What lies beneath – How strong do roots make the soil?
This UT FieldLab experiment falls under the theme Earth structures and dynamics. View all experiments related to this theme.
Introduction
How much strength is hidden in a root? In this experiment, we study how plant roots influence soil stability – and how to measure it. The test field is packed with sensors and hidden structures, designed to help us understand the underground. Floriana Anselmucci: “In this project, we bring two scientific worlds together: the biological reinforcement of soil by vegetation, and the geophysical exploration of hidden underground structures. One changes the earth’s strength, the other reveals its secrets. Together, they allow us to see how life and physics connect — and how the ground beneath us is never as simple as it seems."
What are we researching?
We want to know how roots and groundwater together determine soil strength. Roots can reinforce the soil, but how big is that effect? And how does it change with the seasons as groundwater rises or falls? We also test whether our methods can detect hidden structures, such as an artificial cave and buried concrete pillars.
How does it work?
The field is split in two: one half with plant roots, the other without. We send seismic waves through the soil via boreholes and measure how fast they travel – the stiffer the soil, the faster the waves. Additional sensors, such as piezometers and tensiometers, continuously monitor groundwater levels and moisture. Combining these data gives us insight into how roots and water interact to affect soil stability. In the next phase, we link these measurements to drone imagery for better above- and below-ground monitoring.
Why is this important?
This knowledge helps reduce risks of subsidence or instability, for example in construction projects or dike reinforcement. It also supports nature-based solutions that strengthen soil and climate adaptation, as stable soils are more resilient to extreme weather.