A buoyancy technique for measuring plant volumes*

Based on a thesis to be submitted to the University of Natal by the senior author for the degree of M .Sc. (Agric).

Abstract

Volume measurements of plant organs are not commonly used in the analysis of plant growth. Volume is, however, a useful, non‐destructive measure of plant size and is particularly suitable for plants growing in water culture. All techniques of measuring plant volumes that are described in the literature measure the volume of a liquid that is displaced by the immersion of the plant material. The “buoyancy” technique is based on the principle of Archimedes and is an improvement on displacement methods in Chat it is sensitive to very small volumes, does not damage plants and is extremely rapid.

Uittreksel

Volumebe palings van plantdele word nie almemeen gebruik am die ontwikkeling van. plante te peil nie. Plant volume is enter ‘n skadelose en ‘n nuttige manier om plantgrootte te bepaal, veral as die plante in ‘n waterkulture gekweek word. Die bepaling van volume, soos in die literatunr heskryf, behels die volumeverplasing van ‘n vloeistof deur onderdompeling van die plante. Met die gewysigde metode, volgens die beginsel van Archimedes, word die volume bereken deur die gewigsverlies met onderdompeling in ‘n vloeistof en kleiner verskille kan dus vinniger en ook meer akkuraat bepaal word.

Notes

Based on a thesis to be submitted to the University of Natal by the senior author for the degree of M .Sc. (Agric).