ROOT TENSILE STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF PHILIPPINE MURA GRASS FOR EROSION CONTROL

Abstract

This study examines the tensile characteristics of Mura Grass (Vetiveria Nemoralis) to evaluate its efficacy in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. Soil erosion is an important concern in geotechnical engineering as it affects the stability of slopes and foundations and poses risks to infrastructure. Vegetation plays an essential role in mitigating these risks by reinforcing the soil using root systems. The research consisted of 27 trials, with each of the nine plants undergoing three trials, resulting in a comprehensive dataset. Contrary to the expectation that larger roots would require more force to break, the study reveals a weak correlation between Root Diameter and Maximum Force by analyzing the relationship between these two parameters. Even in relatively young plants with smaller root diameters, the root tensile strength was remarkable, consistent with values observed in previous studies. The most notable finding of this study is the inverse correlation between Root Diameter and Tensile Strength in Mura Grass, which aligns with observations in other plant species. The correlation between smaller root diameters and greater tensile strength can be attributed to an increase in cellulose and lignin content as the root diameter decreases. These findings have practical applications, especially in erosion control, where understanding the root strength of Mura Grass can help prevent soil erosion caused by natural forces such as water flow and wind. To improve accuracy and account for potential influencing variables, additional research and model refinement are recommended.