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Measuring the Tensile Strength of Phleum pratense L. Roots

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Recent Advances in Geotechnical Research

Abstract

Grasses grow in many environments and are widely used in vegetative techniques to control topsoil erosion. De Baets et al. [6] emphasized the importance of grass roots to increase the topsoil resistance against erosion, especially by concentrated flow. For a better understanding and modeling, the influence of grass roots concerning erosion and soil stability, as well as possible differences in the physical properties of grass species should be known. Referring to reported problems associated with root clamping [15], the aims of this study were (1) to find an appropriate clamping procedure for very fine root measurements practically without damaging the tested roots, and (2) to evaluate the tensile strength, elongation and elasticity of the roots of Phleum pratense (“Timothy”).

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Rauchecker, M., Wriessnig, K., Wu, W. (2019). Measuring the Tensile Strength of Phleum pratense L. Roots. In: Wu, W. (eds) Recent Advances in Geotechnical Research. Springer Series in Geomechanics and Geoengineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89671-7_14

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