Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of grass species root for enhanced slope protection in amended coalmine overburden dump soil

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Plant and Soil Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background and aims

Surface protection of coalmine overburden (OB) dumps against shallow slope failures can be achieved through a cost-effective and sustainable solution, i.e., vegetative cover. Hence, a small-scale study is needed to study the survival, growth performance, and root distribution of plants prior to conducting a pilot-scale study.

Methods

In the present study, three plant species, Dendrocalamus strictus (Bamboo grass), Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass), and Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver grass), an endemic grass species, are studied for the slope stabilization potential of OB dumps in Jharkhand, India. Growth characteristics and root architecture of grasses grown for five months under six varying proportions (treatments) of overburden, cow dung, and garden soil were studied.

Results

It was found that Vetiver grass had the highest root area ratio, followed by Bamboo grass and Lemon grass. The maximum root cohesion was found to be 1 kPa for Bamboo grass, 7.33 kPa for Lemon grass, and 9.24 kPa for Vetiver grass among different treatments.

Conclusions

Treatment condition with 80% overburden and 20% cow dung was suggested to be the best soil mix for optimum growth of the chosen grasses, which have the potential to mitigate surficial movement of soil mass on the overburden dumps through root reinforcement.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

This article has all the data that were created or evaluated during this investigation.

Abbreviations

OB:

Overburden

BG:

Bamboo grass

LG:

Lemon grass

VG:

Vetiver grass

OA:

Organic amendment

GS:

Garden soil

BCCL:

Bharat Coking Coal Limited

RD :

Root density

RV :

Root volume

M d :

Dry root mass

V :

Volume of soil sample

RAR :

Root area ratio

A r :

Root area

A :

Cross-sectional area of soil at any depth

n :

Total number of roots at any depth

A i :

Area of ith root

d :

Root diameter

T r :

Root tensile strength

UTM:

Universal testing machine

Fp :

Peak tensile force

A rr :

Root cross-sectional area at rupture

a :

Scale factor

b :

Rate of strength decay

c r :

Root cohesion

s r :

Shear strength of root-reinforced soil

s :

Shear strength of bare soil

t r :

Full mobilized root tensile strength unit area of soil

θ :

Angle of shear distortion in the shear zone

ϕ :

Soil friction angle

ANCOVA:

Analysis of Covariance

α :

Significance level

R:

Statistical measure

N :

Number of roots tested in tensile test

References

  • Abdi E, Azhdari F, Abdulkhani A, Mariv HS (2014) Tensile strength and cellulose content of persian ironwood (parrotia persica) roots as bioengineering material. J For Sci 60:425–430

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adhikari AR, Gautam MR, Yu Z, Imada S, Acharya K (2013) Estimation of root cohesion for desert shrub species in the lower Colorado riparian ecosystem and its potential for streambank stabilization. Ecol Eng 51:33–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aggarwal R, Ranganathan P (2016) Common pitfalls in statistical analysis: the use of correlation techniques. Perspect Clin Res 7:187. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-3485.192046

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Arshi A (2017) Reclamation of coalmine overburden dump through environmental friendly method. Saudi J Biol Sci 24:371–378

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • ASTM D6913-04R2009 (2004) Standard test methods for particle-size distribution (gradation) of soils using sieve analysis. ASTM Int West Conshohocken PA 04:1–35. https://doi.org/10.1520/D6913-04R09E01.2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ASTM D7928-21e1 (n.d.) Standard test method for particle-size distribution (gradation) of fine-grained soils using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis. ASTM Int West Conshohocken PA 19428–2959. https://doi.org/10.1520/D7928-21E01

  • Bagińska I, Kawa M, Łydżba D (2020) Identification of soil types and their arrangement in overburden heaps using the deconvolution approach and CPTu tests results. Eng Geol 276:105759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2020.105759

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bharat Coking Coal Limited (2020) Coal Reservers. https://www.bcclweb.in/?page_id=8406&lang=en. Accessed on 27 Sep 2023

  • Bischetti GB, Chiaradia EA, Simonato T, Speziali B, Vitali B, Vullo P, Zocco A (2005) Root strength and root area ratio of forest species in lombardy (northern Italy). Plant Soil 278:11–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-005-0605-4

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bischetti GB, Chiaradia EA, Epis T, Morlotti E (2009) Root cohesion of forest species in the Italian alps. Plant Soil 324:71–89

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bordoloi S, Ng CWW (2020) The effects of vegetation traits and their stability functions in bio-engineered slopes: a perspective review. Eng Geol 275:105742

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burylo M, Hudek C, Rey F (2011) Soil reinforcement by the roots of six dominant species on eroded mountainous marly slopes (southern alps, France). CATENA 84:70–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chaulya SK, Singh RS, Chakraborty MK, Tewary BK (2000) Bioreclamation of coal mine overburden dumps in India. L Contam Reclam 8:189–199

    Google Scholar 

  • Chaulya SK, Singh RS, Chakraborty MK, Tewary BK, Srivastava BK (2001) Biostabilization of Mandaman dump slope, India. Min Technol 110:119–124. https://doi.org/10.1179/mnt.2001.110.2.119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dash AK (2019) Analysis of accidents due to slope failure in Indian opencast coal mines. Curr Sci 117:304–308. https://doi.org/10.18520/cs/v117/i2/

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Baets S, Poesen J, Reubens B, Wemans K, De Baerdemaeker J, Muys B (2008) Root tensile strength and root distribution of typical mediterranean plant species and their contribution to soil shear strength. Plant Soil 305:207–226

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Docker BB, Hubble TCT (2009) Modelling the distribution of enhanced soil shear strength beneath riparian trees of south-eastern Australia. Ecol Eng 35:921–934

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dupuy L, Fourcaud T, Stokes A (2005) A numerical investigation into the influence of soil type and root architecture on tree anchorage. Plant soil 278:119–134

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fan CC, Su CF (2008) Role of roots in the shear strength of root-reinforced soils with high moisture content. Ecol Eng 33:157–166

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Genet M, Stokes A, Salin F, Mickovski SB, Fourcaud T, Dumail JF, Van Beek R (2005) The influence of cellulose content on tensile strength in tree roots. Plant Soil 278:1–9

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Genet M, Stokes A, Fourcaud T, Norris JE (2010) The influence of plant diversity on slope stability in a moist evergreen deciduous forest. Eco Eng 36:265–275

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gerhardt KE, Huang X-D, Glick BR, Greenberg BM (2009) Phytoremediation and rhizoremediation of organic soil contaminants: potential and challenges. Plant Sci 176:20–30

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goswami S (2015) Impact of coal mining on environment. Eur Res 92:185–196. https://doi.org/10.13187/er.2015.92.185

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gray DH, Sotir RB (1996) Biotechnical and soil bioengineering slope stabilization: a practical guide for erosion control. John Wiley & Sons, New York

  • Gunathunga SU, Gagen EJ, Evans PN, Erskine PD, Southam G (2023) Anthropedogenesis in coal mine overburden; the need for a comprehensive, fundamental biogeochemical approach. Sci Total Environ 892:164515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164515

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Juwarkar AA, Singh SK (2007) Utilisation of municipal solid waste as an amendment for reclamation of coal mine spoil dump. Int J Environ Technol Manag 7:407–420

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kuka K, Franko U, Hanke K, Finkenbein P (2013) Investigation of different amendments for dump reclamation in northern Vietnam. J Geochemical Explor 132:41–53

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar A, Das SK, Nainegali L, Reddy KR (2023a) Investigation of root traits of dendrocalamus strictus cultivated on organically amended coalmine overburden and its potential use for slope stabilization. Int J Phytoremediation 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/15226514.2023.2208235

  • Kumar A, Das SK, Nainegali L, Reddy KR (2023b) Phytostabilization of coalmine overburden waste rock dump slopes: current status, challenges, and perspectives. Bull Eng Geol Environ 82:130. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-023-03159-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lan H, Wang D, He S, Fang Y, Chen W, Zhao P, Qi Y (2020) Experimental study on the effects of tree planting on slope stability. Landslides 17:1021–1035. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-020-01348-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leung FTY, Yan WM, Hau BCH, Tham LG (2015) Root systems of native shrubs and trees in hong kong and their effects on enhancing slope stability. CATENA 125:102–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2014.10.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Wang Y, Ma C, Zhang H, Wang Y, Song S, Zhu J (2016) Influence of the spatial layout of plant roots on slope stability. Ecol Eng 91:477–486

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu W, Yang Z, He S (2021) Modeling the landslide-generated debris flow from formation to propagation and run-out by considering the effect of vegetation. Landslides 18:43–58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-020-01478-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maiti SK (2007) Bioreclamation of coalmine overburden dumps - with special empasis on micronutrients and heavy metals accumulation in tree species. Environ Monit Assess 125:111–122. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-006-9244-3

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maiti SK, Saxena NC (1998) Biological reclamation of coalmine spoils without topsoil: an amendment study with domestic raw sewage and grass-legume mixture. Int J Surf Min Reclam Environ 12:87–90

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mattia C, Bischetti GB, Gentile F (2005) Biotechnical characteristics of root systems of typical mediterranean species. Plant soil 278:23–32

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maurya P, Ebhin Masto R, Frouz J, Agarwalla H, Bari S (2023) Mine soil properties as influenced by tree species and topography of the re-vegetated coal mine overburden dump. CATENA 233:107500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2023.107500

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McQuillan A, Canbulat I, Payne D, Oh J (2018) New risk assessment methodology for coal mine excavated slopes. Int J Min Sci Technol 28:583–592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2018.07.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mickovski SB, Van Beek LPH (2009) Root morphology and effects on soil reinforcement and slope stability of young vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) plants grown in semi-arid climate. Plant Soil 324:43–56. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-009-0130-y

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ministry of Coal GoI (2021) Company wise overburden removal (obr) and stripping ratio in revenue mines in last three years. Ministry of Coal, Government of India

  • Ni JJ, Leung AK, Ng CWW (2019) Influences of plant spacing on root tensile strength of schefflera arboricola and soil shear strength. Landsc Ecol Eng 15:223–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pandey B, Singh S, Roy LB, Shekhar S, Singh RK, Prasad B, Singh KKK (2021) Phytostabilization of coal mine overburden waste, exploiting the phytoremedial efficacy of lemongrass under varying level of cow dung manure. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 208:111757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111757

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Parra A, Zornoza R, Conesa E, Gómez-López MD, Faz A (2016) Evaluation of the suitability of three Mediterranean shrub species for phytostabilization of pyritic mine soils. Catena 136:59–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2015.07.018

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pedrol N, Puig CG, Souza P, Forján R, Vega FA, Asensio V, González L, Cerqueira B, Covelo EF, Andrade L (2010) Soil fertility and spontaneous revegetation in lignite spoil banks under different amendments. Soil Tillage Res 110:134–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pollen N, Simon A (2005) Estimating the mechanical effects of riparian vegetation on stream bank stability using a fiber bundle model. Water Resour Res 41. https://doi.org/10.1029/2004WR003801

  • Qin M, Cui P, Jiang Y, Guo J, Zhang G, Ramzan M (2022) Occurrence of shallow landslides triggered by increased hydraulic conductivity due to tree roots. Landslides 19(11):2593–2604. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-022-01921-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rai R, Shrivastva BK (2011) Biological stabilization of mine dumps: Shear strength and numerical simulation approach with special reference to sisam tree. Environ Earth Sci 63:177–188

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rai R, Shrivastva BK (2014) Numerical simulation of vegetated mine dump slope with reference to small plants. Int J Min Sci Technol 24:111–115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson BH, Anderson CWN, Dickinson NM (2015) Phytoextraction: where’s the action? J Geochem Explor 151:34–40

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saifuddin M, Osman N, Rahman MM, Boyce AN (2015) Soil reinforcement capability of two legume species from plant morphological traits and mechanical properties. Curr Sci 108:1340–1347. https://www.jstor.org/stable/24905497

  • Sheoran V, Sheoran AS, Poonia P (2016) Factors affecting phytoextraction: a review. Pedosphere 26:148–166

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh RS (2000) Revegetation of coal mine overburden dump (OBD) slopes by aromatic grasses. J Med Aromat Plant Sci 22:506–509

    Google Scholar 

  • Spargo A, Doley D (2016) Selective coal mine overburden treatment with topsoil and compost to optimise pasture or native vegetation establishment. J Environ Manage 182:342–350

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Srivastava NK, Ram LC, Masto RE (2014) Reclamation of overburden and lowland in coal mining area with fly ash and selective plantation: a sustainable ecological approach. Ecol Eng 71:479–489

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stokes A, Norris JE, Van Beek LPH, Bogaard T, Cammeraat E, Mickovski SB, Jenner A, Di Iorio A, Fourcaud T (2008) How vegetation reinforces soil on slopes. Slope stability and erosion control: ecotechnological solutions 65–118. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6676-4_4

  • Stokes A, Atger C, Bengough AG, Fourcaud T, Sidle RC (2009) Desirable plant root traits for protecting natural and engineered slopes against landslides. Plant Soil 324:1–30

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wong MH (2003) Ecological restoration of mine degraded soils, with emphasis on metal contaminated soils. Chemosphere 50:775–780. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0045-6535(02)00232-1

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wu TH, McKinnell Iii WP, Swanston DN (1979) Strength of tree roots and landslides on prince of wales island, Alaska. Can Geotech J 16:19–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang Y, Chen L, Li N (2016) How gauge length and loading rate influence the root tensile strength of betula platyphylla. J Soil Water Conserv 71:460–466

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yen CP (1987) Tree root patterns and erosion control. Proceedings of the international workshop on soil erosion and its countermeasures. Soil and Water Conservation Society of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand, pp 91–111

  • Zhang Z, Wang J, Li B (2019) Determining the influence factors of soil organic carbon stock in opencast coal-mine dumps based on complex network theory. CATENA 173:433–444

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, SPARC Project No. P1207 titled “Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical Issues of Coalmine Overburden”.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826004, India

    Ashutosh Kumar, Sarat Kumar Das & Lohitkumar Nainegali

  2. SPARC Visiting Scholar, University of Illinois, Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Ashutosh Kumar

  3. Department of Civil, Materials, and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Krishna R. Reddy

  4. SPARC Visiting Faculty, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India

    Krishna R. Reddy

Authors
  1. Ashutosh Kumar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sarat Kumar Das
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Lohitkumar Nainegali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Krishna R. Reddy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sarat Kumar Das.

Ethics declarations

Competing interest

The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests or personal relationships that could influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Anton Wasson.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kumar, A., Das, S.K., Nainegali, L. et al. Effect of grass species root for enhanced slope protection in amended coalmine overburden dump soil. Plant Soil 498, 505–522 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-023-06450-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-023-06450-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation