Soil moisture sensor

September 2006 Sensors & Transducers

The RainWise soil moisture sensor is a solid state, electrical resistance type sensor. It is widely used for agricultural study and practice, particularly with respect to irrigation planning. Although containing gypsum, the sensor does not dissolve in soil as happens with gypsum block sensors.

The readings reflect soil water tension or suction. The sensor has an analog output that is converted for digital display or recording by one of several RainWise electronics loggers or display packages. The data provided is in centibars of pressure from 10 to 200 centibars. 10 centibars indicates saturated soil and the higher the reading, the drier the soil.

Made of non-corrosive materials, the sensor can be left in the ground in freezing conditions, but if removed for harvesting it can be dried and stored until being reburied. Depth of installation depends upon the crop being measured and the judgment of the user.

When connected to a RainWise data logger, a binary coding allows up to 64 sensors to be installed with identifiable binary outputs.

The RainWise soil moisture sensor is guaranteed for five years and is exclusively available from Impact Measurement Solutions.

For more information contact Ken Falconer, Impact Measurement Solutions, 082 929 4128.

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