Falling Plate Meter (IMAGE) Virginia Tech Caption A falling plate meter is used to measure the amount of grass in a field so farmers have more precise readings in managing their grass. Credit Bobby Clark for Virginia Tech Usage Restrictions No restrictions. License Public Domain Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.