A Versatile, Low‐Cost Weighing Hopper for Small‐Plot Field Research. (1st May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pearson, Calvin H.; Judson, Fred M.; Rock, Calvin B.
• Is Part Of: Agronomy Journal. Volume 105:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 619
• Page End: 622
• Publication Date: 2013-05-01
• Subjects: Agronomy -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.2134/agronj2012.0479N
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-1962

Abstract

Abstract : Conducting small‐plot, field research often necessitates weighing plant matter. A versatile, low‐cost, custom‐made weighing hopper for conducting small‐plot, field research was designed and fabricated at the Colorado State University, Agricultural Experiment Station, Western Colorado Research Center at Fruita. The major components of the weighing hopper are: (i) weighing container, (ii) frame, (iii) electromechanical actuators, (iv) weighing electronics and accompanying wiring and momentary switch, and (v) three‐point hitch, tool bar, and clamps. The cost of fabricating the weighing hopper was approximately $3700, not including labor expended by the authors. The time required to harvest two, 76‐cm corn ( Zea mays L.) forage rows that are 11.3‐m long, capture the weight of the chopped plant matter, empty the contents of the weighing hopper, and allow the scale to zero and be ready to harvest the next plot is 60 to 75 s. The weighing hopper is considered to be safe, easy to use, relatively inexpensive, reliable, and accurate with good precision. We designed and constructed the weighing hopper for corn forage research, but we envision it could be used in other research applications.