Influence of Vetiver Root Morphology on Soil–Water Characteristics of Plant-Covered Slope Soil in South Central China

The soil–water characteristic curve is an important tool to evaluate the water-holding capacity of unsaturated soil. Plant roots can affect matric suction soil and permeability Therefore, morphological characteristics plant will lead difference in between slope plant-covered slope. This study aims investigate effect Vetiver root morphology on curves hydrological distribution root–soil system was also discussed. results showed that: (1) surface area index (RAI) volume ratio (Rv) each section vetiver varied with depth accordance Gaussian function distribution; (2) In process natural drying, generated within significantly higher than that by evaporation bare same layer. ability vegetation enhance matrix increases increase index; (3) α n values SWCC model decreased Rv (root soil), while air entry value increased. Under water content, corresponding greater addition, be effectively predicted combining vegetated soils.