A centrifuge is a laboratory device that employs centrifugal force to separate components of a mixture based on their density. This is achieved by rapidly rotating a container holding the mixture, causing denser substances to move outward away from the axis of rotation, while lighter substances remain closer to the axis. Centrifugation finds application across various scientific disciplines, from medical diagnostics to industrial processing.
Within the agricultural sector, this technique offers several benefits. It allows for efficient separation of soil components for analysis, aiding in determining soil composition and fertility. The process also contributes to the isolation and purification of biological materials, supporting research into plant diseases and genetic improvement. Historically, simpler sedimentation methods were used, but centrifugation provides significantly faster and more precise separation.
