Abstract:In response to the existing deficiencies in the dynamic growth model of alfalfa root system and the root system model of slope protection plants in geotechnical engineering ecological protection, the traditional L system was improved. A dynamic growth root system modeling method based on the L system applicable in the field of geotechnical engineering ecological protection was proposed. By controlling the dry density, initial moisture content, temperature, and humidity of Ili loess, alfalfa planting was carried out. The main root length, main root diameter, number of lateral roots, lateral root diameter, lateral root length, and lateral root branching points of alfalfa at different growth times were recorded. Based on the growth parameters of alfalfa and L system and modeling technology, a dynamic growth root system model of alfalfa was constructed. The results indicated that the root growth of alfalfa followed the Logistic equation. The angle between lateral roots and main roots ranged from 15° to 60°. The number of lateral roots, branch spacing, and length of starting branches was increased with growth time. The diameter of the lower segment of the main root remained stable between 0.01mm and 0.04mm, while the diameter of the main root near the soil surface varied significantly with time. The lateral root diameter was small, and the diameter variation was also minor. Using the Logistic equation as the root growth model for alfalfa, a dynamic root growth model for alfalfa suitable for numerical simulation was constructed based on the L system combined with modeling techniques. The model was validated, and the results showed that the overall error of the root model was small. This L system-based dynamic growth root model of alfalfa successfully visualized the dynamic growth of alfalfa roots and can be applied to numerical simulation fields in agricultural production, botany, and geotechnical engineering. It filled the gap in the dynamic growth model of alfalfa roots and provided a reference for the establishment of plant dynamic growth root models in geotechnical engineering ecological protection.