26 | F200 and F300 User Manual
12 - Taking Paddock Readings or
the Pasture Walk
IMPORTANT:
Please ensure that you wait for the Platemeter to beep at each plonk before
lifting, otherwise the reading will not be recorded.
For F200’s you can print off the Pasture Cover Walks “Cover Entry Form” from
your P-Plus software program before undertaking a pasture walk. This will
enable you to record each paddock height/cover for later inputting into the
program. It will also provide a copy of the previous two walks (if available) for
comparison.
12.1 F200 Pasture Walk
- Switch the unit on using the toggle switch at the back of
the unit.
- Reset by holding the ‘Reset’ button until the display
changes to ‘0’. This should be accompanied by 2 short
beeps.
- Walk across the paddock taking readings every few
paces. You will hear a beep every time a reading is
stored. The kgDM/ha is immediately recalculated and
displayed. The number of samples (plonks) to be taken
should range between 20 and 40 per paddock however
this will be determined by the variance existing in
the cover. You will hear 3 short beeps when you have
completed 29 plonks and one long beep when you reach
30.
- The recommended number of readings is 30. Plonks
need to be taken on a regular basis e.g. every five paces
to even out any variations; however, avoid stock camp
areas, tracks or uncharacteristic areas. The greater the
variability the greater the number of plonks you should
take.
- If you need to negotiate an obstacle (e.g. fence or creek)
switch the unit off so that no readings are taken if the
plate moves. On the other side of the obstacle, switch the
unit back on and continue taking readings.
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