Readings need to be taken mid-day (about 12:30-2:30 PM)
Select the lowest branch on the tree (shady/north side of tree).
Established limb - not new growth.
Leaf should be fully expanded and in good condition - no holes, rot or
problems with leaf.
Slide the leaf into the Almond Bag
Fold over and seal the bag with the two velcro tabs
The bag should be on the leaf for at least 15 minutes
Can be on for several hours without any problem.
Best method is to put on bags and then come back and test them.
The bag removes environmental stress and allows the leaf to equilibrate
with the trunk of the tree.
After 15 minutes or more - cut the leaf from the tree.
The instrument should be in the ready position at this time.
Insert the petiole/stem of the leaf into the bottom side of the chamber.
Petiole should just barely protrude through the gasket/insert of the
lid.
Next, put the bag/leaf down into the chamber and lock the chamber lid
in place.
Place the Control Valve into the "Chamber" position and begin filling
the chamber.
Rate of fill should be no greater than about 1 Bar every 2 seconds.
To fast a rate will cause error in the reading at the end-point.
With one hand on the Control Valve, watch the end of the petiole
carefully for water to appear.
The end of the petiole will change from light green to a darker green
at the moment the water appears.
The is the "End-Point" or the reading.
Immediately stop the increase in the chamber by placing the "Control
Valve" in the "OFF" position.
Record the reading.