Investigation of root distribution of plantain trees (Platanus orientalis L.) on riverside of Cranelo River Kalibar County

Plantain tree is one of the species that is often planted in the riverside in different areas; therefore, this tree has important effects for increasing the stability and reducing erosion of soil by rivers with their roots. The science of using plants roots for soil stabilization for the soil reinforcement, called bio-engineering. The amount of soil conservation by plants depends on their biotechnological characteristics. One of these characteristics is the rate of root distribution in the soil or the Root Area Ratio (RAR). This study was carried out to estimate the amount of RAR of plantain in the riverside of the Cranelo River Kalibar County in East Azerbaijan Province. This study showed that the RAR of plantain is decreasing with depth increase and there are about 67.4% RAR in depth of 30 cm. According to the information obtained from this research, the use of plantain trees in riverside was determined.