Evaluation of the biotechnical characteristics of vetiver and paspalum grasses for use in soil reinforcement techniques under erosion threat

ABSTRACT Soil erosion on slopes demands the use of techniques that promote soil cohesion, increasing its shear strength, while contributing to the foristic-landscape recovery. This study aimed to analyze the morphological characteristics of vetiver and paspalum grasses, in order to understand their contribution to soil stabilization, under greenhouse conditions. The following parameters were evaluated: plant height; number of tillers per plant; root length, diameter, volume and dry matter. Both species showed similar values for root length and diameter, while the number of tillers per plant was higher for the paspalum grass. Concerning the plant height, no statistical differences were identified, showing that both can promote a good soil cover. The paspalum grass presented a similar performance in several morphometric characteristics, when compared to the vetiver grass, showing a strong potential to be adopted as part of the techniques on the recovery of degraded areas related to soil stabilization.