Continuous Measurement for Stem Diameter of Blueberry Plant with Small Load Cell

Abstract

In this study, we focused on changes in stem diameter as an effective indicator in the individual management of fruit trees based on growth monitoring. With the objective of clarifying the characteristics of changes in the stem diameter of blueberry plants as indicators, we implemented the examined device in actual cultivation. A small load cell was examined for continuous and non-destructive measurement. After verifying the accuracy of and errors with the measurement device and the properties of the measurement sites on stems, we conducted a long-term measurement on potted cultivation. From the obtained results, the characteristics points in daily changes, daily growth, and daily minimum values can be used as indicators for growth diagnosis from the stem diameter of blueberry.