Orals: Thu, 1 May | Room 1.15/16
Soil improvement is a crucial aspect of geotechnical engineering, with various techniques developed to enhance soil properties for diverse applications. Recently, there has been a growing focus on sustainable solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally responsible. Biological soil improvement, particularly through fungi, offers an innovative approach to enhancing soil characteristics.
This study investigates the impact of a Penicillium chrysogenum strain on physical and mechanical properties of silty clay soil under controlled laboratory conditions. The tested soil was collected in a hilly area of the Northern Italian Apennines, strongly affected by shallow landslide and soil erosion. The research focuses on key soil parameters, including Atterberg limits, water retention curves, erodibility, and mechanical properties (shear strength and oedometer features), utilizing equipment such as the Casagrande device, Hyprop, Wet sieve apparatus, WP4C, oedometer, and direct shear test. For the reconstruction of water retention curves, a coupled system with an evaporation technique apparatus and a dew-point technique was adopted. RETC software, employing the Van Genuchten model and Mualem's hydraulic conductivity model, was applied to analyze the soil retention curve and water potential. The methodologies for adding the fungal suspension into the soil are considered as mixing. This study explores the potential of Fungal suspensions to enhance soil structure and stability through the modification of specific soil properties. In this investigation, the treated soil with the fungus will be compared to the non-treated one.
The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of using bio-remediation methods such as fungal treatment, as a nature-based solution with broad applications in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, and Geotechnics. Ultimately, these results support the development of sustainable soil enhancement practices that meet both ecological and economic objectives.
How to cite: Saber Sichani, K., Hajian, A., Tosi, S., Bordoni, M., and Meisina, C.: Effects of Penicillium Fungus on Silty Clayey Soil Properties Using Bio-Inspiration Methods, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-486, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-486, 2025.
Traditional soil stabilization methods often involve chemical or mechanical techniques, which may have adverse environmental impacts. With technological advancements, these conventional methods such as static or dynamic compaction, cement injection, micropiles, and nailing are gradually being replaced by environmentally friendly techniques. For instance, soil improvement through methods like Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), Enzyme Induced Calcite Precipitation (EICP) and Fungal treatment offers sustainable alternatives, minimizing chemical and noise pollution while reducing costs. Although significant research has been conducted on MICP, many gaps still exist, especially regarding its application to various soil types. In contrast, limited engineering research has focused on implementing fungus.
This study investigates the effects of fungal treatments, specifically by means of Trichoderma asperellum, on the physical and mechanical properties of clay soil coming from the northern Italian Apennines. The tested soil is characterized by a clay content up to 56% and the clay minerals are represented by smectite; this soil is affected by swelling-shrinkage and shallow landslide. This research examines the erodibility of the soil aggregate during wet sieving, water retention curve, consolidation features, shear strength parameter, and Atterberg limits under laboratory conditions using the fungal suspension mixing application methods. Testing was conducted using Casagrande spoon, Oedometer, Direct Shear test, a coupled system of an evaporation technique apparatus and a dew-point technique, and wet sieve apparatus.
Additionally, comparisons were made between treated and untreated (control) soils, with pore water pressure analyzed using the Van Genuchten model and Mualem’s conductivity model in RETC software.
These findings underscore the potential of fungal treatments as viable methods for enhancing soil performance, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional soil stabilization techniques. Further studies are recommended to analyze long-term impacts and scalability for field applications. This research contributes to the development of biologically based soil improvement methods, aligning with sustainable land management practices.
How to cite: Hajian, A., Saber Sichani, K., Tosi, S., Bordoni, M., and Meisina, C.: Effects of Trichoderma Fungus on Clayey Soil Properties , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-489, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-489, 2025.
Due to fast growth and resilience, different species of willow (Salix sp.) have been historically used for sand fixation and reclamation in various regions of Europe, Asia and North America. Planting willow cuttings was proclaimed as an important step of afforestation on sandy soils, as a part of combatting desertification in semi-arid and arid regions, and for slope stability improvement. Willow planting is also applied as a bioenergy crop, and as a bioremediation measure for soils contaminated with low concentration of organic pollutants or heavy metals. These useful properties of willows are delivered not only by the plants themselves, but also by their symbionts: root-associated bacteria, ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Willow cuttings can potentially be used for creating a resilient plant cover on river embankments and coastal infrastructure which provides a living element for coastal protection.
Our objective was to estimate the changes in physical and chemical parameters of a clean heat-treated silica sand during the growth of willow cuttings. A series of controlled indoor pot experiments were performed where willow cuttings were planted in a uniform 0.65 mm silica sand for up to 150 days. Samples were systematically analysed from different pots that were disassembled on day 30, 60, 90, and 150 of the experiment. For each sampling time, we determined the shoot and root architecture and dry biomass as a proxy of overall plant health condition. We measured total and water-extractable organic carbon (TOC and WEOC), pH, DNA concentration at 3 depths in root-affected areas, in each case sampling from 4 pots. Permeability and direct shear tests were performed on pots containing the plant. Furthermore, the pullout strength required for removing willows from the sand and the tensile strength of individual roots were measured.
In agreement with expectations and similar findings for other plant types, we observed a clear trend of TOC, WEOC and DNA concentrations’ increase with time, despite the variability of willow biomass in replicated pots. Dry biomass of shoots and roots also increased. pH remained in range 7.5-8.5. Pullout strength was obviously affected by plant age and health condition: it was higher in case of better-established willow cuttings with higher root and shoot dry biomass. However, root tensile strength was comparable for roots sampled at different times; presumably, due to the constant growth of roots and presence of relatively young roots in all pots. Permeability values were constant within the same order of magnitude; there was no clear trend of its change with time. Despite localized root formation close to the pot walls, sand aggregation around roots was observed in pots sampled at day 150 for roots close to the stem in the middle of the pot. Conclusively, our findings show that the growth of willow cuttings leads to sand fixation by direct root reinforcement and aggregation in a time frame of 5 months.
This work is part of the project SOil Is Alive (SoIA) granted by the Carlsberg Foundation as part of the consolidator excellence grant Semper Ardens: Accelerate.
How to cite: Zhelezova, A., Innocent Otim, G., Sorrentino, G., Trapp, S., and Rocchi, I.: Sand fixation by willows: change of physical and chemical parameters in an indoor pot experiment, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-6946, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6946, 2025.
Climate change is becoming a greater global challenge, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, which in turn increase mountain hazards like shallow landslides and soil erosion. Ecological slope protection using vegetation has gained increasing attention to mitigate natural disasters in recent years. While numerous studies have demonstrated the contribution of root systems to soil reinforcement, the comprehensive impact of roots on soil mechanical response under rainfall scenarios remains elusive. This study investigated the instability and deformation behaviors of root-reinforced soil through constant shear drained (CSD) tests. The role of root characteristics, including biomass, diameter, and length, in modulating the shear strength, instability and deformation behaviors of soils was investigated. The results indicate that the shear strength and stability of root-reinforced soil, as well as the inhibition effect of root on contractive deformation after the initiation of instability, increasing with greater root biomass and length and smaller root diameter. Moreover, due to the potential weak interfaces, fine or stiff long roots appear to increase the likelihood of volumetric dilation in root-reinforced soil at the later stage of unstable deformation. However, this dilatancy can be effectively resisted by increasing root planting density to form the root network. Furthermore, our experiments suggest that herbaceous vegetation with finer and longer roots is more effective in mitigating static liquefaction of soils induced by rainfall infiltration. This study helps develop a predictive constitutive model for root-reinforced soils and supports future bioengineering slope design.
How to cite: Zou, X., Li, D., Wang, S., Gu, S., and Wu, W.: Instability and deformation behaviors of root-reinforced soil under constant shear stress path, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-10480, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-10480, 2025.
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) leverage natural materials and mimic biological processes to mitigate geohazards such as slope instability and erosion, which are increasingly exacerbated by climate change and extreme weather events. Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides), known for its extensive root network and resilience, has emerged as a key component in bioengineering strategies aimed at improving soil stability, reducing erosion, and maintaining ecosystem services. Vetiver-based bioengineering integrates ecological approaches with engineering principles, offering scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions for geotechnical challenges. The application of vetiver grass spans diverse contexts, including stabilizing road embankments, construction sites, and hill slopes, as well as mitigating erosion in riverbanks, canal banks, and coastal zones. It is particularly effective in areas prone to landslides, floods, and salinity intrusion, demonstrating its adaptability to varied climatic and geographic conditions. The efficacy of vetiver-based solutions has been validated through a range of studies, including laboratory experiments, field pilots, and large-scale implementations. Laboratory tests have shown that vetiver roots significantly enhance soil cohesion and internal friction angles, improving slope stability. Finite element modeling corroborates these findings, indicating increased factors of safety and reduced displacement in reinforced soils. Field pilots conducted across diverse soil types including saline soils, silty clays, and sandy soils reveal the adaptability of vetiver roots, which penetrate up to 2 meters, strengthening soil structures and mitigating erosion. Large-scale applications on coastal embankments have proven effective in resisting cyclone-induced erosion and lowering maintenance costs compared to traditional hard engineering solutions. Similarly, applications on pond and canal banks have reduced sedimentation and improved water quality, while slope stabilization in landslide-prone regions has minimized slope movement and rain-induced erosion. The implementation of vetiver systems is frequently community-driven, promoting local engagement and capacity building. Community acceptance has been high due to the simplicity, low cost, and multifaceted benefits of the approach. Beyond geohazard mitigation, vetiver-based solutions enhance biodiversity and provide habitats for local ecosystems. Additionally, the extensive root biomass contributes to carbon sequestration, supporting climate change mitigation efforts. By integrating ecological and engineering principles, vetiver systems offer a practical approach to slope protection and stabilization, while delivering co-benefits such as enhanced ecosystem services and community resilience. These solutions exemplify the potential of NBS in advancing global strategies for geohazard mitigation and sustainable development, bridging the gap between research and real-world applications.
How to cite: Islam, M. S.: Nature-Based Solutions for Geohazard Mitigation on Slopes , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-20450, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-20450, 2025.
The application of Nature Based Solution (NBS) for slope stabilization and erosion control can offer transformative benefits due to low cost and green alternatives. However, the acceptance of the NBS is low due to a lack of understanding of the mechanistic principle for slope stabilization. In this study, Vetiver grass which is one of the potential nature-based solutions for slope stabilization has been evaluated for the shear strength parameters. Slope repaired with Vetiver grass is thoroughly examined using Electric Resistivity Imaging (ERI) and novel field scale direct shear testing. As a part of the study, collected borehole samples from Vetiver planted slope have found roots up to 3 m of depth. Nondestructive testing using Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) had shown Vetiver has increased the resistivity (ranging from 4 to 60 ohm-m) compared to the soil without Vetiver (ranging from 2 to 28 ohm-m) indicating reduced moisture content in presence of Vetiver. The field scale direct shear test performed on Vetiver-planted soil demonstrated that Vetiver increases the soil shear strength two times compared to the section without Vetiver. Overall, it is seen areas reinforced with Vetiver roots impact positively on soil shear strength. The findings highlight that Vetiver plays a dual role in stabilizing slopes by lowering soil moisture through evapotranspiration and offering mechanical reinforcement through its wide, bushy root system. By improving soil strength and stability, Vetiver becomes a transformative solution for slope repair offering a sustainable and climate resilient approach for slope repair.
How to cite: Chakraborty, A. and Khan, S.: Field Evaluation of Soil Shear Strength with Vetiver , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-14786, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-14786, 2025.
Soil and Water Bioengineering (SWBE) includes important techniques designed to address environmental challenges by utilizing plants' stabilizing and ecological properties, alongside natural materials like wood and stone. Although these practices are rooted in traditional land management, SWBE has gained renewed significance as part of modern sustainable strategies. Internationally, these approaches are increasingly recognized within frameworks such as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI), underscoring their role in mitigating hydrogeological risks and promoting resilient landscapes.
Despite the growing use of these terms in public funding calls and national and international regulations, the similarities and differences between these disciplines remain poorly defined. To address this issue, we investigated the current knowledge and perceptions of various practitioners - including engineers, architects, geologists, agronomists, foresters, and naturalists - regarding these concepts. Our goal was also to identify potential knowledge gaps and explore new areas for innovation in these fields.
A questionnaire was distributed across Italy, targeting professional associations that regulate and uphold a particular profession's standards and ethical practices. 1,429 participants responded, with 382 (26,7%) professionals indicating direct involvement in SWBE. The questionnaire contained tailored questions for those actively engaged in SWBE and individuals familiar with the concept but not practicing it. Most practitioners showed a solid understanding of both traditional and modern definitions. The survey highlighted a significant overlap between SWBE and NBS. This indicates a growing alignment in how these concepts are perceived, although further efforts are required to clarify the remaining ambiguities in their definitions. The questionnaire also addressed various aspects, including innovations, challenges, and recommendations. Among the key issues raised were the need for more comprehensive technical training, increased awareness among public institutions, better management of vegetation after interventions, and consistent monitoring of completed projects. These results emphasize the critical importance of fostering ongoing communication, enhancing professional education, and advancing standardization within the field. This will ensure more effective integration and application of SWBE and related approaches in diverse professional settings.
How to cite: Preti, F., Signorile, A., Sangalli, P., and Pini, S.: Stakeholder Perceptions and Challenges in Soil and Water Bioengineering Practices, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-17233, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-17233, 2025.
Numerous studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of vegetation on landslide control. However, shallow landslides remain common in densely vegetated areas, indicating that further research is necessary to fully understand the role of vegetation in reducing gravity-driven erosion hazards. In this study, we focused on a region with good vegetation cover (>65%) to further investigate how integrating vegetation and environmental factors (such as rainfall, lithology, and slope gradient) affect landslide susceptibility. The driving factors of landslide susceptibility under high vegetation conditions were examined at the macro level using a structural equation model and a geographic detector. The stability coefficient of a typical landslide was calculated at the micro-level by considering the effects of vegetation self-weight and artificial waste sediment. The results showed that vegetation, combined with rainfall and wind speed, increased landslide susceptibility, reflecting increases in high and very high susceptibility zones (21.30%), and decreases in low and very low susceptibility zones (42.71%). The combined effects of multiple factors had a greater influence than those of single factors. The strongest interaction was between slope gradient and rainfall (q = 0.81), followed by rainfall and lithology (q = 0.79). In saturated conditions, the reinforcing function of root systems was overwhelmed by the effect of tree vegetation self-weight. The slope stability significantly decreased compared to the conditions without load considerations. This study lays a foundation for identifying the dual role of vegetation in landslide control.
How to cite: He, S., Shen, Z., Chen, J., Yang, Z., Wang, D., Chen, X., and Neal, J.: Factors Influencing Landslide Susceptibility in Areas with High Vegetation Coverage , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-4713, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-4713, 2025.
The "SPES: The Danube Reclamation Initiative for a Sustainable Mediterranean Future" project
aims to address the critical pollution challenge posed by the Danube River, which significantly
impacts the environmental health of both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. As the Danube
receives water from over 300 tributaries, including pollutants exacerbated by the ongoing war in
Ukraine, the pollution load flowing into the Black Sea is intensifying. This, in turn, threatens the
unique biodiversity of the Mediterranean.
The project envisions the creation of Sustainable European Pilot Systems (SPES) situated along the
Danube River. These SPES units will serve as hubs for environmental remediation and renewable
energy production. They will incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as solar panels,
electrolysers, biomass filtration, and innovative systems like the "Castoro" vessel, designed to
collect and transform floating waste into useful products. The SPES will also feature riparian
protection zones, leveraging Vetiver grass for bank stabilization and water filtration.
The initiative fosters collaboration between 44 countries bordering the Danube, Black Sea, and
Mediterranean, as well as universities, research centers, and private investors, promoting a
collective effort to reduce pollution and create sustainable economic opportunities. SPES will not
only remediate water quality and reduce CO2 emissions but also generate green energy and other
valuable byproducts, mainly through the use of Vetiver grass, transforming environmental
challenges into economic opportunities. With an emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social,
Governance) factors and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this project is designed
to create lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits across the region, turning what has
been called the "agony of Europe" into its "rebirth."
Key words: Danube Reclamation, Vetiver Grass, CO2 Reduction, ESG
How to cite: Castorina, B.: SPES:The Danube Reclamation Initiative for a Sustainable Mediterranean Future, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-21879, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-21879, 2025.
Posters on site: Thu, 1 May, 16:15–18:00 | Hall X3
The fields of Soil and Water Bio-Engineering (SWBE), Nature-based Solutions (NbS), Ecological Engineering (EE), Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI), and Engineering with Nature (EWN®) encompass a variety of practices aimed at addressing environmental challenges through sustainable and adaptive methods. However, the inconsistent and overlapping terminology across these disciplines has led to confusion, which impedes effective communication among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Preti et al. (2022) conducted a first attempt to compare terms and definitions, leading to the conclusion that SWBE is a discipline that overlaps and, in some cases, complements many NBS-related terminologies. However, the study is in no way exhaustive.
This review begins with an in-depth examination of the current literature on SWBE, providing a detailed overview of the terminology, application areas, and major themes in this field. This foundational insight into SWBE acts as a reference point for comparing and contextualizing results from a meta-review of NBS, GBI, EE, and EWN®. The comparison will identify how specific practices are categorized, exploring whether they are included or excluded within particular disciplines and investigating the reasons behind these classifications. By analyzing these results with the established knowledge of SWBE, the study aims to emphasize similarities, differences, and possible areas for integration. Ultimately, the goal is to offer a comprehensive perspective on SWBE's role within the broader framework of sustainable practices.
The expected results involve creating a unified framework that connects different disciplines, a clearer set of terms to promote collaboration across fields, and practical insights to support the global conversation on sustainable and adaptive solutions. This initiative highlights the necessity of organizing terminology to improve the efficiency and expandability of these methods in tackling pressing issues like climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration, and water management.
Preti, F., Capobianco, V., & Sangalli, P. (2022). Soil and Water Bioengineering (SWB) is and has always been a nature-based solution (NBS): A reasoned comparison of terms and definitions. Ecological Engineering, 181, 106687.
How to cite: Pini, S., Capobianco, V., Sangalli, P., and Preti, F.: Systematizing Terminologies in Soil Water Bio-Engineering, Nature-based Solutions, and Related Fields: A Critical Review, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-17004, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-17004, 2025.
Many sloping areas of Campania in Southern Italy are widely covered by pyroclastic deposits derived from the activity of the Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei volcanic complexes. These areas are highly susceptible to rapid flow-like landslides triggered by intense precipitation, often after antecedent wet periods. Vegetation can play a relevant role in increasing the stability of such slopes. Indeed, the influence of plants on the mechanical and hydraulic behaviour of slopes is significant within the first few meters of the subsoil, where root systems may provide substantial soil reinforcement and alter the flow dynamics in the unsaturated zone, affecting the stress state of the soil.
This research explores how cover, type, and seasonal dynamics of vegetation may influence the susceptibility of pyroclastic deposits to shallow landslides, providing valuable insights into how vegetation may mitigate slope instability in such environments. To achieve these objectives, a tool based on Machine Learning (ML) algorithms which estimates the spatial-temporal probability of landslide triggering at regional scale is being developed. The use of ML facilitates the identification of potential interactions between different types of vegetation and geomorphological, geomechanical, and atmospheric factors. To ensure the operational functionality of the model, both static and dynamic datasets have been utilized.
The study area is the "Camp3" zone of the regional landslide early warning operational in Campania. Data about geomorphology, lithology, soil cover thickness, land use and land cover are made available mainly from thematic maps developed by river basin authorities at regional scale. The model employs a Digital Terrain Model of the study area with a resolution of 1x1 m, obtained from LiDAR data. The analysis also includes data on the hydrographic network, roads, and railways. Landslide events are derived from two landslide catalogs: ITALICA and FraneItalia. Atmospheric data is taken from the ERA5-Land reanalysis data provided by the C3S service, which allows for the reconstruction of precipitation patterns, temperature, and soil moisture at three levels up to 1 m depth. ERA5-Land data are also used to consider the role of vegetation, specifically considering information on vegetation types, the percentage cover per vegetation class and subclass, the Leaf Area Index (LAI) and their seasonal variations. The study also integrates the Corine Land Cover map as provided in its 2018 version.
Finally, to validate the outcomes of the ML model, a physically based 1D mathematical model is adopted to simulate unsaturated flow and assess slope stability. 1D modelling is deemed suitable for the involved slopes based on geological, geomorphological, and geotechnical information. The model also considers the mechanical reinforcement due to the roots through an additional cohesive term. The apparent cohesion associated with the moisture content, in turn is calculated accounting for the coupled hydro-thermal behaviour of the involved soil. Modelling investigates the importance of different vegetation properties (e.g., LAI, root depth, root density, vegetation height, and plant moisture limit) on the stability conditions for typical slope scenarios in the study area.
How to cite: Sequino, G., Calvello, M., Comegna, L., Esposito, A., Greco, R., Pecoraro, G., Ramondini, M., Rianna, G., Stinca, A., Urciuoli, G., Uzielli, M., and Zei, M.: The role of vegetation on susceptibility modelling of landslides in pyroclastic slopes: a case study in Campania, Italy., EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-6725, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6725, 2025.
The technique, which combines bioengineering with civil engineering structures such as gabion check dams and gabion walls for erosion and slope protection, has been acknowledged as an example of ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR), playing a key role in nature-based solutions (NbS) for disaster risk management and environmental sustainability. However, the extent to which these measures maintain their functionality remain only partially understood. Additionally, it is necessary to assess their socioeconomic impact to understand how these measures affect local communities and livelihoods. This study examines three sites in Nepal—Pipaltar (Upper), Dahachowk, and Nallu Khola— where JICA’s aforementioned techniques were implemented between 1991 and 2007 to address gully erosion, debris flow, and landslides. We assess their long-term effectiveness and impact decades later through field surveys, temporal photo comparisons, and interviews with local residents. Photo comparisons of the Pipaltar (Upper) and Dahachowk sites show an increase in vegetation cover, including bamboo and forests, in areas that were previously degraded, indicating that the measures are functioning effectively. Furthermore, while the gabion check dams for gully erosion control at the Pipaltar (Upper) site showed some deformation over time due to corrosion and breakage of the steel wire, we observed sediment being trapped by the check dams and vegetation establishing in the sediment deposition areas just behind them. This suggests that the gullies are stabilizing and the areas are becoming suitable for vegetation growth. In addition, the debris flow induced by the rainfall event from September 26-28, 2024, in Nallu Khola was somewhat regulated in the creeks where gabion check dams and channel works had been applied. However, in some areas, these structures were buried or destroyed. The socioeconomic impact assessment of the Pipaltar (Upper) site showed that in the past, residents relied on vegetation (e.g. bamboo) planted for gully erosion control, using it for purposes such as making fencing, grass brooms, and livestock feed. However, this is no longer the case, as economic development has shifted their primary source of livelihood to the harvest from their private lands.
How to cite: Kakinuma, H., Tsou, C.-Y., Kawakami, R., and Higaki, D.: Long-term effectiveness and socioeconomic impact of Eco-DRR measures in Nepal: lessons from JICA's projects, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-7716, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-7716, 2025.
For geohazard mitigation, various methods have been researched, including the use of tension materials and solid wastes (Hung et al. 2024, Liu and Hung 2023, Gumanta et al. 2023). The authors previously investigated the feasibility of utilizing disposable medical masks for soil reinforcement, which were widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic (Ghadr et al. 2022). Considering the limited ductility of face mask fibers, which may lead to breakage under high strain. This study explores the feasibility of using highly elastic and resilient material – rubber bands for soil reinforcement. Note that before the test, preprocessing and preparing specimens is essential for triaxial consolidation undrained tests. It was crucial to ensure uniform mixing and proper aspect ratios to achieve effective interaction.
Based on our preliminary results, rubber band fibers could improve the mechanical behavior of the sand, increasing its shear strength. However, when the rubber band fiber content exceeded a critical threshold, the strength slightly declined. Further research should be conducted to explore the reinforcement mechanisms of rubber band fibers, optimal content and aspect ratio to ensure effective reinforcement for various engineering applications, such as shallow foundations and slopes.
Reference:
Ghadr, S., Chen, C. S., Liu, C. H., & Hung, C. (2022). Mechanical behavior of sands reinforced with shredded face masks. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 81(8), 317.
Gumanta, F. S., Ghadr, S., Chen, C. S., Liu, C. H., Hung, C., & Assadi-Langroudi, A. (2023). Enhancing the mechanical and hydromechanical behaviors of mudstone soils using sugarcane press mud. Transportation Geotechnics, 40, 100948.
Hung C., Chen C. S., Liu C. H., Lin C. Y., Hsu C. Y., Wang Y. W., Lin K. Y. A. (2024). Recent Advances in Soil Stabilization and Reinforcement: A Comprehensive Review of Emerging Technologies. (under review)
Liu, C. H., & Hung, C. (2023). Reutilization of solid wastes to improve the hydromechanical and mechanical behaviors of soils—a state-of-the-art review. Sustainable Environment Research, 33(1), 17.
How to cite: Chen, C.-S.: Studies of Rubber Bands reutilization for Soil Reinforcement, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-15867, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-15867, 2025.
Geosynthetics, especially geogrids, have gained attention in geotechnical engineering for reinforced soil structures due to the ease of construction, adaptability, and strong performance. Among, the material, geometry, and surface characteristics of geogrid significantly influence the reinforcement effect (Hung et al., 2024). Previous research used thermoplastic polyurethane (TPE) to print additive manufacturing (AM) geogrids with square and triangular apertures. Results showed that the TPE geogrids can effectively improve the strength and ductility of soil (Lin et al., 2024, Liu et al., 2024).
This study further examines the effects of different AM materials geogrid—polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and TPE on soil reinforcement. Results showed that the PLA geogrids always make the greatest contribution to improving soil strength. This may be due to high shear resistance of PLA geogrids. Further study should be done to explore geogrid aperture shape and surface texture to find the optimal pattern, which may serve as reliable data for theoretical and artificial intelligence developments.
Reference:
Hung C., Chen C. S., Liu C. H., Lin C. Y., Hsu C. Y., Wang Y. W., Lin K. Y. A. (2024). Recent Advances in Soil Stabilization and Reinforcement: A Comprehensive Review of Emerging Technologies. (under review)
Ching-Yu Lin, Chi-Cheng Luo, Ching Hung,Chih-Hsuan Liu (2024). Effects of 3D Printed Reinforcement Materials for Soil Stabilization. Poster presentation at the 20th Geotechnical Engineering Symposium, Tainan City.
Chih-Hsuan Liu, Chi-Cheng Lo, Ching Hung (2024). Experimental study on mechanical behavior of additive-manufactured geogrid- reinforced sand. (under review)
How to cite: Lin, C.-Y., Wang, Y.-W., Chen, C.-S., Hsu, C.-Y., Liu, C.-H., and Hung, C.: Potential of Additive Manufacturing Geogrid on Soil Reinforcement, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-15939, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-15939, 2025.
ReNDiS is a web-GIS open data developed by ISPRA as part of the technical-scientific support provided to the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security to monitor the implementation of hydrogeological risk mitigation measures and to manage the evaluation of funding requests from all Italian Regions, since 1999 [Gallozzi et al., 2020]. Information is organised starting from individual mitigation measures. Design phases of the projects, type of solutions adopted and accounting data are collected for all of them. Each measure is subdivided into lots (corresponding to a single project) and these lots may be composed of one or more types of works. The database implements also the types of works that can be recognized as soil bio-engineering techniques: from this detailed classification it is possible to estimate which measures implement some of them, either entirely or in combination with other ‘traditional’ works. Among the surveyed measures, detailed and reliable technical information about the types of works and hazard mitigated is available for a large amount of them. Within these measures, the amounts of measures that include works for landslide risk mitigation were assessed. Among landslide risk mitigation, the percentage of the types of works that fall within soil bio-engineering category were evaluated too. Moreover, it is found that vegetation reinforcement is, to a large extent, combined with structures or reinforcements made of biodegradable materials such as wood, bio-mats, bio-nets and stones. The most adopted traditional engineering works include reinforced concrete piles and walls, cortical reinforcement through steel mesh, and drainage systems. Soil bio-engineering solutions are used to improve soil strength over time, thanks to root growth, and they are used to cover large areas, thus mitigating especially shallow landslides and erosion phenomena over large areas. Given the landscape, cultural, economic and sustainability interests involved, the monitoring of such bio-engineering solutions through the ReNDiS database is a fundamental tool for planning new landslide mitigation works throughout Italy, in order to reduce visual impact with the same efficiency.
References:
Gallozzi P.L. et al. (2020); ReNDiS 2020 La difesa del suolo in vent'anni di monitoraggio ISPRA sugli interventi per la mitigazione del rischio idrogeologico - Edizione 2020. ISPRA, Rapporti 328/20.
How to cite: Fraccica, A.: Soil bio-engineering techniques for landslide risk mitigation in Italy: statistics from ISPRA's database "ReNDiS", EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-16968, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-16968, 2025.
Protective forests are of critical importance in mountainous regions to ensure the security of human life, infrastructure and stability of ecosystems. In the face of the challenges posed by natural disturbances, particularly in the Alps, forests are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, compounded by deficiencies in stand structures and their capacity to provide essential ecosystem services. Consequently, the estimation of the residual protection provided by biological legacies has become a priority.
This research adopts a multiscale methodology, ranging from individual trees to regional analysis, employing diverse techniques and data sources such as field studies, lidar, satellite imagery, and UAV data. The primary objective of this study is to enhance comprehension regarding the impact, capabilities, and real-time service life of natural disturbance legacies within protective forests, particularly in mitigating rockfall risks. Additionally, the research aims to contribute to implement a more ecologically sound and effective post-disturbance forest management approach. The study zones are located all over the Western-and Eastern Alps and include areas impacted by windthrow, bark-beetle as well as forest fire sites.
Between one to ten years post-event, ongoing field assessments aim to comprehensively evaluate the degradation status of existing deadwood. This analysis takes into account specific conditions, including altitude, tree species, and disturbance event. This comprehensive analysis involves the deployment of sensors for prolonged monitoring of moisture levels, water content in logs, climate data collection, and sampling for dry-matter content and decay assessment of deadwood. The ultimate objective of this research is to enhance scientific insights into decay conditions, contributing to a substantiated, application-oriented understanding of the "service lifetime" of biological legacies following a disturbance event in protective forests, particularly in their role against rockfall.
How to cite: Richter, P., Marangon, D., Baggio, T., and Lingua, E.: Biological legacies as nature-based solutions for maintaining the protective effect of alpine mountain forests against rockfall, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-16841, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-16841, 2025.
Studies of Construction and Demolition Wastes for Stabilizing Mudstone Soil
Yi-Wen Wang 1,*, Chih-Yung Hsu 2, Ching-Yu Lin 2, Chieh-Sheng Chen 3, Chih-Hsuan Liu 4, Ching Hung 5
1,* Master student, Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
[Corresponding author]
(e-mail: N66124288@gs.ncku.edu.tw)
2 Master student, Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
3 Ph.D. student, Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taiwan
5 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
The rapid development of urbanization has led to an increase in building construction and demolition waste (CDW), resulting in significant environmental and management challenges. Many researchers have dedicated their efforts to exploring sustainable solutions, particularly in geotechnical engineering, where the applications of nanotechnology and CDW have notably gained increasing attention (Liu and Hung, 2023; Liu et al., 2023; Hung et al., 2024). This study aims to investigate the applicability of CDW for soil stabilization and its potential to mitigate environmental issues, focusing on mudstone soil (MS). Prior to testing, CDW undergoes preprocessing to ensure its suitability and effectiveness. Preliminary results indicate that the addition of CDW significantly enhances compressive strength and reduces swelling behavior of MS. This study will further analyze the mechanism of CDW stabilizing soil through a series of tests including microstructure analysis and find the best solution to improve MS using CDW composite materials.
References:
Liu, C. H., & Hung, C. (2023). Reutilization of solid wastes to improve the hydromechanical and mechanical behaviors of soils—a state-of-the-art review. Sustainable Environment Research, 33(1), 17.
Liu, C. H., Ghadr, S., Mrudunayani, P., & Hung, C. (2023). Synergistic effects of colloidal nanosilica and fiber on the hydromechanical performance of mudstone soil in Taiwan. Acta Geotechnica, 18(12), 6831-6847.
Hung C., Chen C. S., Liu C. H., Lin C. Y., Hsu C. Y., Wang Y. W., Lin K. Y. A. (2024). Recent Advances in Soil Stabilization and Reinforcement: A Comprehensive Review of Emerging Technologies. (under review)
How to cite: Wang, Y.-W., Hsu, C.-Y., Lin, C.-Y., Chen, C.-S., Liu, C.-H., and Hung, C.: Studies of Construction and Demolition Wastes for the Mudstone Soil Stabilization, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-17128, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-17128, 2025.
The long-term biodiversity effects of ecological restoration projects are essential to understanding the dynamics of environmental processes induced by different applied techniques. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are defined as actions that use nature to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or altered environments, providing benefits for both ecosystems and human well-being. Among NBS, Soil and Water Bioengineering (SWBE) techniques combine plants with timber and stone structures to restore riverbanks, combat soil erosion, and stabilise landslide areas, merging technical functionality with environmental restoration.
This study, conducted within the NBFC research centre, employs a multidisciplinary approach to monitoring biodiversity complexity (plants, soil microorganisms and insects) in ecological restoration projects using SWBE techniques. The research aims to quantify the multi-taxonomic diversity in a shallow landslide restored with SWBE methods in the Apuan Alps, Tuscany (Italy), and analyse the effects of ecological succession on biodiversity complexity.
The study area includes three shallow landslides triggered during an extreme weather event in 1996. During the 2024 vegetative season, field surveys were conducted in (1) a SWBE-restored landslide, (2) a naturally evolved landslide, and (3) a controlled landslide with minimal anthropic disturbance. All sites share comparable characteristics (e.g., slope, exposure, surrounding vegetation, and soil type).
Results show that slope stability in the SWBE restored landslide enables better development of tree vegetation, with a more structured canopy compared to the other two sites. Herbaceous species biodiversity indices indicate significant differences among sites, with the restored landslide achieving the highest alpha diversity, as evidenced by alpha-diversity index values. For soil microorganisms and insects, data elaborations show us differences in community composition according to beta-diversity analyses (Bray-Curtis parameters).
These findings underscore the importance of SWBE techniques in enhancing biodiversity and restoring ecological stability in degraded landscapes. An interdisciplinary approach is crucial to better understanding the long-term effects of nature-based solutions on slope stability and environmental restoration.
How to cite: Giachi, E., Cabrucci, M., Bellabarba, A., Decorosi, F., Dani, A., Sacchetti, P., Certini, G., Viti, C., and Preti, F.: Soil and Water Bioengineering shallow landslide restoration project enhances biodiversity conditions: a study case in Tuscany (Italy), EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-17545, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-17545, 2025.
Studies on the effects of Colloidal Nanosilica and Polypropylene Fiber on the mechanical performance of Alishan soil
Chih-Yung Hsu 1,*, Chieh-Sheng Chen 2, Yi-Wen Wang 3, Ching-Yu Lin 3, Chih-Hsuan Liu 4, Ching Hung 5
1,* Master student, Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
[Corresponding author]
(e-mail:N66121222@gs.ncku.edu.tw)
2 Ph.D. student, Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
3 Master student, Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan.
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taiwan
5Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
The slopes of Alishan in Taiwan have been persistently subjected to geological hazards, shallow landslides, over the years. To mitigate the impacts of these geological events, it is crucial to conduct in-depth investigations and improvements to soil in the Alishan area. Previous studies have explored various behaviors of stabilizers in soil stabilization (Ghadr et al. 2022, Liu et al. 2023, Liu and Hung 2023, Hung et al. 2024). However, the aggregation of nanosilica particles has been shown to reduce the effectiveness of these improvements. To address this issue, the current research focuses on the use of colloidal nanosilica to minimize the aggregation effect and enhance the overall performance of the soil improvement process. Additionally, while nanosilica enhances soil strength, it also makes the soil more brittle, which is undesirable for soil stabilization projects that require ductility. To counteract this, polypropylene fibers are added to improve soil ductility. Our preliminary results indicate that both colloidal nanosilica and polypropylene fibers effectively improve soil mechanical properties, including strength and ductility, while also reducing the potential of expansion. The finding will continue to explore the synergistic effects of these two materials on the stability and reinforcement of Alishan slope soils through a series of experiments.
References:
Ghadr, S., Liu, C. H., Mrudunayani, P., & Hung, C. (2022). Effects of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanosilica on the hydromechanical behaviors of mudstone soil. Construction and Building Materials, 331, 127263.
Liu, C. H., Ghadr, S., Mrudunayani, P., & Hung, C. (2023). Synergistic effects of colloidal nanosilica and fiber on the hydromechanical performance of mudstone soil in Taiwan. Acta Geotechnica, 18(12), 6831-6847.
Liu, C. H., & Hung, C. (2023). Reutilization of solid wastes to improve the hydromechanical and mechanical behaviors of soils—a state-of-the-art review. Sustainable Environment Research, 33(1), 17.
Hung C., Chen C. S., Liu C. H., Lin C. Y., Hsu C. Y., Wang Y. W., Lin K. Y. A. (2024). Recent Advances in Soil Stabilization and Reinforcement: A Comprehensive Review of Emerging Technologies. (under review)
How to cite: Hsu, C. Y., Chen, C.-S., Wang, Y.-W., Lin, C.-Y., Liu, C.-H., and Hung, C.: Studies on the effects of Colloidal Nanosilica and Polypropylene Fiber on the mechanical performance of Alishan soil, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-15779, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-15779, 2025.
Live pole drain (LPD) is an innovative, plant-based, drainage system designed to drain surface water, regulate the soil water budget, and facilitate ecological succession and landscape restoration in sloped areas. The system is constructed by placing tied cylindrical bundles of live woody cuttings capable of re-sprouting into a shallow trench along the slope. This design allows moderate surface runoff and seepage fluxes to infiltrate, conveying higher water flows along the fascine, thereby improving slope drainage and stability and preventing further soil erosion. Despite its practical applications, the overall eco-hydrological performance of LPD remains poorly researched and understood. This study aims to evaluate LPD's subsurface lateral drainage capacity and assess the impacts of soil-plant-atmosphere interactions on its water mass balance. To achieve this, we created two experimental setups at different scales to gain insights into the overall eco-hydrological performance of LPDs as opposed to fallow soil (i.e. control). At the micro-scale, we built a pilot laboratory experiment to measure subsurface lateral drainage flow rates and their distribution along the bundles of live cuttings and roots under controlled environmental conditions. At the mesoscale, we constructed an LPD on an artificial slope in an open-air lab (OAL) to investigate how plant development and seasonal changes influence the water mass balance of the system. Through both experimental setups, we observed the effect of LPDs on subsurface lateral drainage performance and soil-water mass balance compared to fallow soil. In the micro-scale experiment, root development positively impacted subsurface lateral drainage flow over time by increasing the flow cross-sectional area with respect to the control. At the plot scale, plant development and seasonality positively affected the partitioning of water inputs (i.e. precipitation) into water outputs (i.e. subsurface flow, percolation and evapotranspiration) within the water mass balance by increasing the removal of excess water when compared to fallow soil. This research will establish a solid foundation for future studies aimed at deepening our understanding of the eco-hydrological performance of LPDs at the plot scale, as well as supporting their design, replication, and scalability for effective slope drainage and stability.
How to cite: Berlitz, F., Gonzalez Ollauri, A., Bogaard, T., and Mickovski, S.: Eco-hydrological characterisation of live pole drains (LPDs) for slope drainage and stability, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-6124, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6124, 2025.
Posters virtual: Mon, 28 Apr, 14:00–15:45 | vPoster spot 3
EGU25-9090 | Posters virtual | VPS12
Preliminary results of in situ corkscrew tests in coarse-grained debris with vegetation rootsMon, 28 Apr, 14:00–15:45 (CEST) | vP3.12
This short paper presents preliminary results ofstudy aimed at evaluating the effects of tree cutting as a predisposing factor of debris-flow triggering (Lepri et al., 2024). The study area (Nottoria, Perugia, Italy) was affected by debris flow events in 2012 and in 2015.
The material of the debris flow source area is classified as calcareous pebbles in a marly-clayey matrix, with very angular grains.
Woody beeches and oaks’ roots, with diameters varying between 0.5 and 2 mm were found in the retrieved soil samples.
In-situ investigations on the material involved in the debris flows, consisting of corkscrew tests, water content and suction monitoring, lidar drone is in progress, jointly with geotechnical laboratory experiments.
In this abstract we present the results of corkscrew tests.
The equipment presents a rotating arm at the end of which there is a load cell and a steel screw (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Corkscrew equipment.
The screw has a height H4 = 125 mm, a diameter dcs = 40 mm, a helix diameter = 6 mm and an helix pitch of 28 mm.
The peak strength was recorded using a 300 kg load cell (Steinberg systems – SBK-KW-300KG).
The corkscrew was driven into the ground by manual rotation, after which the load cell is connected, and the soil sample is pulled out by using a lever system. The load cell provides the pullout force Tmax.
The shear stress along the lateral surface of the soil sample is then calculated following equation (1) provided by Meijer et al. (2018):
(1)
Corkscrew tests were performed at increasing depths (0–125, 125–250, 250–375 mm). Once the soil sample was extracted, the roots content was assessed and the water content and suction measured.
Figure 2 shows the location where corkscrew tests were performed, while the results are plotted in Figure 3 in terms of peak shear stress against the horizontal effective stress.
Figure 2. Corkscrew tests location
- a)
b)
Figure 3. a) Extracted rooted sample; b) Results from corkscrew tests: shear stress vs vertical effective stress
References
Lepri, A., Fraccica, A., Cencetti, C., and Cecconi, M. (2024a). A preliminary study on the possible effect of deforestation in debris flows deposits, EGU24-15726, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024.
Lepri A., Fraccica A., Cecconi M., Pane V. (2024b). Effetti del taglio di vegetazione sull'innesco di una colata detritica a Nottoria (PG): caratterizzazione geotecnica preliminare. Incontro Annuale dei Ricercatori di Geotecnica 2024- IARG 2024 - Gaeta, 4-6 Settembre 2024.
Meijer, G.J., Bengough, A.G., Knappett, J.A., Loades, K.W., Nicoll, B.C. (2018). In situ measurement of root-reinforcement using the corkscrew extraction method. Can. Geotech. J. 55 (10), 1372–1390. (https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2017-0344).
How to cite: Lepri, A.: Preliminary results of in situ corkscrew tests in coarse-grained debris with vegetation roots , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-9090, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-9090, 2025.
EGU25-12296 | ECS | Posters virtual | VPS12
A new low-cost and low-power capacitive sensor for soil water content measurements: preliminary analysis for possible application in rooted soilsMon, 28 Apr, 14:00–15:45 (CEST) | vP3.13
This short communication presents a new low-cost capacitive Soil Water Content (SWC) sensor, originally developed, whose application in situ in natural rooted soils could be of some interest for its impact in geotechnical engineering applications. It is very well known that in recent years, significant advancement has been made in laboratory and field testing for the understanding of the hydro-mechanical coupled behaviour of unsaturated soils. The complexity in characterizing such behaviour increases when the role of vegetation and the presence of organic matter is considered. The amount of literature on water content (SWC) measurements and related sensors is huge and involves several scientific fields. Among indirect methods to evaluate the SWC, time domain reflectometer (TDR), time domain transmissometer (TDT) and impedance sensors, such as resistive and capacitive, are the most common. Capacitive sensors are usually directly dependent on soil apparent dielectric constant Ka which increases with SWC. They have a little sensitivity compared to TDR/TDT, however, they find several applications due to their lower cost. Vegetation affects the hydrology and the effects of plant evapotranspiration may induce some changes in the water content and soil suction and therefore the soil water retention properties. The mutual interaction among roots and soils is very variable, depending on roots-type and soil type; the beneficial influence due to the reduction of water content/degree of saturation, due to the capacity of the plant system to absorb water from the surrounding soil and transfer it to the atmosphere through transpiration is also acknowledged in the literature. Therefore, quantifying root-induced modification in soil hydraulic properties, including SWRC, is vital to predict correctly the hydrology and, hence, for the analysis of slope stability of shallow soil covers. In this note, a new low-cost capacitive sensor, characterized by an interdigit layout and produced following a PCB process, is introduced (Figure 1).
The performance of this device are under evaluation with laboratory activities: several tests have been performed preparing samples of different-type granular materials at different SWC keeping constant the dry density: natural sandy soils, glass beads, and ground coffee mixtures were investigated. The electrical capacitance and conductance of the sensor were measured in the 10 – 100 kHz frequency range by using the HP 4275A LCR meter. Some results are shown in Figure 2. It is shown that the sensor response is affected by the measurement frequency. Moreover, a saturation behaviour is highlighted for both the capacitance and conductance at increasing SWC. The sensor impedance is affected also by the electrical conductivity of the medium surrounding the sensor, e.g. solid grains, water and organic materials, and for this reason the SWC estimation requires a correction to minimize the impact of water salinity. The experimental activity performed in the laboratory is a preliminary investigation aimed at identifying an analytical model of the electrical behaviour of the sensor. Once the model is defined, the sensor could be integrated with a portable system to be validated for in-situ applications.
How to cite: Papini, N.: A new low-cost and low-power capacitive sensor for soil water content measurements: preliminary analysis for possible application in rooted soils, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-12296, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-12296, 2025.
