Background:

The goal of JXCT is to provide you with tools to help you make the right decision when choosing the right soil sensor for your application. Soil moisture sensors measure the moisture content of soil and can be used to estimate water storage in the soil layer. Soil moisture sensors do not directly measure the moisture in the soil. Instead, they measured changes in a number of other soil properties related to water content in a predictable manner. Each sensor manufacturer uses different techniques to measure soil moisture content. For a soil sensor to work, no matter what type, it must be in contact with the soil. The highest accuracy is achieved when the soil sensor is completely surrounded by the soil and there is no gap between the probe and the soil.

Introduction of soil moisture sensor

Another key difference between soil moisture sensor types is the geometry of the probe and whether it measures at a single point, multiple points, or continuously along the entire length of the probe. Point measurements are single point soil moisture sensors, which means they measure a single location and depth.

Soil Moisture profile probes measure moisture content in vertical soil profiles. The span is usually 30 cm to 120 cm. Most sensors usually consist of multiple single-point sensors mounted in a slender housing. This type of geometry allows for rapid installation of multiple points at once. The main advantage of using a soil moisture profile probe is the elimination of the cost of multiple single point sensors. And they don’t have to be dug and buried at the right depth. In order to install most analysis probes, plastic or PVC piping needs to be inserted before the sensor is inserted. This design introduces uncertainty. In some cases, there is usually a preferential flow between the access tube and the sensor.