Pullout properties of Hippophae rhamnoides L. roots in the loess area

Root pullout properties are significant for strengthening soil and improving slope stability. In order to understand the influence of root morphology and soil properties on pullout properties of plant roots, pullout tests were conducted on Hippophae rhamnoides L. roots. The results showed that with root diameter increasing, displacement at the peak pullout force decreased, peak pullout force and pullout energy increased in power function. With root burial depth increasing, duration of the peak pullout force decreased, displacement at the peak pullout force increased, peak pullout force and pullout energy increased in power function. The displacement at the peak pullout force first decreased and then increased with root burial angle increasing. The peak pullout force first increased and then decreased with soil moisture content increasing. Peak pullout force and pullout energy increased in power function with soil bulk density increasing. Grey correlation analysis showed that root burial depth had the greatest influence on pullout properties, root burial angle had the least influence. The study could improve the understanding of root pullout properties of shrub plants, and serve as a basis for mechanical properties of soil reinforcement by plant roots.

Automated summary

This study conducted pullout tests on the roots of Hippophae rhamnoides L. to investigate the influence of root morphology and soil properties on pullout properties. The results showed that root diameter, burial depth, burial angle, soil moisture content, and soil bulk density all had significant effects on pullout properties. Root burial depth had the greatest influence, while burial angle had the least influence. This research provides valuable insights into the pullout properties of shrub plant roots and contributes to our understanding of soil reinforcement by plant roots.