Electronic Rising Platemeter
The Electronic Rising Plate Meter provides a simple, effective method
of measuring pasture cover. Able to operate in all weather conditions
the Electronic Rising Plate Meter is cost effective and reliable.
The Electronic Counter senses each time a reading is made and updates the average pasture height for the paddock. No more keeping track of the number of readings or calculations!
Turn the Electronic Counter off when you need to jump a fence. The readings taken are saved and any plate movement is ignored until you turn the Counter back on and continue.
Pressing the Cover button instantly provides the average Pasture Cover (kgDM/ha) using your choice of equation. Standard pasture equations have been programmed into the Counter, There is an option to put another equation that may be more appropriate, like one recommended by your farm consultant.
At the end of the paddock record the height or cover, reset to zero and start on the next paddock.
Retrofit the Electronic Plate Counter to any Manual Rising Plate Meter
Convert your Manual Meter to an electronic version. Note that in some cases the plate and shaft may also need to be replaced. Please contact us to confirm the options available.
Manual Rising Platemeter
The Manual Rising Plate Meter provides a simple and effective method of measuring pasture cover. Able to operate in all weather conditions the Manual Rising Plate Meter is cost effective and reliable.
The Plate Meter has two mechanical counters. One counter measures the number of measurements taken (“plonks”) while the other counter measures the movement of the black shaft up and down the metal shaft (the height or often referred to as the “clicks”). The metal shaft is graduated into 0.5cm grooves (a click).
The procedure for obtaining Plate Meter readings involves placing (plonking) the plate squarely onto the ground. The plastic plate rests on the top of the grass providing a compressed height in half centimetre steps on the bottom counter. At each plonk the user clicks the top counter to record the total number of samples taken.
When plonking the pasture the user needs to maintain a consistent pace and always make sure the meter is vertical to the ground. They need to also avoid any rolling movement as this will lead to erroneous results.
The number of samples (plonks) to be taken should range between 20 and
40 per paddock however this will be determined by the variance existing
in the cover. Plonks need to be taken on a regular basis e.g. every five
paces to even out any variations, however avoid stock camp
areas, tracks or uncharacteristic areas. The greater the variability the
greater the number of plonks the operator should take.
After the last plonk in a paddock, the user leaves the plate on the ground and records the reading on the bottom counter (end number) as well as the number on the top counter in your notebook.
In starting in the next paddock the user continues as detailed above making sure they record the start number and zeroing the top counter.
Carry Bag
Both the manual and the electronic plate meter come with a carry bag that holds the meter and the plate. It can be carried around, giving a professional look or tied onto the farm vehicle with its quick attach straps.
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