Abstract: The present invention is a method for tracking identity traits of commodities during the production, handling, processing and/or distribution chain of the commodity. The method includes providing a database having a unique identifier identifying a commodity to be tracked, inputting identity traits of the commodity into the database, associating the inputted identity traits with the unique identifier, tagging the commodity with a tag associated with the unique identifier, and selectively retrieving from the database the preserved identity traits of the commodity by querying the database.

Abstract: A washing apparatus specifically designed for isolating plant roots from core soil samples is also suited for cleaning a variety of other organic and inorganic objects, particularly when surrounded by large volumes of soil. The essential features of the apparatus include a washing tank for holding a cleansing solvent, a support cradle for carrying cannisters of the samples to be cleaned, and a drive assembly for mobilizing the support cradle through the solvent in the washing tank.