Abstract
Super absorbent polymer (SAP), known as a water retention agent, has a high capacity for water absorption, which can help enhance the soil structure. This paper studied the effects of SAP dosages on the root characteristics and anchorage of Amorpha fruticosa on rock slopes. The internal relationship between root growth effect and soil was discussed, and a specific reference was provided for the rational application of SAP on slopes. Using the pull-out and tensile resistance tests, we systematically studied the changes of soil properties, root distribution, root tensile strength, and root anchorage under six different SAP dosages. The results indicated that: (1) With the increase in SAP dosage, the natural soil water content and water content after 24 h of watering increased significantly, whereas the contents of TN, TP, and TK decreased dramatically. (2) With the increase in SAP dosage, the amount and length of first-order and secondary lateral roots decreased significantly, and there was no significant difference in diameter. The amount of downslope first-order and unembedded secondary lateral roots is greater than upslope. The amount of upslope embedded secondary lateral roots is greater than in downslope. (3) Tensile strength: embedded secondary root > non-embedded secondary root > first-order lateral root; upslope root > downslope root. (4) With the increase in SAP dosage, the plant anchorage drops noticeably. This study concluded that the significant addition of SAP could enhance the tensile strength of upslope embedded secondary lateral roots but would adversely affect soil nutrients, root distribution, and root anchorage. The addition of SAP in this test had no significant effect on improving slope stability. From the perspective of reinforcement capacity, we cannot blindly pursue the survival rate and other high dosage use of water retention agents to increase the risk of slope destabilization.
Highlights
During the rapid development of numerous infrastructure facilities, a large number of irrational slope excavation and backfilling projects have destroyed the ecological balance of the native vegetation system, leading to biodiversity degradation, which in turn causes geological disasters such as debris flow, soil erosion, and even desertification [1–8]
The addition of Super absorbent polymer (SAP) in this test had no significant effect on improving slope stability
From the perspective of reinforcement capacity, we cannot blindly pursue the survival rate and other high dosage use of water retention agents to increase the risk of slope destabilization
Summary
During the rapid development of numerous infrastructure facilities, a large number of irrational slope excavation and backfilling projects have destroyed the ecological balance of the native vegetation system, leading to biodiversity degradation, which in turn causes geological disasters such as debris flow, soil erosion, and even desertification [1–8]. Conventional slope protection is highly capable and time-sensitive [9]. As time passes, it becomes more susceptible to damage from natural and human forces, and the effectiveness of the protection works itself deteriorates, eventually failing to provide protection. Traditional protection measures rely heavily on cement, concrete, and other non-renewable materials [10]. The use of large quantities of these materials invariably results in soil salinization and hardness. This is damaging to plant and animal growth, as well as microorganisms growth [11]. Based on the inadequacy of traditional slope protection technology and the strengthening of environmental protection, ecological slope protection technology as a new type of slope protection method has been widely used in engineering construction [12,13]
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