Determination of water content of plant leaves by beta attenuation

Abstract

The method of determination of absolute water content of a plant leaf, based upon the measured relative intensities and the mass attenuation coefficient of β-particles from ²⁰⁴Tl through the fresh and dry leaves of the plant, is described. Moisture content of plant leaves of Cotton, Sunflower, Mung and Spinach as estimated by this method agrees with the direct weighing measurements within ±4%.