Researches on in-situ measurement of the soil fixing capability of rape roots

Abstract

Experiments of in-situ measuring the stabilization capability of soil by rape roots in 10 cm depth with the anchor-shank tensiometer and self-designed shear box were conducted. The results showed that when a 3.5 KN load was applied, the displacements of sample plot 1 (roots density = 1.11 kg/m3), sample plot 2 (roots density = 0.57 kg/m3) and control plot reached 38.0 mm, 46.0 mm and 49.7 mm, respectively. The higher the root density was in the sample plot, the more loads formation point-F3 of sample plot 1 were 3.5 kN and 4.0 kN, respectively; those of sample plot 2 were 3.1 kN and 3.5 kN. It is proposed that this is an appropriate method to evaluate the root function of different crops or plants in maintaining slope stability.