How to measure plant growth?

Writer:Bishal kc

Location: Rukum

BSc Ag 3rd year( Banaras Hindu university)

Measurement of plant growth :

Growth of plant is the outcome of cell division. Formation of new cells into different tissues in plant leads to plant growth. Let’s look after the factors on the basis of which plant growth is measured. These are basically ; length of the plant and its weight. 

On the basis of length of the plant:

There are 3 methods to determine the plant growth on the basis of length. They are:

1.Direct method(Using measuring tape) 

2. Horizontal microscope method

3.Auxanometer

1.Direct method:

Here, when measuring smaller plant, scale should be placed at the  ground level. 

Whereas, taller plant can be measured from measuring tapes, meter stick. Record the date and height of the plant as measured. Repeat the procedure for 2-3 days. Change in size can be easily calculated by following formula:

2.Horizontal microscope method :

Horizontal microscope method helps to measure vertical growth of the plant. It’s a laboratory method of calculating plant growth. 

3.Auxanometer: Auxanometer is a laboratory apparatus used for 

measuring the plant growth. Auxanometer conclude a wire attached 

with plant apex and a dead weight on another side. 

The wire goes through the pulley whereas the pulley is connected with the point. As the plant grows, the pointer moves on the scale and determine the change in growth of the plant. 

On the basis of weight of the plant:

Here, plant growth is measured by two ways through weight basis; they are:

1.Dry weight basis:

The dry weight of the plant determines the amount of protoplasm in the plant when it’s dried. It’s more accurate than fresh weight basis method. 

2.Fresh weight basis:

Fresh weight of the plant determines the weight of the plant soon after the harvest. When the moisture from the living tissues is evaporated from the plant then the plant is weighed.