Device and method for in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants

Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for an in-situ root monitoring system for underwater submerged plants, relating to the field of plant physiological and ecological engineering technology. The apparatus comprises: a sediment perforated casing, a root scanner observation barrel, and a root scanner observation barrel sleeve. The sediment perforated casing is at least partially inserted into the underwater sediment, wherein at least the roots of the aquatic plants can be observed in the underwater sediment; the root scanner observation barrel has an externally observable outer shell, and a root scanner and a counterweight are placed in the inner cavity of the root scanner observation barrel; and the root scanner observation barrel sleeve is used to place the root scanner observation barrel into the sediment perforated casing. The present invention allows the observation barrel to be placed long-term in coastal wetlands and underwater sediments to monitor the root growth status of underwater submerged plants at any time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of plant physiological and ecological engineering, and in particular to a device and method for an in-situ root system monitoring system for underwater submerged plants. Background Art

[0002] Submerged macrophytes are important primary producers in lakes and oceans, providing ecosystem services to numerous ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and intertidal zones. They also provide food and habitat for aquatic organisms and microorganisms, making them crucial components of these ecosystems. Roots are a crucial component of plant growth, providing nutrients for plant growth and development and anchoring plants in the soil. The connection between aboveground and belowground ecosystem processes is primarily through the root system. As a "source" of nutrients and water for plants and a "sink" of carbon, roots have become a hot topic in ecosystem ecology and global change research. The morphology, architecture, and distribution of plant underground root tissues, to a certain extent, determine ecosystem carbon flow and the biogeochemical cycling of mineral elements. While research on the belowground ecological processes of submerged macrophytes is relatively limited, the morphology of root growth holds significant ecological value and research implications for plant physiology and ecology. Continuous and accurate measurement and analysis of the growth characteristics and parameters of submerged macrophytes' roots is crucial for deepening research into the belowground ecology of aquatic plants.

[0003] However, because aquatic plants primarily grow in wetlands and coastal environments, their roots are often embedded in water and sediments, making their observation and monitoring difficult. The widely used CI-600 plant root growth monitoring system primarily monitors and studies terrestrial plant roots in situ. Its 360° rotating scanning head provides non-destructive images of root growth and measures physiological and ecological parameters such as root length and surface area. However, its electrical structure makes it difficult to monitor and measure in coastal wetlands and underwater environments.

[0004] Currently, there are few technical means for long-term in-situ monitoring of underwater plant roots. Therefore, a device that can monitor the in-situ roots of underwater submerged plants is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a device and method for an in-situ root monitoring system for underwater submerged plants, which can place long-term observation barrels in coastal wetlands and underwater sediments to monitor the root growth status of underwater submerged plants at any time.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention can be carried out using the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a device for an in-situ root monitoring system for underwater submerged plants, comprising:

[0008] a sediment perforated casing at least partially inserted into underwater sediment, wherein at least a root system of aquatic plants is observable in the underwater sediment;

[0009] a root scanner observation barrel having an outer shell that can be observed from the outside, and a root scanner and a counterweight placed in an inner cavity of the root scanner observation barrel; and

[0010] A root scanner viewing barrel sleeve is used to place the root scanner viewing barrel into the sediment perforating casing.

[0011] As described above, the device for the in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants, further, the root scanner observation barrel includes a barrel cover, the barrel cover is provided with a barrel cover opening, the root scanner observation barrel sleeve includes a bolt, the bolt is used to be inserted into the side wall of the root scanner observation barrel sleeve and pass through the barrel cover opening to fix the root scanner observation barrel.

[0012] As described above, the device for the in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants further comprises: the sediment perforating casing includes symmetrical small holes penetrating the side wall and two handles, and the two handles are respectively arranged on both sides of the sediment perforating casing.

[0013] The device for the in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants as described above, further, a handle is provided on the top of the root scanner observation barrel sleeve.

[0014] As described above, the device for the in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants further has the bottom of the root scanner observation barrel being in the shape of an inverted cone, and the outer shell of the root scanner observation barrel being made of a transparent acrylic material.

[0015] As described above, the device for the in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants further comprises the following steps: the barrel cover is matched with the outer shell of the root scanner observation barrel through threads, and a rubber gasket is provided at the bottom of the barrel cover.

[0016] The device for the in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants as described above, further, the counterweight is a cylindrical lead block, the outer diameter of the counterweight is 75 mm, and the height is 150 mm.

[0017] As described above, the device for the in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants, further, the sediment perforation casing and the root scanner observation barrel sleeve are both hollow cylindrical bodies and are made of stainless steel; the inner diameter of the sediment perforation casing is 80mm and the height is 600mm, and the inner diameter of the root scanner observation barrel sleeve is 75mm and the height is 700mm.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for placing a root scanner observation barrel, which is performed using the above-mentioned device and includes the following steps:

[0019] Inserting a sediment perforating casing into underwater sediment, and then removing sediment from the sediment perforating casing;

[0020] Place the counterweight into the root scanner observation barrel, cover it with the barrel lid and tighten it, and insert it into the root scanner observation barrel sleeve from the bottom;

[0021] Insert the bolt into the root scanner observation barrel sleeve and pass it through the barrel cover opening, fix it and place it into the sediment perforated casing;

[0022] Pull out the bolt, so that the root scanner observation barrel sleeve can be pulled out, and then slowly pull out the sediment perforation casing. At this time, the root scanner observation barrel is placed in the underwater sediment without any scratches.

[0023] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an in situ root monitoring method for underwater submerged plants, which is based on the above-mentioned method and also includes the steps of: regularly opening the lid of the root scanner observation bucket, inserting the root scanner for scanning and acquiring data to obtain the root growth status parameters of the aquatic plants.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: the present invention can place the root scanner observation barrel into wetlands and underwater sediments without scratches by using the sediment perforated casing and the root scanner observation barrel sleeve in combination, and by placing the scanner and counterweight in the inner cavity of the root scanner observation barrel, the root growth status of underwater submerged plants can be monitored at any time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0026] Figure 1 A is a schematic structural diagram of a sediment perforated casing of an apparatus for an in-situ root monitoring system for underwater submerged plants according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 1 B is a schematic structural diagram of a root scanner observation barrel sleeve of a device for an in-situ root monitoring system for underwater submerged plants according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 1 C is a schematic structural diagram of a root scanner observation barrel of an apparatus for an in-situ root monitoring system for underwater submerged plants according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 1 D is a schematic structural diagram of a counterweight for an in-situ root monitoring system for underwater submerged plants according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a root scanner of an apparatus for an in-situ root monitoring system for underwater submerged plants according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Among them: A-1, sediment perforation casing; A-2, first circular hole; A-3, handle; A-4, barrel body; B-1, handle; B-2, root scanner observation barrel sleeve; B-3, second circular hole; C-1, barrel cover; C-2, rubber gasket; C-3, thread; C-4, root scanner observation barrel; C-5, cone shape; D-1, counterweight. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] Example:

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of the present invention and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the numbers used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0035] It should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, such as two or three, unless otherwise specifically defined. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified or defined, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly, meaning, for example, fixed, removable, or integral; mechanical or electrical; direct or indirect through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the present invention.

[0037] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0038] Because aquatic plants primarily grow in wetlands and coastal environments, their roots are often embedded in water and sediments, making their observation and monitoring difficult. The widely used CI-600 plant root growth monitoring system primarily monitors and studies terrestrial plant roots in situ. Its 360° rotating scanning head allows for non-destructive imaging of root growth and measurement of physiological and ecological parameters such as root length and surface area. However, its electrical structure makes it difficult to monitor and measure in coastal wetlands and underwater environments.

[0039] See also Figures 1 to 2The present invention provides an in-situ root monitoring system for underwater submerged plants. By placing a long-term observation barrel in wetlands and underwater sediments, the system can monitor the root growth status of submerged plants at any time, resolving the difficulty of monitoring the root growth status of submerged plants in existing technologies. The system can include: a sediment perforation casing A-1, a root scanner observation barrel C-4, and a root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2. The sediment perforation casing A-1 is at least partially inserted into the underwater sediment, allowing at least the roots of the aquatic plants to be observed in the underwater sediment. The root scanner observation barrel C-4 has an externally observable outer shell, and a root scanner and a counterweight D-1 are placed within the inner cavity of the root scanner observation barrel C-4. The root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 is used to place the root scanner observation barrel C-4 into the sediment perforation casing A-1. Specifically, the sediment perforation casing A-1 is inserted into and secured in the underwater sediment, while the root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 is used to place the root scanner observation barrel C-4 into the sediment perforation casing A-1. The combined use of the sediment perforation casing A-1 and the root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 allows the root scanner observation barrel C-4 to be placed into the underwater sediment without leaving scratches, thus preventing scratches on the root scanner observation barrel C-4 from affecting the root scanner's monitoring results. Furthermore, a root scanner and a counterweight D-1 are placed within the inner cavity of the root scanner observation barrel C-4. The root scanner is used for in-situ root monitoring of submerged plants. The counterweight D-1 is used to balance the density of the root scanner observation barrel C-4 within the underwater sediment, preventing it from floating or sinking, facilitating long-term in-situ observation. In this embodiment, by placing the root scanner observation barrel C-4 without scratches into the wetland and underwater sediments, and by placing the scanner and counterweight D-1 in the inner cavity of the root scanner observation barrel C-4, the root growth status of underwater submerged plants can be monitored at any time.

[0040] As an optional embodiment, in certain embodiments, a device for an in situ root monitoring system for underwater submerged plants may include: a sediment perforating casing A-1, a root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2, and a root scanner observation barrel C-4, wherein the barrel body A-4 of the sediment perforating casing A-1 is a hollow cylinder, which can be made of a stainless steel tube with an inner diameter of 80 mm and a height of 600 mm. A symmetrical first circular hole A-2 is dug in the middle of the sediment perforating casing A-1, and stainless steel handles A-3 are welded on both sides, which can facilitate the insertion of the sediment perforating casing A-1 into the sediment and then clean the internal sediment. The root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 is a cylindrical stainless steel tube with an inner diameter of 75 mm and a height of 700 mm. A symmetrical second circular hole B-3 is bored in the center of the barrel, and a handle B-1 is welded to the top. Handle B-1 can be made of stainless steel and facilitates removal of the barrel from the sediment. Handle B-1 is 100 mm high. The inner cavity of the root scanner observation barrel C-4 houses a counterweight D-1 and a root scanner. Its outer shell can be made of transparent acrylic, facilitating the monitoring of the root growth of submerged plants. Furthermore, the outer shell of the root scanner observation barrel C-4 is cylindrical with an outer diameter of 75 mm and a height of 600 mm. The lower portion of the barrel C-4 features an inverted cone C-5, facilitating insertion of the barrel C-4 into the sediment.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the top of the root scanner observation barrel C-4 is further provided with a lid C-1. Lid C-1 is connected to the outer shell of the root scanner observation barrel C-4 via threads C-3. A rubber gasket C-2 is also provided at the bottom of lid C-1, enhancing the sealing of the root scanner observation barrel C-4 and preventing impurities in the sediment from entering the barrel C-4 and affecting the root scanner's monitoring performance. Furthermore, lid C-1 is connected to the outer shell of the root scanner observation barrel C-4 via threads C-3, and contains a counterweight D-1 that facilitates access to and placement of the root scanner within the inner cavity of the root scanner observation barrel C-4. It is understood that each time a scan is required, lid C-1 is unscrewed and the scanner is placed within. After scanning the plant roots, lid C-1 is closed. Preferably, counterweight D-1 is a cylindrical lead block with an outer diameter of 70 mm and a height of 150 mm. The counterweight D-1 is used to balance the density of the underwater sediment of the root scanner observation bucket C-4, so that the balanced root scanner observation bucket C-4 does not float or sink, which is convenient for long-term in-situ observation.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the barrel lid C-1 is further provided with a barrel lid opening. The root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 can secure the root scanner observation barrel C-4 within the root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 by inserting a bolt through the second circular hole B-3 of the root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 and then through the barrel lid opening. When the bolt is removed, the root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 can be withdrawn. Subsequently, the sediment perforation casing A-1 is withdrawn, and the root scanner observation barrel C-4 is now placed into the underwater sediment without any scratches. Thereafter, the root scanner in the root scanner observation barrel C-4 is periodically opened to scan and acquire data, thereby obtaining root growth status parameters. It can be understood that the combined use of the sediment perforation casing A-1 and the root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 allows the root scanner observation barrel C-4 to be placed into the underwater sediment without any scratches, which helps prevent scratches on the root scanner observation barrel C-4 from affecting the root scanner's monitoring results.

[0043] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for placing a root scanner observation barrel C-4, which is performed using the above-mentioned device for the in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants, and may include the following steps:

[0044] Step 1: inserting the sediment perforating casing A-1 into the underwater sediment, and then removing the sediment inside the sediment perforating casing A-1;

[0045] Step 2: Place the counterweight D-1 into the root scanner observation barrel C-4 and cover it with the barrel cover C-1, tightening it, and insert it into the root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 from the bottom;

[0046] Step 3: Insert the bolt into the root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 and pass it through the barrel cover opening. After fixing, place it into the sediment perforation casing A-1.

[0047] Step 4: Pull out the bolts so that the root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2 can be pulled out, and then slowly pull out the sediment perforating casing A-1. At this time, the root scanner observation barrel C-4 is placed in the underwater sediment without any scratches.

[0048] This method, through the coordinated use of sediment perforation casing A-1 and root scanner observation barrel sleeve B-2, allows the root scanner observation barrel C-4 to be placed into underwater sediment without leaving any scratches. Since this method corresponds to the method of the apparatus for in-situ root monitoring of submerged plants in an embodiment of the present invention, and the principles of this method for solving the problem are similar to those of the apparatus, the implementation of this method can be referred to in the embodiments of the apparatus described above, and any repetitions will not be repeated here.

[0049] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention also provides an in-situ root monitoring method for underwater submerged plants, which is based on the above-mentioned method of placing the root scanner observation barrel C-4, and also includes the steps of: regularly opening the barrel cover C-1 of the root scanner observation barrel C-4, placing the root scanner to scan and obtain data, so as to obtain the root growth status parameters of the aquatic plants.

[0050] Since this method is a method for placing the root scanner observation barrel C-4 and a method corresponding to the device for the in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants in an embodiment of the present invention, and the principle of solving the problem by this method is similar to that of the device, the implementation of this method can refer to the embodiment of the above-mentioned device, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0051] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0052] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical concepts and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the contents of the present invention and implement them accordingly. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made based on the essence of the present invention are intended to be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for an in-situ root monitoring system for underwater submerged plants, characterized in that: include: a sediment perforated casing at least partially inserted into underwater sediment, wherein at least a root system of aquatic plants can be observed in the underwater sediment; A root scanner observation barrel having an outer shell capable of being observed from the outside, wherein a root scanner and a counterweight are placed in an inner cavity of the root scanner observation barrel; the root scanner observation barrel comprises a barrel cover, wherein the barrel cover is provided with a barrel cover opening; a root scanner observation barrel sleeve, which is used to place the root scanner observation barrel into the sediment perforation casing, and a handle is provided on the top of the root scanner observation barrel sleeve; and A bolt is used to be inserted into the side wall of the root scanner observation barrel sleeve and pass through the barrel cover opening to fix the root scanner observation barrel.

2. The device for in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sediment perforating casing comprises symmetrical small holes penetrating the side wall and two handles, and the two handles are respectively arranged on both sides of the sediment perforating casing.

3. The device for in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the root scanner observation barrel is in the shape of an inverted cone, and the shell of the root scanner observation barrel is made of transparent acrylic material.

4. The device for in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: The barrel cover is matched with the outer shell of the root scanner observation barrel through threads, and a rubber gasket is provided at the lower part of the barrel cover.

5. The device for in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: The counterweight is a cylindrical lead block with an outer diameter of 75 mm and a height of 150 mm.

6. The device for in-situ root monitoring system of underwater submerged plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sediment perforation casing and the root scanner observation barrel sleeve are both hollow cylindrical and made of stainless steel; the inner diameter of the sediment perforation casing is 80mm and the height is 600mm, and the inner diameter of the root scanner observation barrel sleeve is 75mm and the height is 700mm.

7. A method for placing a root scanner observation barrel, characterized in that, The method is carried out using the apparatus according to claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps: Inserting a sediment perforating casing into underwater sediment, and then removing sediment from the sediment perforating casing; Place the counterweight into the root scanner observation barrel, cover it with the barrel lid and tighten it, and insert it into the root scanner observation barrel sleeve from the bottom; Insert the bolt into the root scanner observation barrel sleeve and pass it through the barrel cover opening, fix it and place it into the sediment perforated casing; Pull out the bolt so that the barrel sleeve can be pulled out, and then slowly pull out the sediment perforation casing. At this time, the barrel is placed in the underwater sediment without any scratches.

8. A method for in-situ root monitoring of underwater submerged plants, which is based on the method according to claim 7 and further includes the steps of: regularly opening the lid of a root scanner observation bucket, inserting the root scanner for scanning and acquiring data to obtain root growth status parameters of aquatic plants.

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