Underground Plant Research Articles

Analysis of the Results from In Situ Testing of a Sensor In-Stalled on a Powered Roof Support, Developed by KOMAG, Measuring the Tip to Face Distance

Mining in underground plants is associated with high risk. Improving work safety and increasing the productivity of longwall systems in the mining industry is a problem considering many criteria. Safety aspects concern both the crew and the machinery. The KOMAG Institute of Mining Technology designed and manufactured a geometry monitoring system based on inclinometers that meet the requirements of the ATEX directive. Monitoring of the roof support geometry is used for the prevention of loss of roof stability: roof fall or/and cave-in. The system was tested on a real object in real conditions.

Quantification of Root Biomass in Post-Mining Areas in the Municipality of Capitão Poço – PA, Brazil

The present work aimed to quantify the concentrations and biomass stock of fine andthick roots, in three areas in the municipality of Capitão Poço-PA, Brazil. The areas used were degraded area, recovery area and native forest. For soil sampling, 24 trenches were opened, measuring 70 x 70 x 100 cm. In these trenches, soil samples were taken at depths 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-80 and 80-100 cm and sieving was carried out.All roots and other underground plant structures that remained in the sieve were collected by manual collection. The roots were separated into two diameter classes: fine roots ≤ 5 mm and thick roots > 5 mm, kiln dried and weighed.In the analysis, higherconcentrationsofthickand fine roots were observed in an area of native forest at depths of 0-10 and 10-20 cm. In the areas analyzed in this study, the root density in the topsoil of 0-10 cm was mainly composed of fine roots.In the three areas analyzed in this study, it was observed that from a depth of 10-20 cm there were decreases in theconcentrationsofthick roots. The area under recovery approached the area of native forest in the concentration of fine roots, demonstrating possible improvements in soil quality and recovery is probably actually taking place.

Integration of protective mining and underground backfilling for coal and gas outburst control: A case study

Mining protective coal seams is an effective approach for coal and gas outburst control, but a large amount of gangue is usually produced when mining a thin protective seam and dealing with the gangue can be a challenging task. In the paper, a novel integrated mining system by extracting two panels simultaneously was demonstrated in the 12th coal mine of the Pingdingshan coalfield: one panel was mined in the thin protective coal seam, and the other one was mined in the protected coal seam. The thickness of the protective seam was only 0.8 m, but the mining height reached 1.8 m, indicating that there was about 1 m thick roof stone being mined. An underground coal preparation plant was built, and the mixture of coal and gangue from the protective panel was sorted underground. The sorted coal was delivered to the surface stockpile, while the waste rock was directly backfilled into the gob of the panel in the protected coal seam. Thus, waste rock did not need to be lifted up to the surface, which can reduce material handing cost and minimise mining footprint on the surface. In order to prevent the migration of pressure relief gas into the working areas of the protective coal seam, the main reasons causing gas exceedance in the upper corner of U-shaped ventilation system were investigated, and then the Y-shaped ventilation system and various gas extraction boreholes were implemented to effectively control the pressure relief gas. Numerical models were developed to assess the effect of applying gob backfilling during the extraction of two panels in parallel. The results show that the gob backfilling can reduce the surface subsidence and horizontal movement, which is very helpful for the protection of ground water and surface infrastructures.

Interdependencies between spatial planning and the mining laissez‐passer in cities: Policy analysis of the case of Ecuador

AbstractUrban planning as a shared resource is tied with the ‘tragedy of the commons’. Since UN‐Habitat III, Ecuador has embraced the opportunity for urban sustainability. However, while the right to the city is constitutionally anchored since 2008, the integration of strategic sectoral plans and their spatial link remains unclear. Aiming at a better understanding on how sectoral plans, particularly mining, are articulated to planning instruments, we reviewed the existing instruments as well as those from the mining sector. Rooted in qualitative methods, interviews were conducted with respondents involved in the development of underground and land use planning in Ecuador. Primary data were collected during fieldtrips, and policy analysis was carried out descriptively. Findings were differentiated by spatial planning instruments, underground mining concessions and their implications for the empirical case study of Zaruma. Results showed that mining companies capture their risks and externalities into the local development agenda, and that municipalities remain limited to corrective or reactive measures. While mining sectoral plans consider the relevance of local development plans (PDOT), we identify an instrumental vacuum across the whole ‘National Decentralized particularly Planning System’ as for articulating sectoral planning with local PDOT. With this instrumental gap mainly at the policy level, and instead of interpreting ill will from the strategic mining sector, the expertise in managing underground cadastres from the mining sector as well as the option of exploring instruments like underground master plants at the city level could level synergies towards coherence in development agendas as well as risk‐informed development across sectors and scales.

Identification of fungi inhabiting underground plant parts of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in two developmental stages

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] plants are potential hosts for different pathogens. Soil-borne diseases, caused by pathogenic fungi, are considered to be the main reason for the loss of soybean yields worldwide. The aim of the research was to isolate fungi inhabiting underground parts of soybean in order to identify potential pathogens present in south-east Poland. Research material comprised of seven soybean cultivars grown in field in 2017-2019. Samples collected in three subsequent vegetative seasons constituted soybean plants with disease symptoms on cotyledons, stems and roots. Fragments of the infected plant tissues were subjected to mycological analysis. A total of 1692 pure fungal isolates were obtained from the sampled plants and almost 80% of these isolates were assigned to Fusarium genus. Among Fusarium spp. isolates, the most frequently detected species was F. oxysporum (71.3%). Other detected Fusarium species included: F. graminearum, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum, F. poae, F. solani (syn. Neocosmospora solani), F. sporotrichioides and F. fujikuroi. Other fungi accounted for approx. 19% of the obtained isolates and their main representatives were: Alternaria alternata, Trichoderma sp., Rhizoctonia solani, Mucor sp., Cladosporium sp. and Rhizopus sp. Comparison of these results with published data from other regions of Poland shows differences in prevalence of different species of soil-borne fungi.

Identification of fungi inhabiting underground plant parts of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in two developmental stages

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] plants are potential hosts for different pathogens. Soil-borne diseases, caused by pathogenic fungi, are considered to be the main reason for the loss of soybean yields worldwide. The aim of the research was to isolate fungi inhabiting underground parts of soybean in order to identify potential pathogens present in south-east Poland. Research material comprised of seven soybean cultivars grown in field in 2017-2019. Samples collected in three subsequent vegetative seasons constituted soybean plants with disease symptoms on cotyledons, stems and roots. Fragments of the infected plant tissues were subjected to mycological analysis. A total of 1692 pure fungal isolates were obtained from the sampled plants and almost 80% of these isolates were assigned to Fusarium genus. Among Fusarium spp. isolates, the most frequently detected species was F. oxysporum (71.3%). Other detected Fusarium species included: F. graminearum, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum, F. poae, F. solani (syn. Neocosmospora solani), F. sporotrichioides and F. fujikuroi. Other fungi accounted for approx. 19% of the obtained isolates and their main representatives were: Alternaria alternata, Trichoderma sp., Rhizoctonia solani, Mucor sp., Cladosporium sp. and Rhizopus sp. Comparison of these results with published data from other regions of Poland shows differences in prevalence of different species of soil-borne fungi.

100-years’ story of success: photoelasticity — LSR–MICE – MSUCE

Introduction. The 100-years’ history of MICE – MSUCE is also a history of establishment and flourishing of one of the world’s most powerful experimental school of development and application of the photoelasticity method in the investigation of the stress state of civil and special structures. Reliable forecast of the stress state of buildings and structures under static, thermal and dynamic impacts is an indispensable prerequisite of safe operation provision of civil structures during the construction and the operation. The photoelasticity method, allows, along with the analytical methods of the mechanical science, for continual study of the stress state of the object under test, being an experimental method efficiently used both in “standalone” mode and in conjunction with numerical methods. The goal and the objectives hereof: a retrospective development review of the photoelasticity method, in particular, of the contribution of LSR of MICE, and the assessment of the contemporary state of the method in terms of its actuality, novelty and practical significance of mechanical problem solutions, of stress-strain state studies of structures and buildings.
 
 Materials and methods. The subject hereof is the polarized light method or the photoelasticity method: development, problematics, solution methods of mechanical problems and studies of structures, applications.
 
 Results. The paper describes solution examples of vital problems by the photoelasticity method: stress analysis in the wedge-shaped notch zone of the area boundary, stress state problem under forced deformation in the block-basement contact area, stress state study of underground hydropower plant tunnel with the weir erected by pinpoint blasting. The performed analysis of the photoelasticity method and its contemporary level illustrates the opportunities provided by the method in solving of mechanical problems and in structural studies.
 
 Conclusions. Is the experimental school of the photoelasticity method of LSR–MICE – MSUCE really the sunk Atlantis? The development of the experimental mechanics of deformable solid bodies is characterized by progressive proximity of experimental and numerical analysis research methods. The physical modelling, in particular, the polarized light method, allows for obtaining stress-strain state diagrams of structures, or solutions of mechanical problems, feasible for assessment or for calculation result corrections, that is why the polarized light method retains actuality and practical significance. The development of the deformable solid body mechanics determines the significance of the physical modelling, including the polarized light method. The benefit of the polarized light method is the continuity of mechanical problem solutions which is especially important when local areas with specific features of the stress strain behaviour are considered. Modern technologies of material property studies, invention of new materials lead to creation of new mechanical models, for adequacy assessment of which physical modelling methods are required, in particular, the polarized light method.

The earliest research of tending felling established according to IUFRO system in north-west of Russia

Research facilities on thinning operations for forests in North-West of Russia were established during 1929-1930 according to technique accepted by the II World Forestry Congress in 1928 in Rome. The purpose of this work originally consist on clarification of effectiveness of this forestry measures, degree of its influence on an increase for growing stock, height, and on quality of timber. This necessity was caused by the fact that it was the first such experience at that time. The main objective consisted in specification of intensity and techniques of thinning. There are structural changes in elevated and underground plants biomass in a stand. On all research facilities the appearance of spruce-tree advance growth is noted. The thinning can affect on the course of natural reforestation and does not cause fundamental change in the ratio between a grass and moss layers. They shift this ratio in favor of the first one and it allows claiming about the possibility of bio-circulation intensity increase by means of regular tending felling of the forest. Now it is the most valuable research facility allowing coming to scientifically substantiated conclusion about techniques of thinning which correspond to exact combination the silvicultural and economic requirements for forest management.

Evaluation of growth response for mass production and accumulation of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde in endangered Hemidesmus indicus by an aeroponic system

Hemidesmus indicus, popularly known as ‘Anantmul’, is valued for its magical root-an ingredient used in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries. Owing to high market demand, overexploitation has threatened the natural population of this endangered species deserving conservation and sustainable utilization. In this study, a tissue culture based aeroponics assisted system was developed to produce quality fragrant roots of Hemidesmus indicus for the first time. Suitable aeroponics system was designed by optimizing aeromist intervals and droplet size. A comparative study of soilless and soil-based systems was conducted and it was revealed that propagation via aeroponic system was found significantly superior both for above and underground plant parts. The plants generated through aeroponic were taller and producing larger no. of leaves with broader leaf area and higher quantity of photosynthetic pigments than soil grown plants. The most prospective observation was achieved in belowground parts, using a simple digital imaging platform which can be an alternative to manual root phenotyping, were shown to promote root growth with higher root no., length and its surface area in aeroponic cultivation. These resulted in formation of greater quantities of root biomass along with augmented levels of lead root metabolite 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde.

A method to estimate the damage of Diabrotica speciosa larvae on potato tubers

ABSTRACT The marketable value of potato tubers is affected by damage caused by Diabrotica speciosa, whose larvae create holes on the tubers’ skin and internal feeding tunnels. The estimation of potato tuber damage is usually performed by assessing the external damage to the detriment of feeding tunnels caused by larvae. Thus, we propose a method to estimate the damage caused by D. speciosa larvae, considering the external and internal aspects of the tubers separately. For that, potato plants cv. Agata were grown under different infestations of larvae, measuring the area occupied by the holes and the volume of internal feeding tunnels, relating these data to the total area and volume of the tuber. The methodology used allowed us to characterize an increase in damage in tubers with the highest infestation of larvae. The correlation between internal and external damage caused by D. speciosa larvae was not significant, indicating that external damage alone is not an adequate parameter for the diagnosis of overall tuber quality. However, the method proposed here provides information regarding the volume of pulp consumed by the larvae, the extent of the galleries formed, and the relative volume of damage concerning the total tuber. Moreover, the method proposed here contemplates a more precise analysis of the external area damaged by herbivory relative to the total area of the tuber, which is not commonly considered in studies of underground plant structures.

Research progress on mechanism of arbuscular common mycorrhizal networks in plant-plant interactions

Plant-plant interactions is one of the key field in ecology, which is important for the efficient nutrient utilization, productivity improvement, and plant community assembly. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are important plant mutualistic microorganisms that connect plant roots to form common mycelial networks (CMNs), which play major roles in transferring nutrients and water and regu-lating plant community dynamics. Recent studies demonstrated that these CMNs could act as conduits for transmitting disease and aphid-induced signals among plants, and activating chemical defence in uninfested neighboring plants. In this review, we introduced recent research advances on the contribution of CMNs on plant interaction, the main factors that influences the functions of CMNs, and the role of CMNs transfer and redistribute nutrients and water among plant. In addition, the mechanism underlying underground chemical signal communication, seedling establishment and plants community assembly were summarized. Finally, we proposed challenges facing CMNs in plant-plant interactions and the practical problems. It would provide reference for further understanding the ecological functions of CMNs in plant-plant interactions.

KEANEKARAGAMAN DAN KEGUNAAN TUMBUHAN BAWAH PADA BEBERAPA TEGAKAN DI ARBORETUM BALAI PENELITIAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN TEKNOLOGI SERAT TANAMAN HUTAN (BP2TSTH) KUOK

Underground plants have an important role in soil and air conservation efforts, namely as a source of organic matter, preventing erosion, a source of germplasm and increasing air infiltration into the soil. This study aims to identify the types, diversity and use of understorey under stands of meranti, gaharu and mixed stands in the arboretum of the Kuok Forest Plant Fiber Technology Research and Development Institute (BP2TSTH). The data collection method used systematic sampling with a random start, with a sampling intensity of 5%. The number of plots observed for meranti, gaharu and mixed stands were 50, 25 and 25, respectively, with a plot size of 2 x 2 (m). In the stands were found 17 families of undergrowth consisting of 23 species and 10,338 individuals. In the agarwood stands there are 10 families of undergrowth consisting of 13 species and 9,696 individuals. In the agarwood stands there are 11 families with a diversity of 13 species and 10,328 individuals. Diversity Index and Evenness Index in meranti, gaharu and mixed stands respectively; 1.25 and 0.4; 0.72 and 0.28; 0.72 and 0.28. Paspalum conjugatum is a understorey species with the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) in the three stands.

Lignin phenols as a basis for biopreparations

The content and composition of lignin phenols in plants and soils of latitudinal zones and vertical natural zones of the North Caucasus and Northwest Tien Shan have been studied. The special role of lignin phenols of underground plant organs in the process of humification was revealed. It was shown that the oxidation degree of the biopolymer increases during the transformation of organic matter from living plant tissues to humic acids in soils. The fraction of lignin fragments that remain unchanged during the biotransformation of the polymer in the row plant tissues – fall – litter – soils – humic acids – buried humic acids is calculated. It has also been demonstrated that the biochemical composition of plants has a decisive effect on the structure of humic acids in soils. With the help of quantitative analysis of lignin phenols and 13C NMR spectroscopy, it is proved that lignin of higher plants is involved in the formation of humic acids, both aliphatic and aromatic parts of molecules. The areas of application of lignin phenols in the practice of agriculture and medicine are proposed.

Underground tunnel type PSPP

The article discusses the main scheme and advantages of an underground tunnel-type pumped storage power plant (PSPP). Unlike traditional layouts of such stations, the upper and lower basins are located underground and formed by a single tunnel. A description of the design of the new station type and a method for calculating its main parameters were proposed. The analysis showed the limitations that must be taken into account when choosing the main hydraulic equipment for the tunnel-type underground PSPP. Based on the calculations, the optimal diameters of the tunnels were analyzed and identified to ensure the minimum construction period.

General characteristics and taxonomic composition of epiphytic microflora of plants

Main problem: Microbial-plant relationships, including epiphytic microflora, are the subject of attention of many scientists. Numerous works confirm the high interest of researchers and the relevance of studying this topic. Despite many years of research, some questions concerning the characteristics of the epiphytic microflora still remain open. It is already a well-known fact that the epiphytic microflora is directly related to the physiological development of the plant, including yield. This is due to the close interaction of the plant with the microorganisms living on its surface throughout the entire growing season. It is also proved that epiphytic microflora has the ability to change characteristics under the influence of environmental factors (temperature, humidity, soil contamination, sunlight, etc.). In this regard, the study of this topic is one of the important areas of biological and agricultural sciences and is of high importance. It should be noted that a significant role in the development of agriculture in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Pavlodar region is played by representatives of vegetable crops, including tomatoes and potatoes belonging to the Solanaceae family, which indicates the high importance of the plants selected for the study. The combination of the above arguments determines the need to study the epiphytic microflora of plants and establish the regularities of its influence on the adaptive properties of the studied plants of the Solanaceae family, as well as on their productivity. In turn, the study of epiphytic microflora can also contribute to the search for new ways to increase the yield of plants and their resistance to various diseases. Purpose: The article is devoted to the study of the properties and characteristics of the epiphytic microflora of the surface of various organs of plants of the Solanaceae family (on the example of tomato and potato). The variability of the composition and number of epiphytic microorganisms in seasonal dynamics is shown. Methods: bacterioscopic method, fingerprint method, flushing method, Gram staining method. Results and their significance: The characteristics and properties of representatives of epiphytic microorganisms of aboveground (leaf, fruit, flower) and underground (potato fruit) plant organs were studied. The role of the influence of environmental factors on the variability of epiphytic microflora is determined on the example of plants Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (common tomato) and Solanum tuberosum L. (tuberous nightshade). The differences in the microflora of different plant organs in different periods of vegetation are shown.

Wireless Leak Detection System as a Way to Reduce Electricity Consumption in Ventilation Ducts

This article presents a proposal for a wireless diagnostic system for checking the air tightness of the ventilation network. The solution is designed to increase crew safety in underground mining plants and increase the energy efficiency of the ventube ventilation system. The system is based on sensors measuring the pressure inside the ventilation duct in relation to the barometric pressure in the immediate vicinity of the duct. The flow of diagnostic data is based on a cascade transfer. The data from the first sensor are transferred successively to the last one. Based on the prior calibration of alarm thresholds in each device, the leakage or factor influencing the increase of air flow resistance is located. The article presents the genesis of the creation and discusses the principle and purpose of the system. In the following chapters, the progress of work related to testing the system in laboratory, industrial, and underground conditions at the Velenje Premogovnik mine (Slovenia) is presented. The authors analyze the test results and indicate the directions of possible further work on improving the system. The proposed leak detection system is based on a network of pressure sensors that communicate with each other to clearly pinpoint the leak location. The system has been designed for operation in underground mining plants with limited space.

Possibilities of Capturing Methane from Hard Coal Deposits Lying at Great Depths

Methane present in coal seams is a natural hazard present during the exploitation of underground mining plants. It is an explosive and flammable gas that is released into mining excavations, and it is necessary to reduce its concentration. Capturing methane while preparing extraction is virtually impossible due to the low permeability of coal resulting from its deposition depth. After the beginning of exploitation and disrupting the seam’s structure, methane is released into mine air. The most common method of minimizing gas released into ventilation air is draining the rock mass. This method allows achieving the desired ventilation parameters but requires appropriate mining techniques in hazardous areas. The article presents the example of methane capture during the operation in the longwall B-15 with an overlying drainage gallery. The authors have highlighted an example of the longwall B-15 that when using this particular drainage method, allowed capturing twice the amount of methane forecasted, thus increasing the efficiency of methane drainage. At the preliminary stage of longwall development, the amount of methane charged by the drainage system had relatively low values, reaching 15 m3/min. In the next few months, these parameters increased and varied between 35 to 55 m3/min. A significant difference in methane capture appeared in the second stage of exploitation, where the highest value of captured methane reached 82 m3/min. This particular longwall example shows that it is crucial to properly design the drainage system for seams with high forecasted methane release. It is worth remembering that using a drainage gallery provides an increase in the methane capture from the desorption zone areas, thus increasing total methane capture in comparison to forecasts.

Parasitic activity of plant pathogens at the underground organs of spring wheat in the West Siberia

The purpose of the research was to determine the factors of soil phytopathogens parasitic activity at the underground organs of spring wheat varieties, to clarify the etiology of root rot during the growing season. The studies were carried out in 2020-2021 in the northern forest-steppe of the Ob region (West Siberia) using generally accepted methods. A high parasitic activity of soil phytopathogens was established during the entire growing season of spring wheat: the zonal threshold of harmfulness was exceeded at seedlings up to 2.8 times, at bloom stage to 5 times, and at ripeness stage up to 4 times. The host plants susceptibility to infection with phytopathogens increased during the growing season due to abiotic (drought) and biotic (cereal flies) stresses, which neutralized varietal differences. The main phytopathogens at the underground organs of 20 spring wheat varieties were Bipolaris sorokiniana Sacc. Shom. and Fusarium Link. fungi, the occurrence of which at all underground plant organs (primary roots, secondary roots, stem bases) during the growing season was 100%. The dominance of Fusarium fungi increased during the growing season of plants. The biological diversity of Fusarium fungi was maximal in the bloom phase (up to 7 species on secondary roots of one variety). The species composition of Fusarium fungi was represented by permanent species-F. poae (Peck.) Wollenw. and F. oxysporum Schltdl., additional species-F. sambucinum Fuck., F. graminearum Schwabe and F. equiseti (Corda) Sacc., rare-F. solani Koord., F. sporotrichioides Sherb., F. culmorum Sacc., F. heterosporum Nees., F. acuminatum Ellis & Verh. The succession of Fusarium fungi in the system of plant organs and in the phases of vegetation was revealed, and the parameters of realized ecological niches overlap of Fusarium fungi species were determined.

Neutron Radiography and Computed Tomography of Biological Systems at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor.

Neutrons have historically been used for a broad range of biological applications employing techniques such as small-angle neutron scattering, neutron spin echo, diffraction, and inelastic scattering. Unlike neutron scattering techniques that obtain information in reciprocal space, attenuation-based neutron imaging measures a signal in real space that is resolved on the order of tens of micrometers. The principle of neutron imaging follows the Beer-Lambert law and is based on the measurement of the bulk neutron attenuation through a sample. Greater attenuation is exhibited by some light elements (most notably, hydrogen), which are major components of biological samples. Contrast agents such as deuterium, gadolinium, or lithium compounds can be used to enhance contrast in a similar fashion as it is done in medical imaging, including techniques such as optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray, and positron emission tomography. For biological systems, neutron radiography and computed tomography have increasingly been used to investigate the complexity of the underground plant root network, its interaction with soils, and the dynamics of water flux in situ. Moreover, efforts to understand contrast details in animal samples, such as soft tissues and bones, have been explored. This manuscript focuses on the advances in neutron bioimaging such as sample preparation, instrumentation, data acquisition strategy, and data analysis using the High Flux Isotope Reactor CG-1D neutron imaging beamline. The aforementioned capabilities will be illustrated using a selection of examples in plant physiology(herbaceous plant/root/soil system)and biomedical applications(rat femur and mouse lung).

Unveiling the relevance of carbohydrate-rich underground plant foods in the archaeological record

Rich in carbohydrates, underground storage organs played a key role in human history. This project aims to establish a systematic methodology for their multi-proxy study, creating an online reference collection, using different microscopy techniques for identification and establishing a reference guide to use-wear patterns on experimental archaeology tools used for the processing of underground storage organs.