Abstract
Vegetation is commonly found on soil slopes and landfill covers worldwide. Although mechanical contribution of roots has been considered in some stability calculations, any effects of suction induced by root-water uptake on the reduction of water permeability and the increase of shear strength are generally ignored. Due to a lack of experimental study, relationships among induced soil suction, atmospheric conditions (such as radiant energy) and plant characteristics (such as leaf area index (LAI) and root area index (RAI)) are not well understood. In order to improve our fundamental understanding of soil-water-plant-Atmospheric interaction, this study measures and compare induced suction and its distribution by grass (Cynadon dactylon) and tree (Schefflera heptaphylla) planted in completely decomposed granite (silty sand) in an atmospheric-controlled plant room. By monitoring the responses of induced suction in each vegetated soil for two weeks, the effects of the two different plants on suction distributions are highlighted and discussed. Observed suction induced is interpreted in conjunction with measured interception of radiant energy by plant leaves through LAI and also measured plant root characteristics through RAI.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 1167-1170 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 18th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, ICSMGE 2013 - Paris, France Duration: 2 Sept 2013 → 6 Sept 2013 |
Conference
| Conference | 18th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, ICSMGE 2013 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | France |
| City | Paris |
| Period | 2/09/13 → 6/09/13 |
Keywords
- Leaf area index
- Root area index
- Suction
- Unsaturated soil
- Vegetation