scholarly journals Root Biomechanical Traits in a Montane Mediterranean Forest Watershed: Variations with Species Diversity and Soil Depth

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Valerio Moresi ◽  
Mauro Maesano ◽  
Giorgio Matteucci ◽  
Manuela Romagnoli ◽  
Roy C. Sidle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Root Diameter ◽  
Mediterranean Forest ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Root Characteristics ◽  
Shrub Species ◽  
Mountain Environments

Plant roots play a key role in stabilizing slopes, particularly in the Mediterranean region, characterized by rough and unstable terrain. However, forest species differ in their stabilizing capacities. The purpose of this study is to fill the gap of knowledge on root biomechanical properties of relevant Mediterranean trees and shrubs in relation to slope stability. Root specimens of typical montane Mediterranean tree and shrub species were sampled in Southern Italy. Root characteristics, such as tensile strength (Tr) and root area ratio (RAR), were assessed from live roots sampled in trenches, while root cohesion was calculated. Power law functions yielded the best fit for the relationship of Tr versus root diameter; however, no significant relationship was found between root strength and root moisture content. RAR varied amongst different tree and shrub species. Roots of Quercus cerris L. were the most resistant to breaking under tension, while roots of Ilex aquifolium L. had the highest tensile strength among all shrub species. Results provide quantitative information on the role of root systems of montane Mediterranean forest species in stabilizing soils and will improve modeling of landslide susceptibility to the prevention and mitigation of natural hazards in mountain environments.

scholarly journals Drying of fibrous roots strengthens the negative power relation between biomechanical properties and diameter

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. C. Ekeoma ◽  
D. Boldrin ◽  
K. W. Loades ◽  
A. G. Bengough
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Young’S Modulus ◽  
Water Loss ◽  
Young's Modulus ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Root Diameter ◽  
Power Relation ◽  
Negative Power ◽  
Fibrous Roots

Abstract Aims Test the effects of root drying on biomechanical properties of fibrous roots. Methods Tensile strength and Young’s modulus of Festuca arundinacea roots were tested after full hydration and during progressive drying. Root diameter, water loss, and water content were measured for all treatments. Results Hydrated roots showed weak relations between biomechanical properties and diameter. After only 30 min air-drying, both tensile strength and Young’s modulus increased significantly in thin roots (< 1 mm) and after 60 min drying, both strength and Young’s modulus showed a negative power relation with root diameter. The maximum strength and Young’s modulus values recorded after 60 min drying were respectively three- and four-times greater than in hydrated roots. Strength and Young’s modulus increased rapidly when water content dropped below 0.70 g g−1. These biomechanical changes were the result of root diameter shrinkage of up to 50% after 60 min drying, driven by water loss of up to 0.7 g g−1. Conclusions Strength and Young’s modulus largely increased with root drying. We suggest controlling root moisture and testing fully hydrated roots as standard protocol, given that slope instability is generally caused by heavy rainfall events and loss of matric suction.

Adaptation of Mediterranean forest species to climate: lessons from common garden experiments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Ramírez‐Valiente ◽  
L Santos del Blanco ◽  
R Alía ◽  
JJ Robledo‐Arnuncio ◽  
J Climent
Keyword(s):  
Common Garden ◽  
Mediterranean Forest ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Common Garden Experiments

scholarly journals Root Traits and Biomechanical Properties of Three Tropical Pioneer Tree Species for Forest Restoration in Landslide Areas

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee ◽  
Chu ◽  
Lin ◽  
Kung ◽  
Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Young’S Modulus ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Young's Modulus ◽  
Root Traits ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Pioneer Species ◽  
Root Tensile Strength ◽  
Pioneer Tree ◽  
Macaranga Tanarius

Frequent earthquakes, monsoon torrential rains and typhoons cause severe landslides and soil erosion in Taiwan. Hibiscus taiwanensis, Macaranga tanarius, and Mallotus paniculatus are major pioneer tree species appearing on landslide-scarred areas. Thus, these species can be used to restore the self-sustaining native vegetation on forest landslides, to control erosion, and to stabilize slope. However, their growth performance, root traits and biomechanical properties have not been well characterized. In this study, root system and root traits were investigated using the excavation method, and biomechanical tests were performed to determine the uprooting resistance, root tensile strength and Young’s modulus of 1-year-old Hibiscus taiwanensis, Macaranga tanarius, and Mallotus paniculatus seedlings. The results reveal that relative to H. taiwanensis, M. tanarius and M. paniculatus seedlings had significantly larger root collar diameter, longer taproot length, higher root biomass, higher root density, higher root length density, heavier root mass, larger external root surface area, higher root tissue density, larger root volume, longer total root length, and a higher root tip number. Additionally, the height of M. paniculatus seedlings was significantly higher than those of H. taiwanensis and M. tanarius. Furthermore, the uprooting resistance and root tensile strength of M. paniculatus seedlings was significantly higher than those of H. taiwanensis and M. tanarius. Young’s modulus of M. paniculatus and M. tanarius seedlings was also significantly higher than that of H. taiwanensis. These growth characteristics and biomechanical properties demonstrate M. paniculatus and M. tanarius are superior than H. taiwanensis, considering growth performance, root anchorage capability, tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Taken as a whole, the rank order for species selection of these pioneer species for reforestation comes as: M. paniculatus M. tanarius H. taiwanensis. These results, along with knowledge on vegetation dynamics following landslides, allow us to better evaluate the effect of selective removal management of pioneer species on the resilience and sustainability of landslides.

scholarly journals Preference by Donkeys and Goats among Five Mediterranean Forest Species: Implications for Reducing Fire Hazard

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1302
Author(s):  
Jordi Bartolomé ◽  
Jordi Miró ◽  
Xavier Panadès ◽  
Maria José Broncano ◽  
Josefina Plaixats ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Fires ◽  
Pinus Halepensis ◽  
Fire Hazard ◽  
Mediterranean Forest ◽  
Mediterranean Forests ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Rubus Ulmifolius ◽  
Key Species ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Cafeteria Test

During the second half of the 20th century, European countries experienced an increase in their forest area due to the global change. Consequently, there has been an increase in large forest fires, mainly in the Mediterranean basin, and this has forced the development of several types of prevention programs. One of them is the control of the understory by livestock. In this sense, browsing with a combination of donkeys and goats could be a good option, as both animals usually feed on forest species. However, little is known about their preferences for the key species of the Mediterranean forest. Using a cafeteria test, the preferences and consumption of both animals have been determined for five typical species of the Mediterranean forest, such as Quercus ilex, Pinus halepensis, Phillyrea latifolia, Rubus ulmifolius, and Brachypodium retusum. Results showed that donkeys and goats could act complementarily in the reduction of the fuel biomass of forests. Donkeys appear to act more on fine fuel, such as B. retusum, and goats on the more pyrophyte species, in this case P. halepensis. In addition, given that donkeys are at severe risk of extinction in Europe, this role of providing ecosystem services could contribute to their conservation. Despite this study only showing that goats and donkeys would consume all five presented plant species and that there are some differences in consumption during a short-term test, it constitutes a useful first step for conservation and fire prevention in the Mediterranean forests.

Determining hazard risk indices for Mediterranean forest species based on particle flammability properties

2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 116-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Liodakis ◽  
I.P. Agiovlasitis ◽  
T. Kakardakis ◽  
N. Tzamtzis ◽  
D. Vorisis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Forest ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Hazard Risk ◽  
Risk Indices
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