Plant root traits affecting the resistance of soils to concentrated flow erosion

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
Flume experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of the root systems of 3 species having contrasted ecological requirements from eroded marly lands of the French Southern Alps [Robinia pseudo acacia (tree), Pinus nigra austriaca (tree) and Achnatherum calamagrostis (grass)], on concentrated flow erosion rates. Ten functional traits, describing plant morphological and biomechanical features, were measured on each tested sample. Analyses were performed to identify traits that determine plant root effects on erosion control. Principal components analysis showed that the erosion-reducing potential of plant species was negatively correlated to root diameter and positively correlated to the percentage of fine roots. The results highlighted the role of small flexible roots in root reinforcement processes, and suggested the importance of high root surface and higher tensile strength for soil stabilization.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2012, vol. 37, n°. 14, p. 1463-1470, nombre de pages : 8, Références bibliographiques : 1 p.

Date :
2012

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley