Research on the mechanism of plant root protection for soil slope stability

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 18; no. 11; p. e0293661
• Main Authors: Cao, Tingting, Zhang, Haiou, Chen, Tianqing, Yang, Chenxi, Wang, Jian, Guo, Zhen, Sun, Xubo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Public Library of Science 27-11-2023; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Analysis; Carbon content; Protection and preservation; Roots (Botany); Slopes (Physical geography); Soil moisture; Soils; China
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293661
• EISSN: 1932-6203

In order to investigate the impact of herbaceous root development on soil slope stability in expansive soil areas, the research was conducted in the soil slope experimental area of Yaoshi Town, Shangzhou District, Shangluo City. Three types of herbaceous plants, namely Lolium perenne, Medicago, and Cynodon dactylon, were planted to examine their influence on slope stability. The results indicated that Lolium perenne had significantly higher root length density and root surface area density compared to Cynodon dactylon and Medicago. However, the root weight density of Cynodon dactylon was found to be highest. The roots of Lolium perenne, Cynodon dactylon, and Medicago were predominantly observed in diameter ranges of 0 < L ≤ 1.0 mm, 0 < L ≤ 2.5 mm, and 2.5 < L ≤ 3.0 mm, respectively. The roots of herbaceous plants have the ability to enhance water retention in soil, resist hydraulic erosion of slope soil, and reduce soil shrinkage and swelling. During the initial phase of herbaceous planting, there is an accelerated process of organic carbon mineralization in the soil. The roots of herbaceous plants play a crucial role in soil consolidation and slope protection. They achieve this by dispersing large clastic particles, binding small particles together, altering soil porosity, enhancing soil water retention, and reducing soil water infiltration. It was found that Lolium perenne and Medicago, which have well-developed roots, exhibited superior slope protection effects. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding for the implementation of green ecological protection technology on soil slopes.