The Role of Plants in Sound and Vibration Mitigation

Deadline: 30 January 2026

Special Issue Editors

 

Dr. Mario Pagano Website  E-Mail: mario.pagano@cnr.it

Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), Italy
Interests: plant science, with a particular emphasis on plant bioacoustics, plant physiology, and the applications of THz imaging

 

Dr. Francesco Belli Website  E-Mail: francesco.belli2@edu.unifi.it

University of Florence, Italy
Interests: plant science

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Plants play a crucial role in influencing acoustic environments, offering natural solutions for noise and vibration control in urban and industrial places. Vegetation can absorb, deflect, and dissipate sound waves, contributing to soundscapes that enhance well-being, environmental sustainability, and structural stability. This special issue explores the intersection of plant-based strategies with sound and vibration engineering, emphasizing analytical, numerical, and experimental studies on the effectiveness of vegetation in noise reduction, vibration damping, and structural interactions.

This special issue seeks high-quality research and review articles that advance the understanding of plant-based sound and vibration control within engineering applications.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Acoustic Properties of Vegetation:Investigation of how plant species, canopy structures, and root systems influence sound absorption and dispersion.
  • Vibration Mitigation through Green Infrastructure:Analysis of how trees, shrubs, and green barriers interact with structural vibrations, reducing mechanical resonance and ground-borne noise.
  • Experimental and Numerical Modeling:Development of computational and experimental approaches to assess plant-based noise and vibration mitigation strategies.
  • Integration with Urban and Industrial Environments:Practical applications of plant-based solutions in city planning, transportation systems, and industrial noise control.
  • Sustainability and Eco-Acoustic Design:Exploration of eco-friendly materials inspired by plant structures to enhance acoustic insulation and damping.

This issue aims to bridge the gap between environmental science and engineering, fostering interdisciplinary approaches that leverage natural elements for noise and vibration management. It is intended for researchers, engineers, and professionals in acoustics, structural dynamics, and environmental engineering interested in innovative and sustainable solutions.

 Dr. Mario Pagano

 Dr. Francesco Belli