Farmers Potometer

Product Code : SCL-LG-11980

The Farmers Potometer is a plant-physiology apparatus used for measuring water uptake by a freshly cut leafy shoot as an indirect estimate of transpiration. It enables students, teachers and laboratory demonstrators to observe capillary-bubble movement and compare how controlled environmental factors affect plant water absorption.

Product Description

The recognized Farmers Potometer design uses a wide-mouth reservoir bottle closed by a three-hole stopper. The connections accommodate a bent capillary tube, a funnel-type water reservoir and a plant shoot. As the shoot takes up water, an air bubble moves through the capillary observation section.

The bottle-based configuration provides a stable working setup for classroom demonstrations. The bubble’s movement over a fixed time acts as a comparative measure of water uptake. The bottle volume, capillary bore, scale range, graduation interval and glass grade were not supplied. Buyers can compare it with the listed laboratory potometer.

Key Features

• Wide-mouth reservoir bottle: Holds the experimental water and provides a stable base during observation.
• Three-port stopper: Accommodates the capillary, water reservoir and freshly prepared plant shoot.
• Bent capillary tube: Provides a defined path for observing air-bubble movement.
• Graduated observation scale: Supports measurement of bubble displacement over a selected time interval.
• Funnel-type reservoir: Allows water to be introduced and helps reset the bubble between trials.
• Comparative investigation: Supports experiments involving light, temperature, humidity or air movement.
• No electrical supply required: Operates through plant water uptake and capillary displacement.

Technical Specifications

What’s Included in the Kit

• One wide-mouth reservoir bottle
• One three-hole stopper
• One bent capillary tube with observation scale
• One funnel-type water reservoir
• Required connecting sections forming the potometer assembly

A plant shoot, beaker, timer, cutting tools, support stand and sealing compound are not confirmed as included.

Applications and Uses

• Measuring water uptake by a freshly cut leafy shoot.
• Estimating transpiration indirectly through bubble displacement.
• Comparing water uptake under different light conditions.
• Investigating the effects of air movement, humidity or temperature.
• Recording distance travelled by an air bubble per unit of time.
• Teaching transpiration, xylem transport and plant water relations.

Explore other practical teaching aids in the biology laboratory equipment category.

How to Use the Farmers Potometer

1. Inspect the bottle, capillary, stopper and reservoir for damage or blockage.
2. Fill the apparatus with water and remove unintended air from the system.
3. Cut a healthy leafy shoot under water to reduce air entry into the xylem.
4. Insert the shoot through the designated stopper hole and make the joint airtight.
5. Secure the capillary and funnel reservoir in the remaining stopper holes.
6. Introduce one observable air bubble into the open end of the capillary.
7. Place the capillary end in water and record the bubble’s starting position.
8. Measure the distance moved during a fixed time interval.
9. Add water through the reservoir to return the bubble towards its starting position.
10. Change one environmental factor and repeat while keeping other conditions constant.

Safety note: Wear eye protection and handle all glass components carefully. Cutting tools should be used under suitable supervision. Do not pressurise the bottle or force tubing through the stopper.

Care & Maintenance

• Rinse the bottle and tubing immediately after use to prevent biological residue from drying inside.
• Clean the narrow capillary without using rigid tools that could scratch or break it.
• Inspect the three-hole stopper and every connection for leaks before each experiment.
• Store the clean, dry components in a padded or compartmented cabinet.

Why Choose Science Lab Supplies?

Science Lab Supplies manufactures and exports scientific laboratory instruments, educational apparatus and experiment setups. Its range supports schools, colleges, universities and institutional laboratories. Buyers can confirm the reservoir capacity, capillary scale, glass grade and complete packing list before procurement. Related components are available under laboratory glassware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Farmers Potometer measure?

It measures water uptake by a leafy shoot over time. The result is used as an indirect estimate of transpiration.

Why is an air bubble introduced into the capillary?

The air bubble acts as a visible marker. Its movement shows water being drawn through the apparatus by the shoot.

Does a potometer measure water loss directly?

No. It measures water uptake. Some absorbed water may be retained or used by the plant, so the result is an estimate of transpiration.

Why does the Farmers Potometer use a wide-mouth bottle?

The bottle holds the water supply and provides a stable base. Its stopper also accommodates the shoot, capillary and funnel reservoir.

Why must every joint be airtight?

Air leakage can move the bubble independently of plant water uptake and make the observations unreliable.

Can students test different environmental factors?

Yes. Students can change one factor, such as light or air movement, while maintaining consistent shoot size, timing and other conditions.

Confirm the required bottle capacity and capillary scale, then browse more science laboratory equipment from Science Lab Supplies.

Recommended image ALT text: Farmers Potometer with reservoir bottle, three-hole stopper, funnel and bent capillary for measuring plant water uptake.