[DarlesCharwin]

I am doing a science project trying to figure out which types of plants retain the most moisture in soil, as an attempt to combat desertification.

A garden expert suggested different plants for me to use, based on the fact that they use little water and provide a lot of shade. But, he suggested to me for my setup, to use grow lights, accompanied by an under-plant heating pad, rather than a heating/grow light.

Now that I think about it, don't his choices for plants seem moot? What is the point of using plants that create a lot shade, if the heat is coming from under the plant, rather than rays from above it?

The plants I am using are Bermuda Grass, Evening Primrose, and Bergenia (winterglow)
I am also aiming to maintain a heat of about 80-90 degrees F

[Wondergirl]

Wouldn't you use an above-ground heating source (i.e. like the sun)?

Which plants would you use then?

[DarlesCharwin]

Well the problem is, I am trying to mimic African climate. I do not live in Africa, so I cannot use the sun as a heating source.

The plants I am using are Bermuda Grass, Evening Primrose, and Bergenia (winterglow)

[Wondergirl]

Well the problem is, I am trying to mimic African climate. I do not live in Africa, so I cannot use the sun as a heating source.

What I meant was, use an above-the-surface (not underground) heating source (that's LIKE the sun).