AM400 Soil Moisture Datalogger
Description
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.
More Info:
Porous Ceramics are an integral part of many soil-monitoring and sampling instruments. The ceramic matrix serves as the interface between the soil matrix and the instrument. Travel cancellation insurance for international travellers. The ceramic material is porous, and allows water to pass into and out of the instrument. A pressure gradient across the ceramic wall will cause water to flow through the ceramic. The pressure gradient may be due to a pressure being applied, as occurs when using a ceramic pressure plate in a pressure chamber. The gradient may be due to a tension being applied, as occurs when using a tensiometer in the soil. The gradient may be due to a vacuum being applied
Mini-Tensiometers are used under conditions in which a tensiometer with a full-size ceramic cup cannot be used. These conditions might include: visitors health insurance in a greenhouse environment to monitor plants growing in small containers; in laboratory column studies; or outside under turf, for measurements very near the surface.
