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Does Root Tensile Strength Exhibit Seasonal Variation? Evidence from Two Herbaceous Species
Kang Ji1,2,3,4, Chaochao Deng1,2, Luping Ye1,3
1Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 16, 2025
Summary
Root tensile strength (Tr) in thicker roots varies seasonally, being higher in the growing season than the dormant season. This seasonal variation in root mechanical traits impacts vegetation
Area of Science:
- Ecological Engineering
- Soil Science
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Root tensile strength (Tr) is crucial for vegetation's role in slope stability.
- Intraspecific variability in Tr is high, but seasonal effects are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate seasonal variations in root tensile strength (Tr) for two herbaceous species.
- To assess the impact of season on root mechanical traits for revegetation candidates.
Main Methods:
- Examined Tr in first- and third-order lateral roots of Artemisia argyi and Cirsium setosum.
- Collected samples in September (late growing season) and December (dormant season).
- Analyzed seasonal differences and fitted root diameter-Tr relationships using a power law.
Main Results:
- First-order root Tr was significantly higher in September than December.
- No significant seasonal variation was observed for third-order root Tr.
- Seasonal differences in Tr introduced predictive bias when using a single power law model.
Conclusions:
- Root tensile strength (Tr) exhibits significant seasonal variation, particularly in thicker roots.
- Seasonal changes in root mechanical quality can influence soil reinforcement and slope stability.
- Soil moisture is a potential key driver of observed seasonal variations in Tr.
Keywords:
root mechanical traitroot tensile strengthseasonal variationslope stabilitysoil water contentMore Related Videos
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