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Anchorage strength testing of roots for resistance to lodging
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Anchorage Strength Testing of Roots for Resistance to Lodging
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Anchorage strength testing of roots for resistance to lodging
Solution
- Torque screwdriver with digital display unit
- Interchangeable probes for varied testing conditions
Benefits
- Portable, handheld, and durable system suited for on-site field analysis
- Enables reliable data capture directly at remote testing locations
During field studies to measure anchorage strength and crop lodging resistance, the Presto Stantest digital torque measurement system was found to be easy and convenient to use for agricultural studies. This is because its portability and small size gave the researchers the freedom to make accurate torque measurements in the field without altering the plants or compromising the test precision. The system that involved the torque screwdriver and AFTI display provided sensitive and repeatable readings to quantify root resistance, plant stability, and structural balance in Teff from a different angle of inclination. The instrument also served to efficiently trap and store the data in remote testing areas and completely simplified the testing process. It was a handy tool to handle, gave accurate digital readings, and its dealing with the various probes made it very appropriate for agricultural studies such as plant mechanics and lodging resistance analysis.
Requirement
A scientific agricultural institute sought to boost the productivity and uniformity of an agricultural crop, teff (Eragrostis tef), which is a gluten-free cereal that has been attracting attention in the health food sector across the world. Teff was originally grown in Ethiopia but has been getting more and more attention elsewhere, though adapting it to new climatic conditions has been a challenge, especially in terms of obtaining good crop yields.
Among the major problems that were established was accommodation, with plants either bending or collapsing because of poor anchoring with their roots or by external forces like wind. This significantly affects both yield and harvesting efficiency. To better understand the contributing factors, researchers conducted detailed field studies focusing on plant stability and root anchorage strength.
These studies required measurement of forces acting on whole plants as well as individual shoots. Parameters such as the center of gravity and resistance to applied torque at different angles were critical in evaluating plant behavior under real-world conditions.
Solution
Presto Stantest offers precision torque measurement solutions suitable for agricultural field research. Using a compact digital torque screwdriver integrated into a custom test setup, researchers can evaluate the anchorage strength of plant roots directly in the field.
In practical testing, intact plants are first assessed, followed by careful separation of major shoots for individual analysis. The centre of gravity is determined by balancing specimens and measuring positional offsets. Torque is then applied at controlled angles to simulate external forces, enabling calculation of the gravitational moment and resistance to lodging.
The torque measurement system is sensitive enough that it can easily detect any change in resistance, even on a small scale; thus, the instrument is appropriate in comparative analysis of various crops in different conditions. It is especially useful in agricultural research that is field-based due to its portability and ease of use.
Test equipment
- Torque Screwdriver (with a range of up to 1.5 N increments)
- Advanced Force and Torque Indicator
Test standards
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