The Feasibility of Microwave Ovens for Drying Plant Samples

Abstract

Microwave ovens appear to be a viable alternative to forced air laboratory ovens for obtaining dry weights for vegetation samples. Two grass species, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), were used to determine percent moisture loss by weight at 3 weight loadings. The loadings were at approximately 50, 100, and 200 weights. For the 3 loadings, times required to obtain a dried sample were at most 4.5, 7.5, and 11.0 minutes, respectively. The time required for all samples in the conventional lab oven was 72 hours.