 |
AM400 Soil Moisture Datalogger |
| |
|
|
AM400 Soil Moisture Datalogger
Real-time LCD display
Typical field installation
|
The AM400 Soil Moisture Datalogger is designed expressly for monitoring moisture levels in the soil. The unit consists of a datalogger, which records moisture measurements automatically and continuously, and an LCD display, which shows real-time sensor information both numerically and graphically.
The AM400 reads moisture sensors which make measurements based on electrical properties of the soil-water. A built-in calibration equation converts electrical measurements to moisture levels, expressing the moisture as a tension, in units of centibars (cb). The sensors are durable, require no maintenance, are not affected by freezing temperatures, and may be expected to last for several years.
Up to 6 sensors can be connected and placed up to 1000 feet away from a single AM400. This allows multiple profiles (2 profiles of 3 sensors each, for example) in different locations to be monitored.
Sensors are installed easily using a small hand auger, augering a hole to the desired depth, inserting a sensor, and then backfilling. The datalogger can be placed in a convenient location (such as on a fencepost at the end of a row) for better access.
Features • Logs data from 6 resistance sensors at 8-hour intervals • Soil thermistor to monitor soil temperature • Automatically applies temperature-corrected calibration • Real-time display of readings and graphs for each sensor showing five weeks of data • Moisture sensors can be located up to 1000 feet away • Runs on two AA batteries for a complete growing season • 10 months of stored readings can be downloaded to a PC • Optional software available to graph downloaded data • Weatherproof enclosure
Installation The 6 sensors are often installed at either 3 depths in two profiles or at 2 depths in three locations, to account for/look at spatial variability or to have replications in one area.
The sensors are installed in augered holes, the datalogger is fixed in a convenient location, and the sensors are wired.
Operation The real-time data display in the field allows an instant reading of the moisture status of each sensor, as well as a look at the trends in the moisture status over the last several weeks. Having the data collected and stored automatically means not having to make a trip to the field in order to ensure getting some data points. And having a continuous record may capture information that periodic measurements could never provide.
Data can be analyzed in the post-harvest period to examine the performance of the irrigation strategy or irrigation system in maintaining optimal soil-moisture conditions.
|
| |
|
Earth Systems Solutions Santa Barbara, CA 93111 USA Phone:1+805-967-2726 |
|
