Corn root observation chamber

Abstract

The utility model relates to corn planting technical field especially relates to corn root system in situ observation cabin, corn root system in situ observation cabin, including base, standard knot and side plate, standard knot is inserted in the middle of base, side plate is connected on the side wall of standard knot respectively, the top of base is equipped with the locating groove, the middle of standard knot all is equipped with first notched, the bottom of standard knot all is solid and is equipped with the locating frame, the side wall of side plate all is solid and is equipped with the sliding block, the utility model discloses compared with traditional corn root system in situ observation cabin, through base, standard knot, locating groove and locating frame cooperation, improved the convenience of base and standard knot connection, through side plate, sliding block and sliding groove cooperation improved the convenience of standard knot closed assembly, locating frame and first notched cooperation improved the stability of standard knot butt joint, and the operator can expose soil by pulling side plate and standard knot in proper order to avoid shielding, improve the convenience of soil and corn root system removal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of corn planting technology, and in particular to an in-situ observation chamber for corn root systems. Background Technology

[0002] Maize is an annual herbaceous plant of the Poaceae family and one of the world's most important food crops, possessing extremely high economic and nutritional value. The maize root system is the core organ for absorbing water and nutrients and anchoring the plant, playing a decisive role in maize growth, development, stress resistance, and yield formation. The maize root in-situ observation chamber is a device used to conduct real-time, non-destructive observation of maize roots in a natural growing environment. By studying the distribution depth and lateral root density of maize roots, varieties with "ideal root systems" can be screened or cultivated, enhancing the maize root system's ability to absorb water and nutrients from deep soil layers, and significantly improving yield stability, especially under drought or infertile conditions.

[0003] Existing maize root observation chambers typically use transparent materials (such as glass or acrylic sheets) to make observation boxes, where maize is planted and root growth is observed or photographed directly through a transparent window on the side of the box.

[0004] Existing in-situ observation chambers are usually of fixed size. Since the corn root system is a fibrous root system, consisting of radicles (primary roots) and nodal roots (secondary roots), the length of a single underground nodal root can reach 1-2 meters, and the deep roots can extend to below 1.5-2 meters. When the observation is completed, it is time-consuming and laborious to remove the corn root system and soil substrate, thus affecting the convenience of cleaning the in-situ observation chamber. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the problem that existing maize root system in-situ observation chambers are time-consuming and labor-intensive to clean and replace the soil substrate and take roots after the maize root system observation is completed due to the deep roots of maize, thus affecting the cleaning and turnover efficiency of the in-situ observation chamber.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a corn root system in-situ observation chamber, including a base, a standard section and side plates. The standard section is inserted into the middle of the base, and the side plates are slidably connected to the side walls of the standard section. A positioning groove is opened at the top of the base, a first slot is opened in the middle of each standard section, a positioning frame is fixed at the bottom of each standard section, and a slider is fixed on the side wall of each side plate. A sliding groove is opened on the inner side wall of the first slot near the slider.

[0007] Furthermore, the standard section and the positioning frame are fixedly connected to form an integrated structure. The external dimensions of the positioning frame are adapted to the internal dimensions of the positioning groove, and the external dimensions of the bottom of the positioning frame are adapted to the internal dimensions of the first groove, which improves the stability of the docking between the base and the standard section.

[0008] Furthermore, the side plates and sliders are fixedly connected to form an integrated structure, with the sliders sequentially engaged in the middle of the groove, which improves the stability of the side plate installation.

[0009] Furthermore, each standard section has a slot near the bottom of the positioning frame, and a sealing ring is engaged in the middle of each slot, which improves the stability of the vertical connection of the standard section.

[0010] Furthermore, two sets of claws are fixed on the side wall near the side plate of the standard section, and a locking block is engaged in the middle of each claw. Protrusions are fixed at both ends of the locking block, which improves the overall stability of the standard section.

[0011] Furthermore, a display is fixed on the side wall of the base, and a sensing probe is fixed on the inner side wall of the first slot. The sensing probes are coupled to the display, which improves the accuracy of root observation.

[0012] Furthermore, two drain pipes are inserted into the side wall of the base, and both drain pipes are connected to the positioning groove. A water guide cloth is inserted into the middle of each drain pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, a mounting bracket is fixed on the side wall of the base near the bottom of the drain pipe, and a water collection box is snapped into the middle of the mounting bracket to improve the convenience of water collection.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] Compared to traditional in-situ corn root observation chambers, this device improves the ease of connection between the base and standard sections through the combination of a base, standard sections, positioning grooves, and positioning frames. The side plates, sliders, and sliding grooves enhance the ease of assembling the standard sections in a closed manner. The positioning frame and the first groove improve the stability of the standard section connection. Operators can expose the soil by sequentially pulling the side plates and standard sections, thus avoiding obstruction and improving the ease of soil and corn root removal. Furthermore, the inclusion of slots and sealing rings, with the elasticity of the sealing rings, improves the sealing performance during standard section connection. Finally, the use of claws, blocks, and protrusions enhances the overall stability of the connection between the standard section and the side plates through locking and limiting mechanisms. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the overall structure of the in-situ observation chamber for maize roots according to this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the overall structure of this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0018] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the base structure of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the standard section of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the standard section unfolded according to this utility model.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Base; 2. Standard section; 3. Side plate; 4. Drain pipe; 5. Positioning groove; 6. Display; 7. Mounting bracket; 8. Water collection box; 9. Water guide cloth; 10. First slot; 11. Positioning frame; 12. Sensor probe; 13. Slot; 14. Sealing ring; 15. Claw; 16. Block; 17. Slide groove; 18. Slider; 19. Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] Among the currently discovered feasible technologies, the following are described:

[0024] The in-situ observation chamber for maize roots is a device used for real-time, non-destructive observation of maize roots in a natural growing environment.

[0025] Existing in-situ root observation chambers: The chambers are typically made of transparent and sturdy materials, such as plexiglass or high-strength plastics, to facilitate observation of root growth while resisting external environmental influences and ensuring a relatively stable internal environment. The size and shape of the chambers are designed according to actual needs, generally in the form of cuboids or cylinders, with a certain depth and volume to accommodate the growth of corn plants and their roots;

[0026] Soil filling layer: The chamber is filled with soil suitable for corn growth to simulate the natural soil environment. The soil type, fertility and humidity can be adjusted and controlled according to experimental requirements.

[0027] Temperature and humidity control system: The growth of corn roots is greatly affected by temperature and humidity. Therefore, the observation chamber is generally equipped with temperature and humidity sensors, as well as corresponding adjustment equipment, such as air conditioners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers, which can monitor and adjust the temperature and humidity in the chamber in real time to keep them within a suitable range for corn root growth.

[0028] The in-situ maize root observation chamber plants maize within the chamber, preserving its roots in a natural, undamaged growth state. Through observation windows, lighting systems, and other equipment, the root system can be directly observed and measured, providing information on its growth dynamics and morphological structure in the natural environment. The chamber allows for precise control of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light, simulating different natural environmental conditions. This enables research into the growth response mechanisms of maize roots under various environments, providing a scientific basis for maize cultivation management and variety breeding. It allows for long-term dynamic monitoring of maize roots throughout their entire growth cycle, from sowing to harvest, observing morphological changes and growth patterns at different stages, and contributing to a deeper understanding of the development process and physiological functions of maize roots.

[0029] The in-situ maize root observation chamber can be used to study the growth and development patterns of maize roots, the interaction between roots and the soil environment, and the mechanisms by which roots absorb water and nutrients. This provides theoretical support for the optimization and improvement of maize cultivation techniques. For example, by observing the growth changes of maize roots under different fertilization conditions, the optimal fertilization plan can be determined; the impact of different soil textures on root growth can be studied, providing a basis for the rational selection of planting soil; the physiological response mechanisms of maize roots under adverse conditions, such as drought, salinity, and high temperature, can be studied, revealing the stress resistance mechanism of maize and providing technical support for breeding stress-resistant maize varieties; the functions and roles of maize roots in the ecosystem, such as the improvement of soil structure and the impact on soil microbial communities, can be studied, providing a scientific basis for the sustainable development of farmland ecosystems; and as a teaching tool, it can be used in relevant professional teaching in agricultural colleges and research institutions to help students intuitively understand the growth process and structural characteristics of maize roots, enhancing their understanding of plant root biology.

[0030] Please refer to Figures 1-5 The corn root system in-situ observation chamber includes a base 1, a standard section 2, and side plates 3. All three components are made of transparent acrylic sheets for support and positioning, facilitating observation of the corn root system. The standard section 2 is inserted into the middle of the base 1, and the side plates 3 are slidably connected to the side walls of the standard section 2. A positioning groove 5 is provided at the top of the base 1, and a first slot 10 is provided in the middle of each standard section 2. A positioning frame 11 is fixedly installed at the bottom of each standard section 2. The standard section 2 and the positioning frame 11 are fixedly connected to form an integrated structure. The external dimensions of the positioning frame 11 are adapted to the internal dimensions of the positioning groove 5. The external dimensions of the bottom of the positioning frame 11 are adapted to the internal dimensions of the first groove 10, which improves the stability of the docking of the base 1 and the standard section 2. The side plate 3 is fixedly provided with sliders 18. The inner side wall of the first groove 10 near the sliders 18 is provided with grooves 17. The side plate 3 and the sliders 18 are fixedly connected to form an integral structure. The sliders 18 are sequentially engaged in the middle of the grooves 17, which improves the stability of the side plate 3 installation. The standard section 2 is closed by the side plate 3.

[0031] Please refer to Figures 1-5 Each standard section 2 has a slot 13 at its bottom end near the positioning frame 11, and a sealing ring 14 is engaged in the middle of each slot 13, which improves the stability of the vertical connection of the standard section 2. Two sets of claws 15 are fixed on the side wall of the standard section 2 near the side plate 3, and a block 16 is engaged in the middle of each claw 15. Both ends of the block 16 are fixed with protrusions 19, which improves the overall stability of the standard section 2.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 3-5 A display 6 is fixed on the side wall of the base 1, and a sensor probe 12 is fixed on the inner side wall of the first slot 10. The sensor probe 12 is coupled to the display 6, which improves the accuracy of root observation. Two drain pipes 4 are inserted into the side wall of the base 1. The drain pipes 4 are connected to the positioning slot 5 to allow excess water to flow out and avoid water accumulation that could cause root rot. A water guide cloth 9 is inserted in the middle of each drain pipe 4. The water guide cloth 9 increases the drainage rate through capillary action. A mounting bracket 7 is fixed on the side wall of the base 1 near the drain pipes 4. A water collection box 8 is snapped into the middle of the mounting bracket 7. Excess water can flow into the water collection box 8 along the water guide cloth 9, which improves the convenience of water collection.

[0033] When using the corn root in-situ observation chamber, the operator first snaps the side plates 3 onto the side walls of the side plates 3 to close the first slot 10. Then, a positioning frame 11 is inserted into the middle of the positioning slot 5 to connect the base 1 and the standard section 2. Then, two more positioning frames 11 are inserted into the middle of the first slot 10 to connect the standard section 2. The operator fills the inside of the first slot 10 with soil and then plants the corn seeds in the soil. When the corn roots grow, the operator can observe the growth status of the corn roots through the standard section 2 and the side plates 3. When the corn root observation is completed and the roots and soil need to be removed, the operator slides the side plates 3 upward to remove the side plates 3, exposing one side of the soil. This makes it easy for the operator to shovel the soil out of the standard section 2 and clean it. Then, the standard section 2 is pulled upward to remove one section of the standard section 2. The operation direction is the same afterward, which improves the convenience and efficiency of cleaning the soil and corn roots in the in-situ root observation chamber.

[0034] Furthermore, considering the possibility of water leakage at the connection of standard section 2, the slot 13 is snapped into the middle of the sensing probe 12 to improve the sealing of the connection of standard section 2.

[0035] Taking into account the lateral pressure of the soil and corn roots, the locking blocks 16 are sequentially locked into the middle of the locking claws 15 to prevent the ends of the standard section 2 from expanding outward, thereby improving the overall stability of the standard section 2.

[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An in-situ observation chamber for maize root systems, characterized in that, It includes a base (1), a standard section (2) and a side plate (3): the standard section (2) is inserted into the middle of the base (1), the side plate (3) is slidably connected to the side wall of the standard section (2), the top of the base (1) is provided with a positioning groove (5), the middle of the standard section (2) is provided with a first groove (10), the bottom of the standard section (2) is provided with a positioning frame (11), the side wall of the side plate (3) is provided with a slider (18), the inner side wall of the first groove (10) near the slider (18) is provided with a sliding groove (17), the standard section (2) and the positioning frame (11) are fixedly connected to form an integral structure, the external dimensions of the positioning frame (11) are adapted to the internal dimensions of the positioning groove (5), the external dimensions of the bottom of the positioning frame (11) are adapted to the internal dimensions of the first groove (10), the side plate (3) and the slider (18) are fixedly connected to form an integral structure, and the slider (18) is sequentially engaged in the middle of the sliding groove (17).

2. The in-situ observation chamber for maize roots according to claim 1, characterized in that: The standard section (2) has a slot (13) at the bottom near the positioning frame (11), and a sealing ring (14) is engaged in the middle of the slot (13).

3. The in-situ observation chamber for maize roots according to claim 2, characterized in that: Two sets of claws (15) are fixed on the side wall of the standard section (2) near the side plate (3). Each claw (15) has a locking block (16) in the middle, and both ends of the locking block (16) are fixed with protrusions (19).

4. The in-situ observation chamber for maize roots according to claim 1, characterized in that: A display (6) is fixed on the side wall of the base (1), and a sensor (12) is fixed on the inner side wall of the first slot (10). The sensor (12) is coupled to the display (6) respectively.

5. The in-situ observation chamber for maize roots according to claim 4, characterized in that: Two drain pipes (4) are inserted into the side wall of the base (1). Both drain pipes (4) are connected to the positioning groove (5). A water guide cloth (9) is inserted in the middle of each drain pipe (4).

6. The in-situ observation chamber for maize roots according to claim 5, characterized in that: A mounting bracket (7) is fixed on the side wall of the base (1) near the drain pipe (4), and a water collection box (8) is snapped into the middle of the mounting bracket (7).

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