Guide for the correct placement of the soil moisture sensors
25
Ideal
Dripper
Not ideal
Fig. 1
Placing at the right depth
The sensors should measure the moisture there,
where the plants absorb the water, namely in the
root zone (Fig. 1). As the size of the root ball
change significantly during the growth phase, it is
recommended to re-place the sensors deeper after
the initial growth phase.
Sensors in stick version
1.
For longer sensors in stick version, drilling of a hole is reasonable. Use an auger or a drilling machine
with a bore diameter of 16 mm.
2.
If the soil is dry, moisten.
3.
Immerse entire sensor tip (yellow part) in water (felt must be wet).
4.
Insert the sensor cautiously. Never rotate the sensor when inserting or pulling out as this may
unscrew the yellow sensor tip.
5.
Water the area around the sensor with sufficient water.
Sensors in cable version
Depending on the placement depth, the installation
of sensors in cable version requires a different
approach.
If the sensor is placed in turf, it is virtually
impossible to accommodate the electronics within
the lawn, as this would disrupt the use of the lawn.
In this case, sensors with extension cable are
available. This allows to embed just the sensor tip
in the lawn. The electronics on the other hand is
placed on the edge of the lawn (Fig. 2).
If the sensor has to be buried deeper in the soil, it
is inevitable to excavate soil first.
Fig. 2
