A method and system for quantitatively measuring root biomass of mixed planting plants by species

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of plant ecology research, and particularly relates to a mixed planting root system biomass quantitative measurement method and system, which comprises the following steps: soaking a root-soil complex and loosening the root-soil complex by using micro-bubbles and gentle water flow to obtain loose root groups; transferring the loose root groups to an oscillation-hydraulic sorting device with double-layer screens, and realizing the separate enrichment and collection of gramineous root systems and leguminous root systems by time-series regulation of vibration and spraying parameters; placing the separated root system samples in a special measurement device, covering a height-limiting cover plate to form a standard measurement cavity, synchronously collecting images and obtaining wet mass; extracting characteristic parameters based on the images, inputting the wet mass into a biomass model, and calculating and outputting the separate biomass. The application realizes the whole-process integration of the mixed planting root system from separation to quantitative measurement, solves the problems of low efficiency, large damage and high error of the traditional method, and is suitable for the rapid and accurate analysis of a large number of samples in the fields of agronomy, ecology and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of plant ecology research technology, specifically relating to a method and system for quantitatively measuring the root biomass of mixed-planted plants. Background Technology

[0002] In ecological restoration, agronomy, soil and water conservation, and plant ecology research, accurately obtaining the underground biomass of different plant species is a crucial foundation for assessing interspecific competition, resource allocation patterns, community building mechanisms, and ecosystem productivity. Especially in mixed planting, intercropping, and artificial community construction systems, the spatial occupancy, morphological differences, and biomass distribution of underground root systems directly relate to the complementary or competitive processes of water and nutrient utilization among plants. Therefore, accurate species identification, separation, and quantitative measurement of root systems of different species remain an important research need in these fields.

[0003] Leguminosae and Poaceae plants have long been widely used in grassland improvement, degraded ecosystem restoration, slope vegetation reconstruction, and agro-pastoral systems due to their strong complementarity in nutrient utilization, nitrogen fixation, root hierarchical distribution, and resource acquisition strategies. For example, leguminous / Poaceae combinations such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and bothriochloa chaemum are typical examples in vegetation restoration research in ecologically fragile areas such as the Loess Plateau. To reveal the underground interaction mechanisms of such mixed planting systems, researchers typically need to obtain the biomass, total root length, surface area, and root architecture parameters of both leguminous and Poaceae roots.

[0004] However, obtaining biomass from the root systems of mixed-plant species has long been a classic methodological bottleneck in ecological and agricultural research. Numerous studies both domestically and internationally have shown that, compared to the direct morphological identification and sampling of aboveground parts, the quantification of underground root systems is significantly more challenging due to their burial in the soil, the destructive nature of sample extraction, and the highly intertwined nature of different species' root systems. Especially in pot experiments, soil column experiments, and destructive plot sampling, once the root-soil complex is removed as a whole, the roots of different plants often form a complex three-dimensional entanglement, making rapid and accurate physical separation while maintaining root integrity extremely difficult.

[0005] Existing methods for studying the root systems of mixed-plant species typically involve manual sorting to separate the roots of different species using a simple and direct sieving process. The roots are then dried and weighed or their biomass is estimated using images. However, because mixed-plant roots are often attached to soil after sampling, and the roots are intertwined and fine roots are easily broken and lost, the above measurement methods cannot ensure the stability of the spread thickness, overlap, and sorting integrity of the separated root samples during subsequent biomass measurements. This results in significant discrepancies between the biomass measurement data obtained from the same batch of mixed-plant roots, making it difficult to provide reliable data support for plant ecology research. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method and system for quantitative measurement of root biomass of mixed-plant plants, which can maintain a stable measurement state during the root measurement of the same batch of mixed-plant plants, and provide reliable data support for plant ecology research.

[0007] The technical solution of this invention is: A method for quantitatively measuring the root biomass of mixed-plant species includes the following steps: The root and soil complex of the mixed plant to be tested was immersed in a liquid medium for low-damage loosening treatment to obtain loose root balls. Based on the differences in physical characteristics of different root systems, the loose root masses were classified and enriched to obtain different root systems and collect them separately. The different types of roots were rinsed separately and collected into different containers for further rinsing to obtain clean root samples of different types of roots. Wet mass and corresponding root morphology parameters of various clean root samples were obtained, and preliminary root biomass of various clean root samples was obtained through a pre-established biomass calculation model. Based on the comparison and calibration between the preliminary root biomass and the preset threshold, the final root biomass of various clean root samples is determined. The method for seed enrichment of the loose root masses includes placing the loose root masses in an oscillating-hydraulic separation container with multiple layers of screens and performing the following three-stage time-series control operations: Loosening and untangling: Setting the first vibration intensity parameter for multi-layer screens τ 1, 0 < τ 1 < 1; Selective layering: Setting a second vibration intensity parameter for multi-layer screens. τ 2, 1≤ τ 2≤3; At the same time, spray water flow is added to the multi-layer screen, and the first force of the spray water flow is set; Enhanced guidance: Maintain the second vibration intensity parameter τ2. Based on the second force of the spray water flow, dynamically adjust the angle and direction of the spray water flow through the multi-layer screen until all roots are completely separated.

[0008] Preferably, the first vibration intensity parameter τ 1 and second vibration intensity parameters τ 2. Determine according to the following formula: , , In the formula, For the maximum vibration acceleration, The vibration frequency, For amplitude, This is the acceleration due to gravity.

[0009] Preferably, the first and second forces of the spray water flow are determined according to the following formulas: , , In the formula, The normal component of the spray water flow, that is, the first force of the spray water flow; The driving force of the spray water flow, that is, the second force of the spray water flow; This refers to the drag force exerted by the water flow on the root system. The angle between the spray water flow and the screen surface.

[0010] Preferably, the loose untangling and / or selective transdermal stage increases microbubble perturbation and applies the force of the microbubble perturbation to the loose root mass.

[0011] Preferably, the root morphological characteristic parameters include root projected area, total length of root skeleton, and average root width.

[0012] Preferably, the biomass calculation model is determined according to the following formula: , In the formula, For preliminary root biomass, The root projection area is extracted from the image. This represents the total length of the root system skeleton extracted from the image. The average root width extracted from the image. To correspond to the wet mass of clean root samples, , , , These are the model coefficients. This is a constant term.

[0013] Preferably, when the preliminary root biomass is less than a minimum preset threshold, the clean root sample is re-measured for wet mass and image acquisition, and the preliminary root biomass is recalculated. When the initial root biomass exceeds the maximum preset threshold, calibration is performed according to the following formula: , In the formula, This refers to the calibrated biomass result, i.e., the final root biomass. For calibration coefficients, For correction amount, This represents the initial root biomass.

[0014] Preferably, the low-damage loosening treatment includes: while soaking, the root and soil composite of the mixed plant to be tested is agitated by generating microbubbles through an aeration disc, and is further irrigated by a directional water flow.

[0015] A quantitative measurement system for root biomass of mixed-plant species, used to implement the method described in any of the above-mentioned embodiments, comprising the following components connected sequentially along the processing order: The sample pretreatment module is used to immerse the mixed plant root-soil complex to be tested in a liquid medium for low-damage loosening treatment to obtain loose root masses. The oscillation-hydraulic seeding and enrichment module includes a multi-layer screen and a vibration component and a spray component disposed on the multi-layer screen. The vibration component is used to provide a preset vibration intensity to the multi-layer screen according to a time sequence control. The spray component is used to provide a spray water flow with a preset force, angle, and direction to the multi-layer screen according to a time sequence control. The multi-layer screen is used to collect loose root masses obtained by the sample pretreatment module, and the seeding and enrichment of the loose root masses is completed under the time sequence control of the vibration component and the spray component to obtain different types of root systems. The classification and collection module is connected to different outputs of the oscillation-hydraulic seed enrichment module. It is used to rinse different types of roots separately and collect them into different containers for rinsing to obtain clean root samples of different types of roots. The root biomass quantitative measurement module is used to perform the following steps: It is used to obtain the wet mass and corresponding root morphology parameters of various clean root samples, and to obtain the preliminary root biomass of various clean root samples through a pre-established biomass calculation model. Based on the comparison and calibration of the preliminary root biomass with the preset threshold, the final root biomass of various clean root samples is determined.

[0016] Preferably, the root biomass quantitative measurement module includes: The measuring tray is used to hold the root sample to be tested; A height-limiting cover plate is used to detachably cover the measuring plate to form a standard measuring cavity together with the measuring plate; A backlight assembly is disposed below the measuring disk to provide uniform transmitted light illumination; A weighing component, located below the measuring pan, is used to obtain the wet mass of the root sample; An image acquisition component is positioned above the measuring disk and is used to acquire images of clean root samples under backlight conditions; The data processing module, connected to the image acquisition component and the weighing component, is used to extract root morphology feature parameters from the image and, in combination with the wet mass parameters, obtain preliminary root biomass through the established biomass calculation model.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a method and system for quantitatively measuring the root biomass of mixed-plant species, which has the following advantages: This invention firstly removes soil through a low-damage loosening process, preserving the integrity and original topology of the root system, especially the fine roots, to the greatest extent possible, fundamentally avoiding root breakage and loss caused by traditional manual sorting or high-pressure washing. Furthermore, based on the inherent differences in root diameter, bending stiffness, and flexibility between grasses and legumes, it implements three time-controlled stages in an oscillating-hydraulic sorting container with multiple screens: loosening and untangling, selective penetration, and enhanced guidance. In the loosening and untangling stage, weak vibration promotes root unwinding without damaging fine roots. In the selective penetration stage, vibration is enhanced and the normal force of the spray water flow is introduced to actively induce the flexible grass fine roots to reconfigure their posture and pass through the screen openings, while the stiffer... Large, coarse legume roots remain on the upper sieve surface. During the enhanced guidance stage, the spray angle is dynamically adjusted to drive the roots out of each layer with tangential force, achieving low-damage, efficient, and active separation of the two root systems. After separation, the clean root samples undergo image acquisition and wet mass measurement. Combined with root morphology parameters, a preliminary biomass is obtained through a biomass calculation model. Furthermore, by comparing and calibrating with preset thresholds, the deviations caused by residual spreading differences and individual variations are eliminated. This invention significantly improves the repeatability, accuracy, and throughput of biomass measurement for mixed-plant root systems, ensuring the stability of measurement data and providing highly reliable batch data support for research on underground interspecific interactions in plant ecology, agronomy, and other fields. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the root biomass quantitative measurement system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a front view of the root biomass quantitative measurement system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3This is a top view of the root biomass quantitative measurement system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the root biomass quantitative measurement system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the method in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Sample pretreatment module; 2. Oscillating-hydraulic seeding and enrichment module; 3. Classification and collection module; 4. Root biomass quantitative measurement module; 11. Liftable support; 12. Immersion tank; 13. Microporous aeration disc; 14. Controllable air pump; 15. Water level sensor; 21. Upper screen; 22. Lower screen; 23. Variable frequency vibration motor; 24. Side spray pipe; 25. Microbubble auxiliary disturbance module; 31. First collection basket; 32. Second collection basket; 33. First guide channel; 34. Second guide channel; 35. Rinsing nozzle; 41. Measuring disc; 42. Height limit cover; 43. Backlight assembly; 44. Weighing assembly; 45. Image acquisition assembly; 46. Data processing module; 47. Result output module. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0025] Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0026] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0027] See Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in order to actively induce the separation of different root systems and maintain a consistent measurement state, and to meet the stability and efficiency requirements for obtaining seed biomass data during batch sample processing, this embodiment provides a method and system for quantitative measurement of seed biomass of mixed-planted roots. The system includes: a sample pretreatment module, an oscillation-hydraulic seed enrichment module, a classification and collection module, a root biomass quantitative measurement module, and a control and result output module.

[0028] The measurement pretreatment section consists of a sample pretreatment module, an oscillation-hydraulic seeding enrichment module, and a classification and collection module. The main measurement process comprises a root biomass quantitative measurement module and a control and result output module.

[0029] See Figure 5 As shown, the flowchart of a method for quantitatively measuring the root biomass of mixed-plant plants provided by the present invention includes the following steps: Step 1: Low-damage loosening treatment of root-soil complex The mixed plant root-soil complex is placed in a liquid medium, and a combination of soaking, microbubble agitation, and gentle water flow is used to achieve low-damage loosening of the plant root-soil complex. The water flow is oriented at different angles according to the loosening process, so that the soil gradually loosens and separates from the root surface, resulting in a loose root ball with high integrity.

[0030] Preferred parameters include: Soaking time: 30 min ~ 60 min (the soaking time is set according to the state of the root-soil complex, the degree of soil adhesion, the volume of the root ball, and the requirements for root integrity).

[0031] Aeration flow rate: Adjust according to container volume.

[0032] Scouring intensity: based on the condition that it does not cause obvious breakage of fine roots.

[0033] The purpose of this step is to reduce root-soil adhesion and root ball entanglement, thus providing a foundation for subsequent seeding and enrichment.

[0034] Step 2: Oscillation-hydraulic seeding enrichment The loose root masses formed after soaking and loosening in step one are transferred to an oscillating sorting device with at least two layers of screens. The sorting process does not rely solely on passive sieving based on differences in screen aperture size. Instead, it actively induces the two types of roots to produce different migration trajectories, posture reconstructions, and screen-passing behaviors based on the differences in physical characteristics of legume roots and grass roots in terms of geometric dimensions, flexibility, bending stiffness, apparent density, flow resistance, and contact behavior with the screen surface. This is combined with the temporal coupling effect of controllable bubble disturbance, water flow scouring, and mechanical vibration to achieve separation.

[0035] in: Leguminosae roots typically have a large root diameter (d). L High bending stiffness EI L Larger mass per unit length m L Under the influence of vibration and water flow, it tends to maintain a longer effective length and higher structural integrity, is less likely to pass through smaller screen holes, and is more likely to make directional rolling or sliding along the upper screen surface.

[0036] Gramineae roots typically have a small root diameter dG Lower bending stiffness EI G Smaller mass per unit length m G Under the influence of water flow and vibration, they are more prone to bending, rearrangement, directional extension and perforation, and are enriched on the lower screen surface after passing through the upper screen.

[0037] Therefore, the core of this step is not "screening", but rather establishing a dynamic separation window by setting appropriate flow rate, vibration frequency, amplitude, spray angle, pressure and action sequence, so that legume roots are "preferentially retained in the upper layer" and grass roots are "preferentially passed through and enriched in the lower layer".

[0038] The technical principle of oscillating hydraulic separation: The oscillating hydraulic separation process described in this invention is essentially a controlled gas-liquid-solid multiphase coupling separation process. The motion state of the root particle group on the screen surface is mainly determined by the following factors:

[0039] The effects of gravity and buoyancy, water flow drag and local lift, inertial force caused by vibration and periodic normal load reduction, frictional contact and entanglement constraint between the root system and the screen surface, and the root system's own flexibility, bending stiffness and attitude reconstruction ability.

[0040] Legume roots and grass roots differ in parameters such as root diameter, bending stiffness, mass per unit length, and flexibility, resulting in different motion responses under the same external field. This invention utilizes these differences to guide the two types of roots to different sieve layers and collection paths through parameter control.

[0041] Mathematical Model and Parameter Design Basis for Oscillating Hydraulic Separation The following formula is used to explain the working mechanism and parameter design basis of the oscillating hydraulic separation step of the present invention. In practical applications, the relevant parameters can be adjusted according to the plant species, root growth stage, soil adhesion degree, root ball volume and target separation accuracy. The specific values ​​do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] (a) Force model of root system in water flow Suppose a certain root system segment can be approximated by a characteristic length of . l Characteristic diameter is d A slender body, its local water flow velocity u The drag force acting on the lower body can be expressed as: , in: The drag force of the water flow on the root system. The drag coefficient, The density of water, The root system's projected area facing the airflow. u The relative velocity of the root system to the water flow.

[0043] For a slender root segment, the projected area facing the flow can be approximated as: , therefore: , Because grass roots are smaller in diameter, lighter in mass, and more flexible, they are more easily driven by drag to reconfigure their posture and pass through the sieve openings under the same flow velocity conditions. Legume roots, although having a larger surface area facing the flow, have greater mass, rigidity, and contact stability with the sieve surface, making them less likely to pass through the openings and fall under the same conditions.

[0044] (ii) Effective gravity of the root system The effective gravity of the root system in water can be expressed as: , in: The effective gravity of the root system in the liquid phase. Root apparent density, For the density of the liquid, It is the acceleration due to gravity. Let be the volume of the root segment.

[0045] When the water flow exerts a drag force on the root system When the combined effect of vibration and additional inertial force exceeds the frictional resistance between the root system and the screen surface, as well as the local entanglement constraint, the root system will undergo displacement, overturning, or perforation migration.

[0046] (III) Vibration acceleration and sorting intensity The simple harmonic motion of the sieve surface can be expressed as: , in: For amplitude, The vibration frequency, The vibration time.

[0047] Its acceleration is: , The maximum vibration acceleration is: , Define dimensionless vibration intensity parameters: , in, The vibration intensity parameter characterizes the ability of vibration to excite the root particle group.

[0048] When the first vibration intensity parameter 1 satisfies 0 < When 1 < 1, the maximum acceleration of the sieve surface is less than the acceleration due to gravity. The root ball mainly exhibits looseness, slow migration, and reduced entanglement, and is not prone to violent jumping. Therefore, it is used as the lower vibration intensity of the "first stage of loosening and untangling". The sieve surface mainly plays the role of loosening, untangling and slow migration, which is suitable for keeping the legume coarse roots intact and promoting their enrichment on the upper sieve surface.

[0049] When the second vibration intensity parameter 2 satisfy 1≤ 2≤3 and 2> At point 1, the maximum acceleration of the screen surface reaches or exceeds the acceleration due to gravity, making the root system more prone to shaking, turning, rearranging its posture, and migrating through the screen. Therefore, it is considered a higher vibration intensity for the "second stage selective penetration". Fine roots of grasses are more likely to rearrange their posture under vibration and, when combined with water flow, enter the lower screen surface through the upper screen openings.

[0050] Therefore, for the dynamic separation window established by loose clumps, the present invention preferably adopts a staged vibration timing sequence: Phase 1: Loosening and untangling phase, using the first vibration intensity parameter. τ 1. Set the vibration parameters for the multi-layer screen to control the preset vibration time of the upper screen, where 0 < τ 1 < 1.

[0051] Second stage: Selective trans-layer stage, using the second vibration intensity parameter. τ 2. Set the vibration parameters for multi-layer screens, and control the vibration of the upper screen when preset, where 1≤ τ 2≤3. Simultaneously, a spray water flow is added to the upper screen, where the spray water flow provides the initial force: , The normal component of the spray water flow. The drag force of water flow on loose root masses, The angle between the spray water flow and the screen surface.

[0052] The third stage: directional transport and collection stage, adjusting the spray angle of the spray water to enhance the tangential driving force of the spray water on the loose root ball. As a second force: , The drag force of water flow on loose root masses, The angle between the spray water flow and the screen surface is used to extract the root systems enriched in different screen layers.

[0053] The dynamic separation window introduces microbubble disturbances in the first and / or second stages.

[0054] Thus, the following is formed: Phase 1: Low frequency and low acceleration promote loosening and untangling, and preserve the coarse roots of leguminous plants.

[0055] The second stage involves higher frequency and higher acceleration, which promotes the perforation and migration of fine roots in grasses.

[0056] The third stage: directional spraying for export, achieving classified collection.

[0057] (iv) Screening surface passing criteria Whether roots can pass through the sieve holes depends not only on the root diameter. d With sieve aperture size The relationship between them depends more on whether they can form a favorable passing posture under the action of external forces. A simplified passing criterion can be established: , in: The equivalent through-size of the root system after dynamic bending, twisting, and attitude reconstruction. This is the equivalent aperture of the sieve. The attitude correction coefficient is used to characterize the degree to which the root system forms a favorable attitude for passage under the influence of vibration and water flow. The smaller the value, the smaller the equivalent size of the root system, and the easier it is for it to pass through the sieve holes.

[0058] when: And under the influence of the external field, the following conditions are met: Then the root system has a higher probability of passing through the sieve holes. Where: The drag force of the water flow on the root system. The equivalent inertial force induced by vibration, The frictional resistance between the root system and the screen surface. This refers to the entanglement and constraint forces between the roots.

[0059] Due to their high flexibility, the root system of grasses can withstand vibration and erosion. It can be significantly smaller than the geometric diameter outer dimension in a static state, thus making it easier to meet the perforation requirements. However, the thick roots of leguminous plants, due to their higher stiffness and weaker posture reconstruction ability, It is usually still larger than the equivalent size of the sieve aperture, so it is preferentially retained on the upper sieve surface.

[0060] (v) Spraying scouring direction and tangential driving force The spray water flow at the angle of incidence When acting on an inclined screen surface, its tangential driving force can be approximated as: , The normal component is: , Where: tangential component It facilitates the directional migration of roots along the sieve surface. Normal component. It helps to reduce local adhesion, break up tangles and promote fine root perforation.

[0061] Therefore, the present invention controls the spray angle. Injection pressure and instantaneous flow It can enhance the two functions of "conveying along the screen" and "separating through perforation" respectively.

[0062] The nozzle outlet velocity can be approximated by Bernoulli as follows: , Spray flow rate meets: , in: The nozzle exit area, The nozzle outlet velocity is... The nozzle injection pressure, ρ w This is the density of water.

[0063] By adjusting P , The angle of the nozzle arrangement can create a local flow field suitable for coarse roots to direct the flow and fine roots to migrate through the layers.

[0064] (vi) Bubble disturbance parameters During the transition between steps one and two, microbubbles not only loosen the soil but also further weaken root entanglement before the root ball enters the sieve area. (Bubble diameter...) Bubble rising speed and gas content It will affect the intensity of local disturbances.

[0065] The bubble Reynolds number can be expressed as: , in: This refers to the dynamic viscosity of the liquid.

[0066] Microbubbles capable of forming a uniformly dispersed flow field with low damage and disturbance are preferred. The bubble size and distribution density are adjusted according to the root ball volume, soil adhesion, and root entanglement. The bubble velocity and distribution density can also be adjusted according to the root ball volume, soil adhesion, and root entanglement.

[0067] Parameter control strategy: The present invention preferably adopts a phased time-series control strategy to coordinate and adjust the vibration parameters, hydraulic parameters and spraying parameters of the multi-layer screen to establish the optimal separation window for the root system of leguminous / grass mixed planting.

[0068] Phase 1: Loosening and Untangling Phase The purpose is to break up the remaining soil mass and reduce root entanglement without breaking the delicate grass roots.

[0069] Preferred parameters include: small microbubble diameter, low to medium upward flow velocity, low vibration frequency, small amplitude, and low spray pressure.

[0070] At this stage, the system focuses on enhancing root cluster loosening and posture reconstruction, rather than pursuing rapid screening.

[0071] Phase Two: Selective Transdermal Stage The aim is to allow fine roots of grasses to pass through the upper sieve while remaining intact, while preferentially retaining coarse roots of legumes in the upper layer. This is preferably achieved by increasing the vibration frequency. f Vibration intensity Localized spray flow rate u Normal scour component .

[0072] To satisfy the following requirements for fine roots of grasses: , However, the thick roots of leguminous plants still do not meet the conditions for stable perforation.

[0073] Phase Three: Targeted Conveying and Collection Phase After stratification, by adjusting the spray angle and tangential driving force, the legume roots enriched in the upper layer and the grass roots enriched in the lower layer are respectively introduced into different collection channels to achieve separate collection.

[0074] Step 3: Cleaning and collecting The two types of roots, which were enriched in different sieve layers after sorting, were rinsed into their respective detachable collection containers through a diversion system for final rinsing, resulting in clean root samples classified primarily by species.

[0075] Step 4: Insert the root sample into the simple quantitative measurement device Place the root samples to be tested into the measuring tray of the simple quantitative root biomass measuring device. If necessary, keep the samples moist or add a small amount of liquid to allow the roots to spread naturally. Then cover with the height limit plate to form a standard measuring cavity, so that the root samples are distributed within a uniform thickness range, reducing measurement fluctuations caused by overlapping, stacking, and differences in looseness.

[0076] Step 5: Image Acquisition and Quality Measurement Under the illumination of the backlight component, the image acquisition component acquires the root sample image, and at the same time, the weighing component acquires the root sample mass parameters.

[0077] Image acquisition conditions should ideally be kept consistent, including: uniform lighting, uniform shooting height, uniform background, and uniform measuring disc size.

[0078] Step Six: Feature Extraction and Biomass Calculation The data processing module performs image segmentation, skeleton extraction, and geometric calculations to obtain one or more of the following parameters: projected area. Total length of skeleton average width Coverage C Gray-scale distribution characteristics G .

[0079] Simultaneously, the wet mass parameter W of the root sample measured by the weighing component is read.

[0080] Input the image parameters and quality parameters into the biomass model to calculate the root biomass.

[0081] The following joint model is preferred: , in: For preliminary root biomass, For the projected area, This is the total length of the skeleton. Average width, This refers to the wet mass of the root sample. , , , These are the model coefficients. This is a constant term. , , , and The specific values ​​are determined based on the model building process.

[0082] Different models can be used for legume root samples and grass root samples, for example: Leguminosae root-like structures: , Grass root samples: , in: For preliminary root biomass of leguminous plants, This represents the initial root biomass of the Poaceae family. , , These are model coefficients based on legume root systems. This is a constant term based on the root system of legumes. These are model coefficients based on the root system of Gramineae. This is a constant term based on the root system of Gramineae.

[0083] The preliminary root biomass was obtained and compared with the corresponding preset biomass threshold. The preset biomass threshold was set according to the theoretical characteristics of the root type under natural growth conditions, and was calibrated and adjusted as follows: 1. When the initial root biomass is less than the minimum value in the preset threshold range, the clean root sample is re-measured for wet mass and image acquisition, and the initial root biomass is recalculated.

[0084] 2. When the initial root biomass exceeds the maximum value within the preset threshold range, calibration is performed according to the following formula: , in: This refers to the calibrated biomass result, i.e., the final root biomass. For calibration coefficients, For correction amount, This represents the initial root biomass.

[0085] 3. If the initial root biomass falls within the preset threshold range, the output is the final root biomass.

[0086] Step 7: Output Results The final output includes: legume root biomass, grass root biomass, total root biomass, main image feature parameters, quality parameters, and calibrated output values.

[0087] Based on the above method, this invention provides the following case, in which the mixed plant root-soil complex is mainly composed of alfalfa and white sheepgrass roots. The specific parameter range is based on the differences between alfalfa and white sheepgrass roots in terms of root diameter, total root length, flexibility, and mass per unit length, and is obtained by combining the input variables of image acquisition, wet mass measurement, and biomass calculation models, as shown in Table 1. Among them, the root projected area, total skeleton length, and average width are root morphological feature parameters that can be extracted from image analysis, and the wet mass is directly obtained from the weighing component. The model coefficients are used to characterize the contribution of each image feature and wet mass to root biomass. The parameters in Table 1 illustrate the model calculation process and parameter selection logic.

[0088] Table 1: Parameter Settings

[0089] Taking the value to the left of each parameter range as an example: Preliminary root biomass of alfalfa root samples: = 12+0.00005 100+ 0.40+ 0.50 + (-0.050) = 0.047.

[0090] Based on the preset threshold range of 0.03~0.10, we know that 0.03 < 0.047 < 0.10, meaning the output is... The final root biomass.

[0091] Preliminary root biomass of white sheep grass root samples: =0.0010 20+0.00002 300 + 0.010 0.08 + 0.100 0.03 + (-0.030) = 0.007 Based on the preset threshold range of 0.03~0.10, it can be seen that 0.007 < 0.03. Therefore, the wet mass measurement and image acquisition of the clean root sample should be repeated, and the preliminary root biomass should be recalculated until the preliminary root biomass falls within the preset threshold range.

[0092] Based on the above method, the present invention provides a system for implementing the above method, see [link to documentation]. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the system specifically includes an integrated sample pretreatment module 1, an oscillation-hydraulic seeding and enrichment module 2, a classification and collection module 3, a root biomass quantitative measurement module 4, and a result output module 47. The detailed structure and connection relationships of each module are as follows:

[0093] A. Sample pretreatment module 1, see Figure 2 As shown: Structure: Includes a liftable support 11, an immersion tank 12, a microporous aeration disc 13, a controllable air pump 14, and a water level sensor 15.

[0094] Connections: The liftable support 11 is located above the soaking tank 12 and moves up and down driven by a servo motor. The microporous aeration disc 13 is installed at the bottom of the tank and connected to the controllable air pump 14 via an air pipe. The water level sensor 15 is installed on the side wall of the tank and is electrically connected to the central control unit.

[0095] Working principle: Potted plants in mesh pots are fixed to a liftable support 11. The support is lowered so that the potted plants are submerged in the soaking water tank 12. A controllable air pump 14 is activated, and air is generated through a microporous aeration disc 13 to produce uniform microbubbles, gently washing away the soil from the root ball. A water level sensor 15 monitors the liquid level in real time, and a turbidity sensor helps determine the degree of separation. After soaking, the liftable support 11 is raised and tilted, and the loose root ball is poured into the oscillation-hydraulic seeding enrichment module 2.

[0096] B. Oscillation-hydraulic seeding enrichment module 2, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown: Structure: Includes multi-layer screens, vibration components, and spray components.

[0097] In this embodiment, a double-layer screen is used as an example. The upper screen 21 has a mesh size of 1.5 mm, and the lower screen 22 has a mesh size of 0.5 mm. The mesh sizes of the upper and lower screens 21 and 22 are set according to the differences in root diameter, flexibility, and target sorting requirements of the roots to be separated. The upper and lower screens 21 and 22 are fixed by a frame. The vibration assembly uses a variable frequency vibration motor 23, whose drive unit is fixed on the frame, and the vibration output unit is in contact with or movably connected to the frame to achieve vibration adjustment of the entire assembly including the frame, the upper screen 21, and the lower screen 22. The spray assembly includes a water storage container, a water pump, and multiple side spray pipes 24. The water pump is connected to the water storage container through an inlet pipe, and the outlet pipe is connected to the side spray pipes 24. The pressure of the spray water flow is controlled according to the hydraulic requirements, and a microbubble auxiliary disturbance module 25 and a pressure / flow sensor can be optionally installed.

[0098] Furthermore, the screen assembly is installed at an angle and driven by a variable frequency vibration motor 23. Lateral spray pipes 24 are positioned above or to the side of the screen and connected to the water supply system; each spray pipe has multiple adjustable-angle fan-shaped nozzles. An optional microbubble-assisted agitation module 25 is located below the screen feed end and is used to pre-disperse the root clusters entering the screen surface. The discharge ports of each layer are connected to the first collection basket 31 and the second collection basket 32 ​​via the first guide channel 33 and the second guide channel 34, respectively.

[0099] Working principle: After the loose root clumps enter the upper screen 21, the system first starts the vibrating motor to achieve low-frequency, small-amplitude vibration, and then uses spray pipes to supplement low-pressure, multi-point spraying and optional microbubble disturbance to further loosen, untangle, and reconfigure the mixed root clumps. At this time, the coarse roots of legumes, due to their greater bending stiffness and higher equivalent passing size, are preferentially retained on the upper screen surface. The fine roots of grasses, under the combined action of fluid drag and vibration inertia, gradually extend, turn over, and pass through the upper screen holes.

[0100] Subsequently, the system switches to a high-frequency or high-acceleration mode and adjusts the spray angle and pressure to enhance the trans-layer migration of fine grass roots. Grass roots that pass through the upper screen are intercepted and enriched by the lower screen 22, while coarse legume roots remain on the upper screen surface. Finally, directional spraying in different directions propels the upper legume roots and the lower grass roots to their respective guide channels and collection baskets, achieving separate collection of the two types of roots.

[0101] Therefore, this unit does not rely on passive screening, but achieves active separation of the root system of legume / grass mixed planting through a continuous dynamic control process of "vibration unwinding - selective layer penetration - directional flow".

[0102] C. Classification and Collection Module 3, see Figure 2 As shown: Structure: Includes two detachable stainless steel mesh baskets, namely the first collection basket 31, the second collection basket 32, the first guide channel 33, the second guide channel 34, and the rinsing nozzle 35.

[0103] Connections: The first collection basket 31 and the second collection basket 32 ​​are placed on a pull-out slide rail for easy removal. The first guide channel 33 and the second guide channel 34 are connected to the discharge ports of each layer in the oscillating-hydraulic sorting enrichment module and the corresponding mesh baskets. The rinsing nozzle 35 is located above the mesh baskets and is connected to the water supply system.

[0104] Working principle: After sorting, the roots enter the corresponding basket through the guide channel. The rinsing nozzle 35 is turned on to perform a final rinsing with deionized water. After completion, the operator can pull out the basket and transfer the roots to the root biomass quantitative measurement module 4.

[0105] D. Root biomass quantitative measurement module 4, see Figures 2 to 4 As shown: Structure: Measuring disk 41, used to hold the root sample to be measured. Preferably, it is a transparent shallow disk with a calibration grid and / or size scale on the bottom for subsequent image parameter conversion.

[0106] The height-limiting cover 42 is detachably mounted above the measuring plate 41. Its function is to limit the pressure and level the root sample during measurement, keeping the root sample in a relatively constant spreading thickness and reducing the impact of sample accumulation on the image results.

[0107] The backlight assembly 43 is located below the measuring disk 41 and is used to provide a uniform transmitted light source, enhance the contrast between the root sample outline and the background, and improve the image recognition accuracy.

[0108] Weighing component 44 is located below measuring pan 41 and uses an electronic scale to obtain the total mass after loading the root sample, and to obtain the wet mass of the root sample by combining the mass of the empty pan.

[0109] The image acquisition component 45 is located above the measuring plate 41 and can be an industrial camera, a high-definition camera, or a scanning acquisition structure for acquiring root sample images.

[0110] The data processing module 46 is connected to the image acquisition component and the weighing component, and is used to extract image features and calculate biomass by combining them with mass parameters.

[0111] The results output module 47 is used to display, save, and export biomass measurement results.

[0112] Device connection relationship: The weighing component 44 is located below the measuring plate 41 to weigh the measuring plate 41 and the sample. The backlight component 43 is located below or diagonally below the measuring plate 41. The image acquisition component 45 is located above the measuring plate 41. The height limiting cover 42 is detachably connected to the measuring plate 41, and the two form a standard measuring cavity. The data processing module 46 is connected to the image acquisition component 45 and the weighing component 44 respectively. The result output module 47 is connected to the data processing module 46.

[0113] Working principle: After the root samples are divided, they are placed in the measuring tray and adjusted to a basically spread state before the height limit cover is placed on top. Under backlight illumination, the image acquisition component acquires the outline image of the root sample, while the weighing component simultaneously acquires the wet mass data. The data processing module segments and extracts features from the image, and combines the mass parameters with the biomass model for calculation. Finally, the result output module 47 outputs the quantitative measurement results.

[0114] The results output module is communicatively connected to the sample pretreatment module 1, the oscillation-hydraulic seed enrichment module 2, the classification and collection module 3, and the root biomass quantitative measurement module 4, respectively, and is used to control the operating parameters and processes of each module.

[0115] In summary, compared with the prior art, the integrated system provided by this invention has the following significant advantages: 1. This invention integrates a sample pretreatment module, an oscillation-hydraulic seed enrichment module, a classification and collection module, a root biomass quantitative measurement module, and a control and result output module to form the main body of the system. This achieves the integration of root and soil loosening, seed enrichment, classification and collection, standardized measurement, calculation and output, which can effectively improve the efficiency and accuracy of obtaining the final root biomass.

[0116] 2. This system features an integrated modular design, making it simple in structure and easy to operate. In particular, the root biomass quantitative measurement module only requires "sampling - covering plate - imaging / weighing - outputting results," making it convenient for laboratory personnel to use.

[0117] 3. The standard measurement cavity reduces errors. The measurement disk and the height limit cover form a standard measurement cavity, which can reduce errors caused by root sample overlap, stacking and thickness differences.

[0118] 4. Combined image and weighing measurement improves accuracy. Compared with simple image estimation, adding mass parameters makes the biomass calculation results more stable.

[0119] 5. Suitable for rapid measurement of batch samples, applicable to the rapid processing and measurement of large numbers of samples in experiments in agronomy, grassland science, ecology and other fields.

[0120] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for quantitatively measuring the root biomass of mixed-planted plants, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The root and soil complex of the mixed plant to be tested was immersed in a liquid medium for low-damage loosening treatment to obtain loose root balls. Based on the differences in physical characteristics of different root systems, the loose root masses were classified and enriched to obtain different root systems and collect them separately. The different types of roots were rinsed separately and collected into different containers for further rinsing to obtain clean root samples of different types of roots. Wet mass and corresponding root morphology parameters of various clean root samples were obtained, and preliminary root biomass of various clean root samples was obtained through a pre-established biomass calculation model. Based on the comparison and calibration between the preliminary root biomass and the preset threshold, the final root biomass of various clean root samples is determined. The method for seeding and enriching the loose root masses includes placing the loose root masses in an oscillating-hydraulic separation container with multiple layers of screens and performing the following three-stage time-series control operations: Loosening and untangling: Setting the first vibration intensity parameter for multi-layer screens τ 1, 0 < τ 1 < 1; Selective layering: Setting a second vibration intensity parameter for multi-layer screens. τ 2, 1≤ τ 2≤3; At the same time, spray water flow is added to the multi-layer screen, and the first force of the spray water flow is set; Enhanced guidance: Maintain the second vibration intensity parameter τ 2. Based on the second force of the spray water flow, dynamically adjust the angle and direction of the spray water flow through the multi-layer screen until all roots are completely separated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, First vibration intensity parameter τ 1 and second vibration intensity parameters τ 2. Determine according to the following formula: ， ， In the formula, For the maximum vibration acceleration, The vibration frequency, For amplitude, This is the acceleration due to gravity.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first and second forces of the spray water flow are determined according to the following formulas: ， ， In the formula, The normal component of the spray water flow, that is, the first force of the spray water flow; The driving force of the spray water flow, that is, the second force of the spray water flow; This refers to the drag force exerted by the water flow on the root system. The angle between the spray water flow and the screen surface.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The loose untangling and / or selective transdermal stage increases microbubble perturbation and applies the force of the microbubble perturbation to the loose root cluster.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The root system morphological characteristic parameters include root system projected area, total root system skeleton length, and average root system width.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The biomass calculation model is determined according to the following formula: ， In the formula, For preliminary root biomass, The root projection area is extracted from the image. This represents the total length of the root system skeleton extracted from the image. The average root width extracted from the image. To correspond to the wet mass of clean root samples, , , , These are the model coefficients. This is a constant term.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the preliminary root biomass is less than the minimum preset threshold, the clean root sample is re-measured for wet mass and image acquisition, and the preliminary root biomass is recalculated. When the initial root biomass exceeds the maximum preset threshold, calibration is performed according to the following formula: ， In the formula, This refers to the calibrated biomass result, i.e., the final root biomass. For calibration coefficients, For correction amount, This represents the initial root biomass.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-damage loosening treatment includes: while soaking, the root and soil complex of the mixed plant to be tested is disturbed by microbubbles generated by an aeration disc, and further scoured by a directional water flow.

9. A quantitative measurement system for root biomass of intercropped plants, used to implement the method described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Including those connected sequentially along the processing order: The sample pretreatment module is used to immerse the mixed plant root-soil complex to be tested in a liquid medium for low-damage loosening treatment to obtain loose root masses. The oscillation-hydraulic seeding and enrichment module includes a multi-layer screen and a vibration component and a spray component disposed on the multi-layer screen. The vibration component is used to provide a preset vibration intensity to the multi-layer screen according to a time sequence control. The spray component is used to provide a spray water flow with a preset force, angle, and direction to the multi-layer screen according to a time sequence control. The multi-layer screen is used to collect loose root masses obtained by the sample pretreatment module, and the seeding and enrichment of the loose root masses is completed under the time sequence control of the vibration component and the spray component to obtain different types of root systems. The classification and collection module is connected to different outputs of the oscillation-hydraulic seed enrichment module. It is used to rinse different types of roots separately and collect them into different containers for rinsing to obtain clean root samples of different types of roots. The root biomass quantitative measurement module is used to perform the following steps: It is used to obtain the wet mass and corresponding root morphology parameters of various clean root samples, and to obtain the preliminary root biomass of various clean root samples through a pre-established biomass calculation model. Based on the comparison and calibration of the preliminary root biomass with the preset threshold, the final root biomass of various clean root samples is determined.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The root biomass quantitative measurement module includes: The measuring tray is used to hold the root sample to be tested; A height-limiting cover plate is used to detachably cover the measuring plate to form a standard measuring cavity together with the measuring plate; A backlight assembly is disposed below the measuring disk to provide uniform transmitted light illumination; A weighing component, located below the measuring pan, is used to obtain the wet mass of the root sample; An image acquisition component is positioned above the measuring disk and is used to acquire images of clean root samples under backlight conditions; The data processing module, connected to the image acquisition component and the weighing component, is used to extract root morphology feature parameters from the image and, in combination with the wet mass parameters, obtain preliminary root biomass through the established biomass calculation model.

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