Fiber Moisture Content Measurements of Lint and Seed Cotton By a Small Microwave Instrument

The timely and accurate measurement of cotton fiber moisture content is important, as deviations in moisture fiber content can impact the fiber quality and processing of cotton fiber.  The Mesdan Aqualab is a small, modular, microwave-based fiber moisture measurement instrument for samples with moderate sample size.  Calibrations and operational protocols for the Aqualab were established for both ginned lint and seed cotton.  The Aqualab results were compared to the moisture content results obtained from laboratory oven measurements.  Very good agreement between the microwave and oven moisture content measurements were observed for both lint and seed cotton.