Page 3
4. After installing the soil moisture sensor, the hole needs to be carefully back-
filled and tamped down to prevent air pockets which could allow water to
channel down to the sensor.
• Fill the hole with water and push
the sensor down into the hole so it
bottoms out.
A length of 1/2” Class 315 PVC
tubing fits snugly over the sensor
collar and can be used to push the
sensor. A good snug fit in the soil
is important.
• Carefully backfill the access hole
with soil to eliminate any air
pockets.
5. You can solvent weld the 1/2” Class
315 PVC tubing to the sensor collar
for easier installation and removal.
• Use a PVC/ABS cement (IPS
Weld-on #794 or equivalent).
6. After you have installed the soil
moisture sensors, the sensors will
need one or two irrigation cycles to
“break-in” and acclimate to the soil
conditions and provide better accu-
racy.
Installation Procedure for Turf/Lawns
1. Cut a slight “V” shaped trench about 5” wide at the top and about 6” deep
into the turf--about 6” long.
2. Lift out the turf plug piece you just cut.
3. Press the sensors into the soil at about a 45 degree angle into the side of the
trench to set the sensors about 3”-5” below the soil surface. Make sure they
are good and snug in the soil.
4. Set the plug removed from the trench and compact it back into place. It will
repair itself in short order.
5. Run the wires to the Soil Moisture Station and connect them as described in
“Connecting the Sensors” on page 1.
6. If you withhold irrigation for several days and allow the soil to dry down a
bit, you should see the soil moisture readings start to creep upward.
7. Usually, you will not need to water the turf until the reading is in the 25-40
area at the recommended 3”-5” depth.
Sensor
Wires
Tape
1/2" PVC Pipe
Pipe welded to
sensor collar with
PVC/ABS cement
Soil Moisture
Sensor
PVC Pipe Welded to Soil Moisture
Sensor Collar