taking measurements from the field

1. TAKING MEASUREMENTS

2. Questions to consider before taking
measurements
I. Which measurements fits the objective of the
research
II. Any other additional measurement that could
be useful to the research
III. When to take the measurement
IV.How the measurement will be done

3. Purpose for taking measurements
• To gives the overall context of the experiment-
this include the location which the experiment
will be done, dates of operation and
characteristic of soil and climate
• To record variables determined by objective at
plot level at which treatments are recorded.
• To explain as much variables in the data as
possible.

4. Variation
• Variations are not of direct interest in relation
to the objective but are recorded because they
may help to understand reasons for variability
of data.
• When planning measurements to be taken,
clarify if its taken at the experimental level,
plot level (unit) or plant level (subunit)

5. Phases of taking measurements
1. Before the experiment begins- this is done to
asses which site is appropriate for trials and to
record initial conditions before the trials
begin
2. During the course of the experiment- depends
on the objectives e.g. weed height, tree
height, dry matter, disease incidence etc.
3. At the end of the experiment- e.g. yields in
crop trials, degree of damage in storage trials

6. Destructive measurements
Some measurements during the season are
destructive and leads to several practical
difficulties, e.g. need for larger sized units, or
altered competition within plots.
A less precise non destructive measurement may
be useful as well as being economical in terms of
costs and time for measurement.