what is the root of a stream?

Answer 1

brook or creek.spring

Answer 2

Roots from riparian vegetation increase soil resistance to stream bank erosion; therefore, knowledge of root density and distribution in stream banks is useful in describing the resistance of stream banks to erosion. The objective of this study was to develop empirical models to predict stream bank root density in three size classes: very fine, fine, and big (diameters < 0.5 mm, 0.5-2.0 mm, and 2-20 mm, respectively) roots. Root length density, root volume ratio, soil physical and chemical properties, and aboveground vegetation density were measured at 25 sites on six streams in southwestern Virginia. Soil texture ranged from loamy sands to clay loam and riparian vegetation varied from mature forest to pasture. The sites were categorized as forested or herbaceous based on aboveground vegetation and differences in root density between vegetation types were determined using the Mann-Whitney test. Multiple linear regression was used to develop relationships between root density and site characteristics. Study results showed roots in all three diameter classes were evenly distributed across the bank face, with the majority of roots having diameters less than 2 mm. This may reflect the presence of herbaceous vegetation on the bank face and/or the preference of small diameter roots for the stream bank. Bulk density and aboveground vegetation density were a key factors influencing root density. While several statistically significant empirical relationships were developed to predict root density in stream banks, the predictive capabilities of the equations was low. Because of the highly variable nature of soil and vegetation properties, it is recommended at this time that soil erodibility be measured in the field for design and modeling purposes, rather than estimated based on empirical relationships