How is a microscope used in agriculture: 5 benefits

For processes such as Purity determination, Germination capacity testing and Variety identification, we know the devil is in the details. Being able to clearly tell wheat from rye, spot impurities, check the seed coating and document your finding is crucial.

We also know that seed testing is an extremely specialized field that requires extensive training and guidance from colleagues.

For that reason, having a magnification tool with excellent image is not enough.  To use a microscope in agriculture, you also need a magnification tool that:

• Promotes collaboration and training between colleagues
• Can capture photos of your work easily
• Is comfortable to use for hours every single day
• Can be customized with features and software that match your processes specifically

Benefit 1 of using a microscope in agriculture:

See every little details thanks to excellent image quality

When choosing a microscope for agriculture and seed analysis, it’s important to know how your choice of camera within the microscope affects not only the image quality but also the user experience . Because while it may be tempting to look for a microscope with high magnification capabilities, it’s important to know that high magnification capabilities doesn’t automatically guarantee great image quality.

For that reason, keep your eyes out for a microscope with 1080p image quality (FULL HD) and 30x optical zoom. This will result in extremely sharp images that will show all details of your sample, even at 660x magnification.

It’s also important to check the framerate of the microscope. With 60 frames per second and progressive scan, you won’t experience any delay or distortion as you’re moving the sample around under the microscope. While this may not sound important, you’ll quickly notice the difference if you’re working with lower frame rates or even interlaced scan rather than progressive scan if you need to manipulate the sample under the microscope.

Benefit 2 of using a microscope in agriculture:

Inspect a sample with your colleagues – together, not in turns

Due to the complexity of seeds, training new operators can be a lengthy process. This isn’t made easier when operators need to take turns looking through an ocular to discuss a potential issue with a sample.

However, with the sample being displayed on a monitor when using a digital microscope, it’s easy for new operators to call a colleague over and ask a question simply by pointing at the monitor.

Benefit 3 of using a microscope in agriculture:

It’s never been easier to capture photos of your samples

All it takes to capture a photo with a digital microscope is A) connecting it to a computer or B) pressing a button on the control box. Although the process depends on your microscope of choice, it’s significantly easier than some of the workarounds we see from people using non-digital systems.

What’s even better is how easy it is to access the photos. Again, depending on your choice of microscope, the images will either be available immediately on the microscope or your computer.  From here, it’s easy to save the photo in a specific folder or forward it to remote colleagues or suppliers if you need to discuss it in more details.

Benefit 4 of using a microscope in agriculture:

Why a digital microscope is more comfortable to use

Lab technicians often use a microscope for hours on end to do their job. For many, that means bending your neck to look through an ocular. However, by removing the ocular and using a monitor to display your sample, you can obtain ergonomically correct working positions. This will relieve your eyes, neck and back from excessive strain and reduce the risk of Musculosketal disorders, also known as MSDs.

Cases show that the improved working position created by eliminating the factors leading to MSDs results in less sick leave and staff infirmities. In turn, operators get less tired and can work more efficiently.

Benefit 5 of using a microscope in agriculture:

The ability to customize the microscope with features and software that match your lab

Lastly, a key benefit of why a digital microscope in useful for agriculture and seed analysis is the ability to add features and software to the microscopes long after you bought it. This not only creates a customized solution that matches your lab and your needs perfectly. By adding new features to an existing microscope rather than replacing it with another system as your needs change, it also extends the lifespan of the product and ensures that you get the most out of your initial investment.

In summary

Agriculture and seed analysis are very specialized fields that rely heavily on the operator’s knowledge and having the required image quality to perform your analysis. This is why a digital microscope is a great tool within agriculture.

Besides having excellent image quality that allows the operator to see all necessary details, the built-in computer of the microscope allows them:

• Easily capture photos of their findings
• Collaborate with colleagues
• Work more comfortable than with non-digital and more traditional magnification tools
• Add features and software to their microscope to optimize processes and extend the lifespan of the microscope