Root Morphology and Mechanical Characteristics of Himalayan (Indian) Native Plant Species

Vegetation improves the soil stability by virtue of its mechanical and hydrological characteristics that are governed by its root morphology. Root network supports the friction between the roots and soil thereby increasing the pull-out resistance and also imparts additional cohesion by induced suction characteristics. Therefore, in order to mitigate landslides and to achieve soil stability, it is needful to have adequate knowledge about root traits. Several researchers evaluated root tensile strength for different species by adopting different mechanisms but it appears from literature that no common clamping arrangement has been developed and it has been modified as per the testing requirement to meet the problems due to root crushing, breaking and slipping at clamps. In the present study, architectural and mechanical characteristics of two Himalayan tree species namely Deodar, Amla and Pine roots were determined. A novel and robust technique for gripping of roots has been developed for testing tensile strength of roots. The effect of diameter on the tensile strength of roots has been shown along with the variation of root network characteristics of plants that were grown under same environmental conditions.