Root morphology and effects on soil reinforcement and slope stability of young vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) plants grown in semi-arid climate

Currently used in many countries in the world, vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) applications include soil and water conservation systems in agricultural environment, slope stabilization, mine rehabilitation, contaminated soil and saline land remediation, as well as wastewater treatment. The root system morphology of vetiver was investigated in a small plantation growing on abandoned marl terraces in southern Spain. Root distribution with depth, laterally from the plant, as well as root parameters such as root diameter and tensile strength were also investigated.