摘要：Tree root systems stabilize hillslopes and riverbanks, reducing landslide risk, but related data for the humid tropics are scarce. We tested fractal allometry hypotheses on differences in the vertical and horizontal distribution of roots of trees commonly found in agroforestry systems and on shear strength of soil in relation to root length density in the topsoil. Proximal roots of 685 trees (55 species; 4–20 cm stem diameter at breast height, dbh) were observed across six landscapes in Indonesia. The Index of Root Anchoring (IRA) and the Index of Root Binding (IRB) were calculated as Dsubv/subsup2/sup/dbhsup2/sup and as Dsubh/subsup2/sup/dbhsup2/sup, respectively, where Dsubv/sub and Dsubh/sub are the diameters of vertical (angle 45°) and horizontal (angle 45°) proximal roots. High IRA values (1.0) were observed in coffee and several common shade trees. Common fruit trees in coffee agroforestry had low medium values, indicating modest ‘soil anchoring’. Where root length density (Lsubrv/sub) in the topsoil is less than 10 km msup−3/sup shear strength largely depends on texture; for Lsubrv/sub 10 shear strength was 1.5 kg msup−2/sup at the texture tested. In conclusion, a mix of tree species with deep roots and grasses with intense fine roots provides the highest hillslope and riverbank stability.
