About RootS

RootS research group identity

RootS is an international multidisciplinary research group founded in 2022 to advance the understanding and modelling of Soil–Vegetation–Atmosphere (SVA) interactions. By integrating expertise from geotechnical engineering, plant science, agronomy, hydrology and atmospheric sciences, RootS investigates the Environmental Domain (ED), the coupled system comprising rooted soils, vegetation and the atmosphere, to improve the prediction and management of geotechnical systems under changing environmental conditions.

Motivation and Aims

Understanding Soil–Vegetation–Atmosphere interactions is fundamental for predicting the behaviour and evolution of geotechnical systems under changing environmental and climatic conditions. Despite significant advances in individual disciplines, the coupled physical, hydraulic, mechanical and biological processes occurring within the rooted soil environment remain only partially understood. Addressing these challenges requires an interdisciplinary research framework.

RootS aims to establish an international multidisciplinary community dedicated to advancing the experimental characterization, monitoring and numerical modelling of Soil–Vegetation–Atmosphere interactions, providing the scientific basis for more resilient and sustainable geotechnical engineering.

Our Vision

To become the international reference community for research on Soil–Vegetation–Atmosphere interaction by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing scientific knowledge, and supporting the development of resilient, sustainable and climate-adaptive geotechnical solutions.

Our Mission

Our mission is to build an international community that integrates geotechnical engineering, plant sciences, agronomy, hydrology and atmospheric sciences to advance the understanding of Soil–Vegetation–Atmosphere interactions and translate scientific knowledge into resilient geotechnical engineering solutions for a changing climate.

🔬 Advance scientific understanding - Improve the knowledge of coupled SVA processes

🌱 Develop innovative methodologies - Experimental, monitoring and numerical approaches

🤝 Build an international community - Connect researchers across disciplines

🌍 Support resilient engineering - Promote quantitative Nature-based Solutions and climate adaptation