A reusable submerged plant planting device and method

Abstract

The application discloses a reusable submerged plant planting device and method, and belongs to the technical field of submerged plant planting. The submerged plant planting device comprises lifting adjusting devices, bottom opening and closing devices and planting substrate beds. The bottom opening and closing devices are detachably connected with the positions close to the bottoms of the lifting adjusting devices. The lifting adjusting devices comprise two opposite groups. Each group of the lifting adjusting devices is connected with one bottom opening and closing device. The bottom opening and closing devices can be horizontally extended or retracted. The planting substrate beds are arranged on the bottom opening and closing devices. Submerged plants and counterweights are planted on the planting substrate beds. The method is that the lifting adjusting devices are used for distributing the bottom opening and closing devices with the planting substrate beds to the bottom mud of the water bottom, then the planting substrate beds are placed on the water bottom, the bottom opening and closing devices are taken to the bank, and the planting substrate beds are recycled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a reusable submerged plant planting device and method, belonging to the technical field of aquatic ecological restoration. Background Technology

[0002] Eutrophication has triggered a series of problems, including the decline of submerged vegetation, cyanobacterial blooms, and the collapse of aquatic ecosystems. These problems are prevalent in lakes and urban waterways. Therefore, restoring and rebuilding the corresponding aquatic ecosystems has become one of the primary tasks in managing eutrophic water bodies.

[0003] As primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, submerged plants play a crucial role in the remediation of eutrophic water bodies, exhibiting significant advantages in water purification compared to floating plants. Submerged plants can absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from the water, effectively reducing their concentrations and thus improving water quality. Because their roots, stems, and leaves are completely submerged, the oxygen they release directly into the water, significantly increasing dissolved oxygen levels—a more pronounced effect than with floating plants. Simultaneously, submerged plants compete with algae for nutrients and light and heat, effectively inhibiting algal growth by secreting allelochemicals that disrupt algal metabolism. Furthermore, submerged plants improve water transparency and underwater light conditions by adsorbing suspended matter, making a vital contribution to the healthy development of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, the planting of submerged plants is a key element in practical ecological restoration projects.

[0004] In the remediation of eutrophic water bodies, the initial reconstruction of submerged vegetation often faces a series of challenges and is easily disturbed by various environmental factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, decreased water transparency, frequent hydrodynamic disturbances, the presence of large amounts of suspended solids, excessively high nutrient levels, and predation by herbivorous fish. These environmental factors collectively lead to unstable growth and poor stability of submerged plants in the initial stages. Therefore, when remediating eutrophic water bodies, it is necessary to comprehensively consider these complex factors and take effective management and control measures to ensure the successful growth of submerged plants and the restoration of the aquatic ecosystem.

[0005] Besides environmental factors, human factors can also significantly impact the effectiveness of submerged plant cultivation. Submerged plant communities are typically rebuilt through on-site manual cuttings or casting. However, these methods suffer from low efficiency, irrational plant distribution, high consumption of human and material resources, and easy damage to the root systems of submerged plants during transplantation. Furthermore, the materials used are expensive and difficult to degrade or remove from the water. These issues, to some extent, limit the application of submerged plants in water restoration projects. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention discloses a reusable submerged plant planting device and method, the specific technical solution of which is as follows:

[0007] A reusable submerged plant planting device includes a lifting and adjusting device (1), a bottom opening and closing device (2), and a planting substrate bed (4). The bottom opening and closing device (2) is detachably connected to the lifting and adjusting device (1) near the bottom.

[0008] The lifting adjustment device (1) includes two opposing sets, each set of lifting adjustment devices (1) is connected to a bottom opening and closing device (2), the bottom opening and closing device (2) can be horizontally extended or retracted;

[0009] The planting substrate bed (4) is placed on the bottom opening and closing device (2), and submerged plants and counterweights are planted on the planting substrate bed (4).

[0010] Furthermore, the lifting adjustment device (1) includes, from top to bottom, a handle (12), an upper retractable rod (14), a middle retractable rod (15), and a lower retractable rod (16). A support platform (13) is provided between the handle (12) and the upper retractable rod (14). A switch button (11) is provided on the support platform (13). The upper retractable rod (14), the middle retractable rod (15), and the lower retractable rod (16) are sequentially connected.

[0011] Furthermore, the bottom opening and closing device (2) includes a rotating cylinder (21), a fixing rod (24) and a folding frame (26). The rotating cylinder (21) is fixed with fixing rods (24) on both sides. The folding frame (26) is connected to fixing rods (24) at both ends. One end of the fixing rod (24) is attached to the rotating cylinder (21). The fixing rod (24) on the outer side of the rotating cylinder (21) is provided with a threaded rod (23).

[0012] Furthermore, a groove (17) is provided on the side wall near the bottom of the lower retractable rod (16), and a through threaded hole (18) is provided in the groove (17). The threaded rod (23) passes through the threaded hole (18) and is threadedly connected to a nut (22) at the through end.

[0013] Furthermore, the cross-sections of the upper shrinking rod (14), the middle shrinking rod (15), and the lower shrinking rod (16) are elongated, and the bottom of the longitudinal section is pointed.

[0014] Furthermore, the groove (17) is arranged horizontally along the width direction of the lower contraction rod (16), and two threaded rods (23) and two threaded holes (18) are provided, distributed in the groove (17) near the sides.

[0015] The fixing rods (24) at both ends of the folding frame (26) are horizontally provided with connecting plates near their ends. The connecting plates have openings, and the hinge shaft (25) passes vertically through the end support rod and the opening of the folding frame (26) to rotatably connect them. The folding frame (26) can rotate around the hinge shaft (25).

[0016] The planting substrate bed comprises a low frame body with an open top, constructed from a biodegradable wooden frame as the main body. Biodegradable nylon ropes are used to taut and straighten the low frame body along two opposite sides, dividing it into different planting troughs and counterweight carrier troughs.

[0017] Clay, diatomaceous earth, and humus are mixed to form a planting substrate. The planting substrate and the roots and stems of submerged plants are wrapped in biodegradable non-woven fabric and placed in the corresponding plant planting trough. A counterweight is placed in the counterweight carrier trough outside the plant planting trough to increase the gravity of the planting substrate bed.

[0018] Furthermore, the submerged plants comprise two parts: one part consists of one or more of *Vallisneria natans*, *Potamogeton malaianus*, and *Potamogeton microdentatum*, while the other part consists of one or more of *Hydrilla verticillata*, *Elodea nuttallii*, *Ceratophyllum demersum*, and *Myriophyllum spicatum*. The former part is a highly stable submerged plant, and the latter part is a low-stability submerged plant. The submerged plants selected from both parts are planted in a mixed manner. The highly stable submerged plants occupy a predominantly mesotrophic niche, while the low-stability submerged plants occupy a predominantly eutrophic niche. Mixing these two types of submerged plants is more conducive to coping with different eutrophic environments and effectively solves the problem of succession difficulties in submerged plant communities during habitat transitions in the restoration process.

[0019] Furthermore, the specific mass percentage of the components of the planting substrate is as follows: clay 80%, diatomaceous earth 10%, humus 5%, organic matter 5%, and also includes a dosage of 10... 5 Plant growth promoters PGPR in a CFU / g substrate.

[0020] Furthermore, the upper part of the planting substrate bed (4) is provided with a permeable enclosure around its perimeter.

[0021] The method for planting submerged plants based on the above-mentioned reusable submerged plant planting device includes the following steps:

[0022] Step 1: The upper retractable rod (14), the middle retractable rod (15), and the lower retractable rod (16) are in a retracted state, and the bottom opening and closing device (2) is also in a retracted state. Connect the lifting adjustment device (1) and the bottom opening and closing device (2) to form a set of mechanisms.

[0023] Step 2: The bottom opening and closing devices (2) of the two sets of mechanisms assembled in Step 1 are set opposite each other. The gap between the two lifting adjustment devices (1) is reserved. Rotate the bottom opening and closing device (2) to the horizontal and adjust to open the bottom opening and closing device (2) until the fixing rods (24) on the outside of the two bottom opening and closing devices (2) are in contact.

[0024] Step 3: Place the planting substrate bed (4) on the bottom opening and closing device (2), plant submerged plants, place counterweights, and fix the permeable enclosure;

[0025] Step 4: Lower the whole plant into the water. When the planting substrate bed is submerged in the water, stop lowering until the planting substrate of the submerged plant is saturated. Then continue lowering. During the lowering process, the upper shrink rod (14), the middle shrink rod (15), and the lower shrink rod (16) will extend in sequence.

[0026] Step 5: After the lower shrinkage rod (16) reaches the bottom mud, continue to lower it until the planting substrate bed (4) contacts the bottom mud, then stop lowering;

[0027] Step 6: Shrink the folding frame (26). After shrinking, rotate the rotating cylinder (21) upwards. The folding frame (26) will stand upright. At this time, the planting substrate bed (4) will remain on the bottom mud.

[0028] Step 7: Retract and lift the upper retracting rod (14), middle retracting rod (15), and lower retracting rod (16) upwards, raising them out of the water and retracting them to their limit.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0030] (1) Enclosure effectively blocks hydrodynamic disturbances and improves plant survival rate.

[0031] By using enclosures, the impact of water flow on submerged plant seedlings can be reduced, preventing the seedlings from being removed from the planting trough due to water flow.

[0032] (2) The adjustment device is easy to operate, portable, and reusable.

[0033] Using the lifting and adjusting device, the submerged plant substrate bed placed on the bottom opening and closing device is smoothly transported to the water. After the substrate bed successfully lands at the sediment-water interface, the bottom opening and closing device and the lifting device are retracted, realizing the recycling of the device. At the same time, both the lifting and adjusting device and the bottom opening and closing device can be retracted and folded for easy carrying.

[0034] (3) The modular layout of the planting substrate bed is uniform, which facilitates rapid plant growth.

[0035] The planting substrate bed is structured as a combination of a planting trough and a counterweight trough. The planting trough is filled with clay, diatomaceous earth and humus, while the area around the planting trough is filled with counterweight blocks such as gravel and sand to increase the weight of the planting substrate bed and reduce the possibility of it floating when placed underwater.

[0036] (4) It uses biodegradable materials and is environmentally friendly.

[0037] The planting substrate bed uses an integral wooden frame, which is divided into different modules by biodegradable nylon ropes. A certain proportion of clay, diatomaceous earth and humus are mixed as the planting substrate. Biodegradable non-woven fabric is used to wrap the planting substrate and the roots and stems of submerged plants and place them into the corresponding planting troughs to ensure the reasonable distribution of plant modules. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting and adjusting device of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a top view of the bottom opening and closing device of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a top view of the planting substrate bed of the present invention.

[0042] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-Lifting and adjusting device; 11-Switch button; 12-Hand lever; 13-Support platform; 14-Upper retractable rod; 15-Middle retractable rod; 16-Lower retractable rod; 17-Slide groove; 18-Threaded hole; 2-Bottom opening and closing device; 21-Rotating cylinder; 22-Nut; 23-Threaded rod; 24-Fixing rod; 25-Hinge shaft; 26-Folding frame; 3-Enclosure; 4-Planting substrate bed; 41-Plant planting trough; 42-Counterweight carrier trough; 43-Biodegradable wooden frame; 44-Biodegradable nylon rope. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0044] Combined with appendix Figure 1-2 As can be seen, the present invention includes a lifting and adjusting device 1, a bottom opening and closing device 2, and a planting substrate bed 4.

[0045] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, the lifting and adjusting component includes a switch 11, a handle 12 for easy handling, and a three-stage retractable rod consisting of an upper retractable rod 14, a middle retractable rod 15, and a lower retractable rod 16. A groove 17 and two threaded holes 18 are opened in the middle of the lower retractable rod 16.

[0046] like Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the bottom opening and closing component includes: a rotating cylinder 21, a left fixed rod 24 and a right fixed rod 25 connecting the two sides of the rotating cylinder 21; wherein, a threaded rod 23 is welded to the upper end and the lower end of the left fixed rod 24 and a corresponding bolt 22 is configured; the right fixed rod 25 is connected to different folding frames 26 through a hinge shaft 25.

[0047] The lifting adjustment device 1 and the bottom opening and closing device 2 are integrated into one unit, with an internal circuit system controlled by the switch button 11 in the lifting adjustment device 1. During assembly, the bottom opening and closing device 2 is engaged into the slide groove 17 of the lifting adjustment device 1 via the left fixing rod 24, and further secured by the two threaded holes 18, the threaded rod 23, and the bolt 22.

[0048] like Figure 1 and 4 As shown, the planting carrier includes: a partition 3 and a planting substrate bed 4. The planting substrate bed 4 is mainly composed of a biodegradable wooden frame 43, which is divided into different plant planting troughs 41 and counterweight carrier troughs 42 by biodegradable nylon ropes 44. A certain proportion of clay, diatomaceous earth and humus are mixed as the planting substrate. The planting substrate and the roots and stems of submerged plants are wrapped with biodegradable non-woven fabric and placed in the corresponding plant planting troughs 41. The counterweight carrier troughs outside the plant planting troughs 41 are filled with counterweight blocks such as gravel and sand to increase the gravity of the planting substrate bed 4. Finally, the partition 3 is placed on top to form the prepared planting substrate bed.

[0049] During operation, first press the switch button 11. The rotating cylinder 21 rotates 90° to place the bottom opening and closing device 2 horizontally. The bottom opening and closing device 2 unfolds sequentially through the hinge shaft 25 and the folding frame 26. Next, place the prepared planting substrate bed 4 on the unfolded bottom opening and closing devices 2 on both sides. Then, place the entire adjustable submersible modular planting device in the water. Press the switch button 11 again. The upper retracting rod 14, middle retracting rod 15, and lower retracting rod 16 of the retracting lifting adjustment device 1 unfold sequentially, carrying the planting substrate bed into the sediment-water interface. After the planting substrate bed lands and stabilizes on the sediment-water interface, press the switch button 11 a third time. The bottom opening and closing device 2 begins to retract, the rotating cylinder 21 rotates back to 0°, and the upper retracting rod 14, middle retracting rod 15, and lower retracting rod 16 of the lifting adjustment device 1 retract sequentially, leaving only the planting substrate bed 4 in the water. The lifting adjustment device 1 and the bottom opening and closing device 2 are used in a cycle.

[0050] The modular planting device of this invention greatly simplifies the steps of transplanting and planting submerged plants, effectively improving the survival rate of submerged plant planting. At the same time, the opening and closing parts of the device are recyclable, enabling the device to be used repeatedly. Through the above-mentioned specific technical measures, the planting rate of submerged plants is over 80%, the removal rates of COD, TN, and TP in water bodies are increased by 20%, 20%, and 10%, respectively, and the removal rates of TN and TP in bottom sediments are increased by over 15% and 15%, respectively, achieving a significant improvement in the efficiency of water ecological restoration of lakes and urban rivers.

[0051] In practical applications, the device of this invention can be deployed at multiple locations along the river simultaneously, and the lengths of the retractable rod and folding frame can be determined according to actual needs.

[0052] The specific mass percentage of the planting substrate components of this invention is as follows: clay 80%, diatomaceous earth 10%, humus 5%, organic matter 5%, and also includes a dosage of 10... 5 The plant growth promoter PGPR used in this invention is Bacillus subtilis. Straw powder and rice husk powder are uniformly mixed to represent organic matter, while fruit peels (apple peels, banana peels, orange peels, grape peels, etc.) are decomposed to become humus. The planting substrate contains various macro and micro elements beneficial to the growth and development of submerged plants. The humic acid and fulvic acid contained in the humus and organic matter also help with the establishment and propagation of submerged plants. The humus has moderate binding properties, which can loosen the clay soil and further promote plant growth.

[0053] This invention addresses the problem that, under complex hydrodynamic conditions in natural environments, submerged plants are easily swept up and floated by wind, waves, and water currents, making it difficult for them to survive.

[0054] This invention addresses the problems of low efficiency, high resource consumption, and easy damage to the root system of submerged plants in current artificial planting methods (such as on-site manual cutting or throwing planting).

[0055] This invention solves the problem that submerged plants cannot grow and propagate rapidly to form submerged plant communities due to unreasonable layout methods.

[0056] This invention addresses the problem that current modular planting devices use expensive materials that are difficult to degrade or remove from water.

[0057] The technical means disclosed in this invention are not limited to those disclosed above, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features.

[0058] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A reusable submerged plant planting device, characterized in that, It includes a lifting and adjusting device (1), a bottom opening and closing device (2), and a planting substrate bed (4). The bottom opening and closing device (2) is detachably connected to the lifting and adjusting device (1) near the bottom. The lifting adjustment device (1) includes two opposing sets, each set of lifting adjustment devices (1) is connected to a bottom opening and closing device (2), the bottom opening and closing device (2) can be horizontally extended or retracted; The planting substrate bed (4) is placed on the bottom opening and closing device (2), and submerged plants and counterweights are planted on the planting substrate bed (4); The bottom opening and closing device (2) includes a rotating cylinder (21), a fixing rod (24) and a folding frame (26). The rotating cylinder (21) is fixed with fixing rods (24) on both sides. The folding frame (26) is connected to fixing rods (24) at both ends. One end of the fixing rod (24) is attached to the rotating cylinder (21). The fixing rod (24) on the outer side of the rotating cylinder (21) is provided with a threaded rod (23). The lifting adjustment device (1) includes, from top to bottom, a hand grip (12), an upper retractable rod (14), a middle retractable rod (15), and a lower retractable rod (16). The lower retractable rod (16) has a horizontal groove (17) on its side wall near the bottom. A threaded hole (18) is provided through the groove (17). The threaded rod (23) passes through the threaded hole (18) and is threadedly connected to a nut (22) at the through end. The cross-sections of the upper shrinking rod (14), the middle shrinking rod (15), and the lower shrinking rod (16) are elongated, and the bottom of the longitudinal section is pointed. The chute (17) is arranged horizontally along the width direction of the lower contraction rod (16), and two threaded rods (23) and two threaded holes (18) are provided, which are located in the chute (17) near the two sides. The fixing rods (24) at both ends of the folding frame (26) are horizontally provided with connecting plates near their ends. The connecting plates have openings, and the hinge shaft (25) passes vertically through the openings of the end support rods of the folding frame (26) and the connecting plates, so that the folding frame (26) can rotate around the hinge shaft (25). The planting substrate bed comprises a low frame body with an open top, constructed from a biodegradable wooden frame as the main body. Biodegradable nylon ropes are used to taut and straighten the low frame body along two opposite sides, dividing it into different planting troughs and counterweight carrier troughs. Clay, diatomaceous earth and humus are mixed as planting substrate. The planting substrate and the roots and stems of submerged plants are wrapped with biodegradable non-woven fabric and placed in the corresponding plant planting trough. A counterweight is placed in the counterweight carrier trough to increase the gravity of the planting substrate bed. The planting substrate bed (4) is provided with a permeable enclosure around its perimeter.

2. The reusable submerged plant planting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A support platform (13) is provided between the hand grip (12) and the upper retractable rod (14). A switch button (11) is provided on the support platform (13). The upper retractable rod (14), the middle retractable rod (15), and the lower retractable rod (16) are connected in sequence.

3. The reusable submerged plant planting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The submerged plants consist of two parts. One part consists of one or more of the highly stable submerged plants such as Vallisneria natans, Potamogeton malaianus, and Potamogeton microdentatum. The other part consists of one or more of the low-stability submerged plants such as Hydrilla verticillata, Elodea nuttallii, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Myriophyllum spicatum. The submerged plants selected from the two parts are mixed and planted together.

4. The reusable submerged plant planting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific composition (by weight percentage) of the planting substrate is as follows: clay 80%, diatomaceous earth 10%, humus 5%, organic matter 5%, and also includes a dosage of 10... 5 Plant growth promoters PGPR in a CFU / g substrate.

5. A method for planting submerged plants based on the reusable submerged plant planting device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: The upper retractable rod (14), the middle retractable rod (15), and the lower retractable rod (16) are in a retracted state, and the bottom opening and closing device (2) is also in a retracted state. Connect the lifting adjustment device (1) and the bottom opening and closing device (2) to form a set of mechanisms. Step 2: The bottom opening and closing devices (2) of the two sets of mechanisms assembled in Step 1 are set opposite each other, and a gap is reserved between the two lifting adjustment devices (1). Rotate the bottom opening and closing device (2) to the horizontal position and adjust to open the bottom opening and closing device (2) until the fixing rods (24) on the outside of the two bottom opening and closing devices (2) are in contact. Step 3: Place the planting substrate bed (4) on the bottom opening and closing device (2), plant submerged plants, place counterweights, and fix the permeable enclosure; Step 4: Lower the whole thing into the water. When the planting substrate bed is submerged in the water, stop lowering it until the planting substrate of the submerged plant is saturated with water. Then continue lowering it. During the lowering process, the upper shrink rod (14), the middle shrink rod (15), and the lower shrink rod (16) will extend in sequence. Step 5: After the lower shrinkage rod (16) reaches the bottom mud, continue to lower it until the planting substrate bed (4) contacts the bottom mud, then stop lowering; Step 6: Shrink the folding frame (26). After shrinking, rotate the rotating cylinder (21) upwards. The folding frame (26) will stand upright. At this time, the planting substrate bed (4) will remain on the bottom mud. Step 7: Retract and lift the upper retracting rod (14), middle retracting rod (15), and lower retracting rod (16) upwards, raising them out of the water and retracting them to their limit.

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