3
TEROS 10
Table 1 Installation (continued)
preparing
Determine Best Installation Method
There are several methods for installing soil moisture sensors. These methods
Avoid putting Any Metal in Between the Sensor and the Ferrite Core
Any metal located between the sensor and the ferrite core can interfere with
the TEROS 10 VWC measurement.
Check Sensor Functionality
Plug the sensor into the data logger (
) to make sure the sensor is
operating as expected.
NOTE: This is an analog sensor. The TEROS 10 will need to be manually selected in
ZENTRA Utility.
Conduct System Check
Verify all sensors read within expected ranges. To validate both sensor
function and logger functionality, take a sensor measurement in air and
water. The TEROS 10 will read approximately 0.64 m
3
/m
3
in water (sensor
head fully submerged to 1 cm up cable) and a slightly negative value in air.
1 cm
Installing
Create Hole
Avoid interfering objects. Large metal objects can affect the sensor function
and distort readings. Roots or rocks that could potentially bend the needles
and should be avoided.
Auger or trench a hole to the desired sensor installation depth and direction
according to the installation method desired.
Insert Sensor
ATTENTION: Minimize air gaps around the sensor. Air gaps around the sensor needles will
result in low readings of soil moisture.
1. Load the TEROS 10 using the Borehole Installation Tool (BIT).
NOTE: The BIT provides a significant amount of mechanical advantage. See
for instruction on installing the TEROS 10 without the BIT.
2. Lower the tool into the hole or trench with the back of the tool supported
by the far wall.
3. Pull the tool lever to activate the jack and insert the sensor into the
sidewall.
WARNING: When installing sensors in rocky soils, use care to avoid bending sensor needles.
The soil closest to the sensor has the strongest influence on readings. It is ideal
to install the sensor in the native soil to get accurate soil moisture readings.
