Abstract
Study on the influences of vegetation was performed in order to protect and stabilize unconsolidated steep cut-slope with numerous ephemeral gullies by establishing vegetation colony using the Rapid Afforestation Seeding method (RAS). In the study, outcomes from the previous studies (plant density, plant growth, root morphology, and root tensile force) were incorporated with the outcomes obtained after 103 months from the vegetation establishment, and carried out investigation on the influences of vegetation on slope protection and stabilization. In the 103 months' survey, plant density, plant growth and plant area index (PAI) were measured. Apart from these, further works on grain size classification, permeability test and erosion condition at the experimental site were also performed, and their outcomes were used in the investigation. The study suggested that the established vegetation colony had successfully prevented the development and formation of ephemeral gullies and protected the steep and fragile unconsolidated cut-slope from further deterioration. However, many damages at the experimental site due to encroachment of local inhabitants were observed. Furthermore, many fallen introduced plants were also confirmed during the surveys. With these noteworthy observations, this paper attempts to draw perceptional considerations that need to be taken in the context of cut-slope protection and stabilization.
