly believe that soil health and sustainable agriculture are among the most valuable assets for humanity—ones worth preserving and improving.
Rhyolite tuff has already proven its benefits in various fields of agriculture and horticulture. We invite you to partner with us in creating a greener and more sustainable environment together!
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