Soil Reinforcement Capability of Two Legume Species from Plant Morphological Traits and Mechanical Properties

Vegetation is an essential tool to reinforce soil and improve slope stability. Two legume species, lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala) and copperpod (Peltophorum pterocarpum), were tested in terms of their capacity for soil reinforcement using a modified laboratory shear box. In addition, morphological parameters of the plant and ischolar_main tensile strength were measured, while ischolar_main composition also was analysed. Root system significantly contributed to increase the shear strength and residual strength of soil. The soil-ischolar_main matrix of both species significantly affected the cohesion but not the angle of friction. Overall effects varied with soil depth and plant species. Lead tree showed higher soil shear strength and residual strength compared to copperpod. It also exhibited higher ischolar_main biomass, ischolar_main length, fine ischolar_mains, ischolar_main tensile strength and concentration of cellulosic components in ischolar_main than copperpod, indicating a higher contribution to soil-ischolar_main matrix, soil shear strength and soil reinforcement. A positive correlation (r = 0.99) was observed between ischolar_main biomass and soil shear strength of the species studied. Likewise, ischolar_main cellulosic components and soil shear strength were positively correlated. Overall, lead tree exhibited exceptional ischolar_main profiles and mechanical properties and can be the best suited plant for soil reinforcement.