Importance of Root SystemsThe root systems of bluff vegetation act as binders for soil particles, greatly increasing the shear strength of the bluff. Vegetation, along with their associated root systems, also help extract excess moisture on the bluff that causes erosion. The leaves and roots absorb the water and release it into the atmosphere through transpiration.
Effects of Soil TypesThe predominant soil type in Ozaukee and Milwaukee counties is a mixture of silt, sand, clay and rocks, commonly referred to as glacial till. This mixture of sediments is not ideal for slope stability due to the low shear strength of sand and rocks at high slopes. For this reason, it is important to re-grade and vegetate bluffs to strengthen the soil.
Ideal Vegetation for Slope StabilityAs seen in the image to the left, grasses such as little bluestem, switchgrass, and American beachgrass are more ideal for bluff stabilization than typical turf grass because their root systems are much larger. These plants, along with trees such as northern hardwoods, aspens, and willows, are indigenous to the Wisconsin shorelines and are oftentimes used to stabilize bluffs.
|