Root tensile strength of terrace hedgerow plants in the karst trough valleys of SW China: Relation with root morphology and fiber content

Abstract

Root tensile strength is commonly affected by root morphology and fiber content, which combinedly affect the effectiveness of terrace hedgerow on controlling soil erosion in sloping farmland. However, the relationships between these root characteristics are still elusive. This study aimed to compare the root tensile strength, root morphologies, and root fiber contents, and quantify their differences among different plant species. Complete root systems of three terrace hedgerow plant species, i.e., O. bodinieri, V. villosa, and D. lablab L. were sampled for detecting root morphologies and fiber contents at different slope positions on a representative hillslope in karst trough valley. Single root specimens were collected to measure root tensile properties for these three plant species. Results showed that most root morphological parameters were the highest in O. bodinieri, followed by D. lablab L. Three plant species presented the same dominant diameter class as < 1.0 mm, and root volumes as < 1.50 cm3. Cellulose with contents closing to 50% was the main fiber type, and increased significantly linearly with the increasing root diameter in both O. bodinieri and V. villosa. The highest tensile strength and Young's modulus were found in D. lablab L., while the best ultimate tensile force and ultimate elongation were displayed in O. bodinieri. Root diameter showed negative power relationships with tensile strength and Young's modulus, a positive power relationship with ultimate tensile force, and a positive linear relationship with ultimate elongation. Our results will deepen the understanding of the terrace hedgerow functions for controlling soil erosion worldwide.