Vegetation-induced soil stabilization in coastal area: An example from a natural mangrove forest

Mangrove forests provide essential ecosystem services in tropical and semitropical regions by supporting their natural regeneration other biosystem processes, offering livelihood for local communities, contributing significantly to the resources. Systematic analyses on protective role of mangrove effects reducing coastal erosion have been carried out rarely. Mangroves form a complex that increases substrate stabilization dissipates wave energy favouring deposition fine material. This study focuses assessing white (Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh.) roots stabilizing coastline. In site located Southern Iran, series field laboratory measurements were conducted root systems collected from transects perpendicular Root samples soil cores at fixed distances tree stems three layers seaward landward positions. Moreover, tensile tests estimate biomechanical characteristics which provided data parameters reinforcement models. Also, spatial distribution intrinsic-variability components relation horizontal vertical stem calculated. Three models Wu & Waldron (W&W), Fiber Bundle (FBM), Weibull (RBMw) applied. results showed Volume Ratio (RVR) Number Roots (NoR) decreased with distance stem. forces increased diameter. Finally, calculated reinforcements 0.75 m associated highest value while lowest was observed 1.50 The differences between positions minor. Soil detachment ratio (SDR) approximately 10% higher landwards than seaward, due different geomorphological conditions affected process. similartity values among suggest density may not be an important parameter managing as protection measure. Yet, RVR NoR increasing depth being positions, could improve potential nature-based solution shoreline protection.