ISSN: 2578-4994
Authors: Vishnuprasad V*
This article is a first person account of a novel research work on the wood anatomical studies of mature hardwood tree species carried out on the trees found in the iron ore mines of Odisha, India. The doctoral journey of the researcher right from joining the esteemed institute and the wood anatomy laboratory to the finalizing of research topic, the adventures during sample collection work besides the practical challenges followed by laboratory analysis of respective parameters, statistical brainstorming to arrive at a conclusion and ending into successful culmination of the research with a grand publication is well-depicted. It is aimed at sharing the journey to young researchers in the fraternity and encourage them to explore the wilderness and observe how plants are tolerant and adaptive enough to sustain the effects of anthropogenic disturbances such as mining stress. The results obtained can become fruitful suggestions for choice of species to be used for restoration programs in the mining areas for effective ecological restoration of abandoned lands.
Keywords: Wood Anatomy; Hardwood; Iron Ore Mines; Tolerant; Mining Stress; Ecological Restoration
