Abstract: A better understanding of root-soil mechanical interaction is necessary for investigating the capability of structural roots to provide an efficient anchorage of root or to participate to soil fixation against landslides and soil erosion.This paper aims in analysing the contribution of different root elements and soil types to root anchorage.For this purpose,a 2D finite element model of root anchorage has been built up and applied to twelve different herringbone-like root patterns.These root patterns have been defined varying the angle between lateral root and main root,and removing different root parts.Bending tests has been performed in both clay and sandy soil.Numerical results showed that shallow lateral roots play a significant role in root anchorage,contributing nearly 35%-40% to the root-soil strength in the whole simulations.Moreover,it was shown that root architecture and soil type can significantly modify the hinge of root plate rotation axis.