An Automated Potometer

Abstract
An automated potometer is described whose output voltage provides a continuous record of plant water uptake. The measurement system is based on the capacitive transduction of meniscus position in a potometer sensing tube, such that a change in output voltage of the capacitance-measuring circuit is proportional to water volume uptake by the plant. Advantages of the continuous high resolution record of water uptake made with the potometer are demonstrated by measurements using cut plants (a) which show the dependence of calculated transpiration flux density and stomatal conductance on climatic variables and (b) to calibrate a sap flowmeter. A design for a whole plant potometer is presented.

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