A ground cover plant shade tolerance test device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a ground cover plant shade tolerance test device, including planting frame, drip irrigation subassembly and shading net, be equipped with planting groove on the planting frame, be equipped with a plurality of baffle in planting groove, a plurality of baffle divide planting groove into a plurality of same size planting area, be equipped with fixed plate on the planting frame of planting groove left and right sides, be equipped with baffle on the planting frame of planting groove front and back sides, the baffle is detachably connected in the fixed plate side through screw, all be equipped with the notch of horizontal through -going on fixed plate and baffle, the shading net frame is located in the notch, drip irrigation subassembly is erected between fixed plate, drip irrigation subassembly is located shading net top. The utility model can plant a variety of different plants when selecting seed, to screen the plant variety of better shade tolerance, or plant a plurality of groups same selected plant variety, promote the reliability of test data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ground cover plant technology, and specifically to a ground cover plant shade tolerance testing device. Background Technology

[0002] Ground cover plants are plant groups that grow to less than 1 meter tall in their natural state, or can be controlled to be less than 1 meter tall through artificial pruning, and have good ground coverage. Ground cover plants are an important factor in creating garden landscapes and improving the quality of garden greening. The ecological and aesthetic significance of ground cover plants in garden landscapes is undeniable. They have the closest relationship with people in gardens. Most ground cover plants have shallow but extensive root systems that can conserve water, stabilize topsoil, and improve soil physical properties. A garden lacking ground cover plants is not a complete or ecological garden. In garden plant configuration, ground cover plants occupy the lower habitat, and their growth is often hindered by insufficient light. In simulating nature and constructing forest cities, studying the shade tolerance of ground cover plants is of great significance for the introduction of ground cover plants and their optimized configuration in gardens, maximizing the ecological and landscape benefits of plants. my country has abundant germplasm resources with excellent ornamental functions such as foliage and flowers, but the practical application of ground cover plants in gardens is still relatively lacking, and the number of varieties used is limited, far from meeting the needs of garden greening and beautification. Therefore, it is imperative to introduce ground cover plants with good ornamental value, strong resistance, and adaptability to specific regions to increase the variety of garden plants. In the process of introducing ground cover plants, research on their shade tolerance is of great guiding significance for the ecological configuration and selection of ground cover plants. Methods for judging plant shade tolerance include physiological and morphological indicators, but the process requires unified water and fertilizer management and strict control of variables, i.e., providing a stable planting environment to ensure the accuracy of the experimental results. Utility Model Content

[0003] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a ground cover plant shade tolerance testing device, which can provide a uniform and stable planting environment and help screen plant varieties with better shade tolerance.

[0004] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a ground cover plant shade tolerance test device, including a planting rack, a drip irrigation component and a shading net. The planting rack is provided with a planting trough, and the planting trough is provided with multiple partitions. The multiple partitions divide the planting trough into multiple planting areas of the same size. Fixed plates are provided on the planting racks on the left and right sides of the planting trough, and baffles are provided on the planting racks on the front and rear sides of the planting trough. The baffles are detachably connected to the sides of the fixed plates by screws. Both the fixed plates and the partitions are provided with horizontal through notches. The shading net is installed in the notches. The drip irrigation component is installed between the fixed plates and is located above the shading net.

[0005] Furthermore, the gaps are provided in multiple sets along the vertical direction, and shading nets can be installed in each set of gaps.

[0006] Furthermore, the planting trough is provided with a slot, and the partition is inserted into the slot.

[0007] Furthermore, a drainage trough is provided at the bottom of the planting trough.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom of the planting trough is provided with a stepped trough, and a base plate is mounted on the stepped trough, with the drainage trough located on the base plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the drip irrigation assembly includes a pipe and a water pump. The pipe is installed between fixed plates, and a drip outlet is provided on the lower end face of the pipe. The water pump is fixedly connected to the outside of the fixed plate, and the output end of the water pump is connected to the pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a lighting component, which is mounted between the fixed plates and located above the drip irrigation component.

[0011] Furthermore, the lighting assembly includes a crossbeam and a plant light, the crossbeam being mounted between fixed plates, the plant light being suspended below the crossbeam by ropes, and the plant light being positioned above the drip irrigation assembly.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: multiple different plants can be planted during seed selection to screen plant varieties with better shade tolerance, or multiple groups of the same selected plant varieties can be planted to improve the reliability of experimental data; the fixing plate and the baffle together enclose the planting trough to prevent natural light from the side from shining on the plants and affecting the experimental results; the partition provides support for the shading net to prevent the continuous shading net from sagging and deforming under the influence of the long span, thus affecting the shading effect, and can also prevent the shading net from sagging and deforming excessively after absorbing water when the drip irrigation component is in operation. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model after the baffle is removed;

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model after removing some of the partitions and the bottom plate.

[0019] The components include: 1. Planting rack; 101. Step groove; 102. Slot; 2. Fixing plate; 3. Baffle; 4. Screw; 5. Crossbeam; 6. Plant light; 7. Water pump; 8. Pipe; 9. Shading net; 10. Base plate; 11. Partition; 12. Notch. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of this utility model in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structure, features and effects of this utility model, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided below.

[0021] like Figure 1-5 As shown, a ground cover plant shade tolerance testing device includes a planting rack 1, a drip irrigation assembly, and a shade net 9. The planting rack 1 has a planting trough, and multiple partitions 11 within the planting trough divide it into several planting areas of equal size. After filling the planting areas with soil, various different plants can be planted during seed selection to screen for shade-tolerant varieties, or multiple groups of the same selected plant varieties can be planted to improve the reliability of the test data. Fixed plates 2 are installed on the planting rack 1 on the left and right sides of the planting trough, and baffles 3 are installed on the planting rack 1 on the front and rear sides of the planting trough. The baffles 3 are detachably connected to the sides of the fixed plates 2 by screws 4. The fixed plates 2 and baffles 3 together enclose the planting trough, preventing natural light from the sides from affecting the plant and thus the test results. Both the fixed plates 2 and the partitions 11 have transverse through-holes. 12. The shading net 9 is installed in the notch 12. The shading net 9 located outside the fixing plate 2 is fixed by conventional means such as clips. The width of the notch 12 and the shading net 9 are the same as or similar to the width of the planting trough, ensuring that the light from above must pass through the shading net 9 to reach the plant. At the same time, the partition plate 11 also provides support for the shading net 9, preventing the continuous shading net 9 from sagging and deforming under the influence of the long span, thus affecting the shading effect. It can also prevent the shading net 9 from sagging and deforming excessively after absorbing water when the drip irrigation component is in operation. The drip irrigation component is installed between the fixing plates 2 and is located above the shading net 9. Drip irrigation is a water-saving irrigation method and a conventional technology. Its application in this device can provide a relatively uniform irrigation effect to control variables in the experiment, adapt to the space of this device, and is easy to assemble and disassemble with low cost.

[0022] In the above embodiments, the notches 12 are arranged in multiple sets along the vertical direction, and shading nets 9 can be installed in each set of notches 12 to form a multi-layer shading effect. By adjusting the number of layers and the spacing between layers, different shading effects can be obtained. For example, when using one layer of shading net 9, its shading rate is about 15%, and it can be placed in the bottom notch 12. At this time, the drop difference between the drip irrigation component and the shading net 9 is large, and the acceleration distance of the falling water droplets is long, making it easy to wash over the shading net 9 without leaving too much on it. The shading rate formed by using two or three layers of shading net 9 is about 32% and 58%, respectively. If four layers of shading net 9 are used, the shading rate is about 85%, which is the coolest environment. Through the combined use of shading nets 9, the most important thing is to control the number of layers of shading net 9, which provides different cool environments for plants to use in experiments.

[0023] The planting trough has slots 102 on both the front and rear sides, into which partitions 11 are inserted for easy assembly and disassembly. To observe and test the effects of ground cover plants under continuous planting conditions, partitions 11 can be selectively removed, making the planting conditions closer to urban greenbelts and improving the reliability of experimental data. A drainage trough, approximately 1 cm wide, is located at the bottom of the planting trough, preventing soil loss and providing a channel for water and air permeability. A stepped trough 101 is located at the bottom of the planting trough, with a base plate 10 mounted on it. The drainage trough is located on the base plate 10. The base plate 10 is easy to assemble and disassemble; when replacing soil, a pre-set trolley is positioned below the planting frame 1, and the base plate 10 is pushed upwards from below the planting frame 1 to move the soil into the trolley, which is convenient and quick. The shading net 9 is a conventional black wire mesh, available in various models and specifications. The appropriate model should be selected based on the approximate range of shading rates for the plant species being tested. The drip irrigation assembly includes a water pump 7 and a plastic pipe 8. The pipe 8 is installed between the fixing plate 2 above the shading net 9. The lower end of the pipe 8 is provided with a drip nozzle with a diameter of approximately 10mm. The water pump 7 is fixedly connected to the outside of the fixing plate 2, and the output end of the water pump 7 is connected to the pipe 8. Both the water pump 7 and the drip irrigation pipe 8 are conventional components, which are low in cost and easy to procure.

[0024] This device also includes a lighting component, which is mounted between the fixed plates 2 and positioned above the drip irrigation assembly to prevent air bubbles in the drip irrigation assembly from causing water droplets to spray onto the lighting component. The lighting component includes a crossbeam 5 and a plant light 6. The crossbeam 5 is mounted between the fixed plates 2, and the plant light 6 is suspended below the crossbeam 5 by a rope. The plant light 6 is positioned approximately 2 cm above the drip irrigation pipe 8, ensuring both the safety of the plant light 6 and that the drip irrigation pipe 8 does not obstruct the illumination of the plant light 6.

[0025] Description of the working principle of this utility model:

[0026] The proposed ground cover plants for introduction are *Dryopteris sinensis*, *Anemone ovoidea*, *Commelina communis*, *Polygonatum odoratum*, and *Cymbidium goeringii*. Their horticultural value and application prospects are evaluated. *Dryopteris sinensis*, belonging to the family Diplophytaceae, is a rare plant in China, growing to 0.6-0.9m tall. Its leaves are papery, divided into two equal fan-shaped sections in the middle, and have medicinal uses. Its unique multi-lobed leaves and beautiful plant shape give it high ornamental value. *Anemone ovoidea*, endemic to China and belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, grows to 15-40cm tall. Its leaves are heart-shaped ovate or broadly ovate, and its flower stalks are often purplish-red. It blooms from February to April, with beautiful flowers and a graceful plant shape, making it suitable for edging lawns and rock gardens. *Commelina communis*, belonging to the family Balsaminaceae, is an annual herb, growing to 20-40cm tall, with slender, prostrate, branched stems. The flowers are blue-purple, blooming from August to October. The flowers are beautiful, the plant has a graceful shape, and it has high ornamental value. *Polygonatum odoratum* is a perennial herb of the Liliaceae family, 20-50cm tall, with alternate, elliptical, oblong to ovate-oblong leaves. The inflorescences are axillary, with greenish-yellow or white flowers. Most of the perianth segments are fused into a tube, and it has a slight fragrance. It blooms from May to June. *Commelina communis* is a perennial herb of the Commelinaceae family. Its stems are creeping, able to creep along the ground or hang down. The leaves are oblong-ovate or heart-shaped, thin and fleshy, with a waxy, glossy surface, occasionally dotted with purple spots. The stems and leaves are glossy green and graceful, often used for rooftop greening. Anemone ovoides, Pteris sinensis, and Impatiens balsamina are all endangered plants with extremely small wild populations and no evidence of artificial cultivation. Therefore, it is necessary to collect them in advance. There are no existing cultivation and management techniques for these three plants, and further exploration is required. Anemone ovoides, Impatiens balsamina, and Pteris sinensis are all rare plants in the Nanling Mountains of Guangdong. Anemone ovoides and Impatiens balsamina are endemic to China, and there are currently no reports of their introduction and application in landscaping. There are no reports on the shade tolerance of Phyllostachys edulis.

[0027] A field habitat survey and analysis were conducted on *Dryopteris sinensis*, *Anemone ovata*, *Commelina communis*, *Impatiens balsamina*, *Polygonatum odoratum*, and *Phyllostachys pubescens*. Seeds and seedlings of these five plants were collected and applied to this apparatus to explore their biological characteristics, particularly their shade tolerance. The five plants were planted in five separate planting areas within the apparatus, or five groups were planted uniformly or mixed within the apparatus to create multiple control groups. The same soil (e.g., peat:perlite = 3:1) and illumination conditions were used in the experiments, with uniform water and fertilizer management and normal cultivation. Specifically, multiple experimental groups with different shading rates were set up in both outdoor natural environments and indoors. In the outdoor natural environment, lighting components were removed, and control groups were set up with and without drip irrigation components. Each group was tested at least three times, with 10-15 plants planted in each replicate to minimize the impact of individual differences.

[0028] During the observation process, evaluation is required from multiple aspects, including morphological indicators, physiological indicators, growth indicators, and stress resistance assessment. Plant height and stem diameter are measured regularly to record the impact of shading on longitudinal growth; leaf characteristics such as area, thickness, and color are recorded, and the number of branches is counted to determine whether shading inhibits lateral expansion. Chlorophyll content is measured using a SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter, noting that the chlorophyll a / b ratio often increases in shaded plants; a portable photosynthesis meter is used to measure the light response curve, analyzing the light compensation point and light saturation point to determine photosynthetic parameters; the dry weight of leaves per unit area is calculated, reflecting the leaf structure's adaptation to low light. At the end of the experiment, the dry weight of roots, stems, and leaves is measured, and the root-to-shoot ratio is calculated to determine biomass accumulation; top-view photographs are taken regularly, and the coverage area and coverage are analyzed using software such as ImageJ. After removing shading, the plant's recovery speed is monitored to assess its recovery capacity; under low light conditions, disease risk is monitored, and the incidence of pests and diseases is assessed.

[0029] Five plant species were tested for at least one complete growing season (e.g., 3-6 months), with intensive observation during key stages (e.g., leaf expansion and flowering). ANOVA or t-tests were used to analyze significant differences, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to comprehensively evaluate shade tolerance using multiple indicators. Data were statistically analyzed. Based on parameters such as biomass decline rate and light compensation point, plants were categorized into several levels of shade tolerance: strong shade tolerance (growing normally with >70% shading), moderate shade tolerance (declining with 50%-70% shading), and weak shade tolerance (declining with <50% shading). Finally, the selected shade-tolerant varieties were planted in target environments (e.g., under forest cover) to observe their actual performance, and the optimal variety was determined based on maintenance costs.

[0030] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A ground cover plant shade tolerance testing device, comprising a planting rack, a drip irrigation assembly, and a shade net, characterized in that: The planting rack is equipped with a planting trough, and the planting trough is equipped with multiple partitions. The partitions divide the planting trough into multiple planting areas of the same size. Fixed plates are provided on the planting racks on the left and right sides of the planting trough, and baffles are provided on the planting racks on the front and rear sides of the planting trough. The baffles are detachably connected to the sides of the fixed plates by screws. Both the fixed plates and the partitions are provided with horizontal through notches. The shading net is installed in the notches, and the drip irrigation component is installed between the fixed plates. The drip irrigation component is located above the shading net.

2. The ground cover plant shade tolerance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gaps are arranged in multiple sets along the vertical direction, and shading nets can be installed in each set of gaps.

3. The ground cover plant shade tolerance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The planting trough is equipped with slots, and the partition is inserted into the slots.

4. The ground cover plant shade tolerance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the planting trough is equipped with a drainage trough.

5. The ground cover plant shade tolerance testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the planting trough is provided with a stepped trough, and a base plate is placed on the stepped trough. The drainage trough is located on the base plate.

6. The ground cover plant shade tolerance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drip irrigation assembly includes a pipe and a water pump. The pipe is installed between fixed plates, and a drip outlet is provided on the lower end of the pipe. The water pump is fixedly connected to the outside of the fixed plate, and the output end of the water pump is connected to the pipe.

7. The ground cover plant shade tolerance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a lighting component, which is mounted between fixed plates and located above the drip irrigation component.

8. The ground cover plant shade tolerance testing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The lighting assembly includes a crossbeam and a plant light. The crossbeam is mounted between fixed plates, and the plant light is suspended below the crossbeam by ropes. The plant light is located above the drip irrigation assembly.

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