Standard

Slab Registration

With the increased use of slabs 10 cm high horizontal measurements give a much better picture of what is happening in the slab.

• horizontal measurements should be taken using the WET meter as shown above;
• three horizontal readings underneath the cube; three horizontal readings 25% of the distance between the cubes;
• six readings per slab and five slabs in total should be measured;
• no gutter rows, outside rows or slabs in extreme conditions (end slabs);
• we are looking for the differences between the readings, especially from the top to the bottom.

The position of the root development in the slab will be dictated by the conditions in different part of the slab.

• it is important to keep the number of roots growing at the bottom of the slab to a minimum;
• to avoid competition between roots for nutrients and oxygen;
• to maximise the use of the total volume of the slab;
• to get even dry back and control over the water content (WC) and EC to balance the plant;
• to maximise water and fertilizer use;
• dose size is a very important tool for controlling this.

Measuring in this way will help you make decisions on irrigation strategy.

If this data is recorded in a spreadsheet graphs can be produced to show the progression of the water content (WC) and EC in the slab.

This data also means that discussions on irrigation strategy with your Cultilene advisor or Crop Consultant are more effective.