Background and aims Freeze–thaw cycles in soils occur when water repeatedly freezes and thaws during cold seasons. This process can cause signifcant soil erosion on steep slopes as thawing leads to topsoil movement and greater susceptibility to environmental erosion. This study investigates freeze–thaw soil erosion on a steep slope and assesses the impact of various ornamental plant species on erosion control and mitigation. Methods Two shrubs and six herbaceous species were selected based on their morphological root traits from a pool of 73 species and planted on an artifcial soil slope. Eroded soil was collected over 19 months. Specifc above- and below-ground traits (i.e., plant soil surface coverage during vegetative and dormancy seasons, plant survivorship, very-fne roots length— d<0.25 mm -, and pioneer roots tensile strength) were analyzed, and a species-specifc anti-erosion potential index (AEPI) was developed based on the traits mentioned above. Results The eight selected plant species showed varying efectiveness in mitigating soil erosion due to the freeze–thaw cycles. Principal component analysis revealed a negative correlation between soil erosion and traits such as vegetative soil coverage, survivorship, and root tensile strength. The AEPI demonstrated a strong negative correlation with soil erosion. Conclusion Our fndings demonstrate that a compact, year-round vegetative cover reduces freeze–thaw soil erosion on steep slopes. At the same time, roots played a less signifcant role than aboveground.
Key role of specific above- and below-ground morphological traits of ornamental plant species on preventing freeze–thaw soil erosion on steep slopes
Terzaghi, Mattia
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2025-01-01
Abstract
Background and aims Freeze–thaw cycles in soils occur when water repeatedly freezes and thaws during cold seasons. This process can cause signifcant soil erosion on steep slopes as thawing leads to topsoil movement and greater susceptibility to environmental erosion. This study investigates freeze–thaw soil erosion on a steep slope and assesses the impact of various ornamental plant species on erosion control and mitigation. Methods Two shrubs and six herbaceous species were selected based on their morphological root traits from a pool of 73 species and planted on an artifcial soil slope. Eroded soil was collected over 19 months. Specifc above- and below-ground traits (i.e., plant soil surface coverage during vegetative and dormancy seasons, plant survivorship, very-fne roots length— d<0.25 mm -, and pioneer roots tensile strength) were analyzed, and a species-specifc anti-erosion potential index (AEPI) was developed based on the traits mentioned above. Results The eight selected plant species showed varying efectiveness in mitigating soil erosion due to the freeze–thaw cycles. Principal component analysis revealed a negative correlation between soil erosion and traits such as vegetative soil coverage, survivorship, and root tensile strength. The AEPI demonstrated a strong negative correlation with soil erosion. Conclusion Our fndings demonstrate that a compact, year-round vegetative cover reduces freeze–thaw soil erosion on steep slopes. At the same time, roots played a less signifcant role than aboveground.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
