Calibration of the root water uptake spatial distribution of a young Melaleuca styphelioides, an Australian-native plant, by means of a large-scale apparatus experiment

Abstract The stability of slopes is greatly influenced by seasonal variations in pore water pressures (pwp) induced rainfall infiltration and evapotranspiration processes. Despite that, the prediction hydrological effects long-stem planting often simplified or neglected because it challenging to address. Its computation requires a proper definition plant root uptake spatial distribution, which depends, turn, on geometry density. A well-suited case study this field application has been provided soil-filled embankment, close an important traffic artery Newcastle (Australia), experienced shallow instability. implementation suggested as remediation intervention. Based this, experimental focusing roots distribution pwp site soil performed means large-scale laboratory experiment 2-year-old native plant. Suction measurements were recorded within vegetated mass under controlled boundary conditions used calibrate two different distributions seepage simulation. One based flexible RWU function, other, specific for pattern, simpler its formulation lower number parameters. comparison between their performances reproducing suggests that second one better alternative. methodological approach adopted proven be suitable representing hydraulic behaviour hillslope, eventually implemented assessment problem.