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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2021, Vol. 57 ›› Issue (2): 115-125.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.20210212

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Effects of Root Branch of Symplocos setchuensis on Root Soil Reinforcement

Jinqi Zhu1,2,Yunqi Wang1,*,Yujie Wang1,Bofu Zheng2,Yipu Li1   

  1. 1. Three-Gorges Reservoir Area(Chongqing) Forest Ecosystem Research Station School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University Beijing 100083
    2. Jiangxi Institute of Ecological Civilization School of Resources, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University Nanchang 330031
  • Received:2019-09-15 Online:2021-02-25 Published:2021-03-29
  • Contact: Yunqi Wang

Abstract:

Objective: The objective of this study is to qualify the effect of root architecture and mechanical traits on root soil reinforcement, and further understand the mechanism of the root-soil interactions and soil consolidation. Method: The tensile strength, Young's modulus, friction and other mechanical characteristics of root system of Symplocos setchuensis were measured with a modified universal testing machine. Furthermore, the shear strength of root soil samples was measured by self-made large box direct shear device, in order to find out the multiple relationships between root architecture, mechanical, and soil reinforcement traits. Result: Firstly, there was a power function relationship between the root diameter of S. setchuensis with root length, tensile strength, Young's modulus, as well as pullout force. Among them, the root diameter was negatively correlated with root tensile strength, and Young's modulus, while the root diameter was positively related to root length and pullout force. Secondly, there was a strong positive relationship between root branching and pullout force. However, there was no significant statistical difference between the branching and pullout force per unit root length (or diameter). Thirdly, The increase of root branching nodes was able to significantly improve the soil reinforcement effect of root system, and each branching node could increase the additional shear strength of root system by about 50%. Moreover, the branching nodes also could increase the reinforcement effect per unit length and root diameter. Fourthly, Principal component analysis showed that root length was found strongly correlated with root reinforcement at the maximum point while diameter was strongly correlated with root reinforcement at yield point. Conclusion: The study quantified the positive influence of S. setchuensis root mechanical properties and branches on its resistance of pullout and soil shear behavior. This information is important to improve the accuracy of root reinforcement estimated and our understanding of root reinforcement mechanism.

Key words: root diameter, root length, root branch, pullout force, shear strength

CLC Number: