Investigation of root system of Tamarix trees on slope of SAIMEREH riverbanks

Root system is effective on increase soil shear strength. This study investigates the root system of Tamarix trees on slope of riverbanks. Five trees (from TAMARIX species) which grow on the river beech were selected in a distance about one km on SAIMEREHRiver in IlamProvince. Circle profile trenching method was employed to obtain characteristics. Results show that the number of roots on upslope is about 22 percent more than downslope. For all diameters, the number of roots in upslope is more than downslope. The average of root diameters on downslope is bigger than upslope. Total root area on upslope is about 27.6 percent more than downslope. It is concluded that root system on riverbank is unsymmetrical and slope has effect on the root system. The number of roots and root area on upslope was more than downslope.