http://www.garden-info.org/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=AdminGarden-Info - User contributions [en]2026-11-02T13:19:55ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.35.2http://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Bamboo_and_root_digging_tools&diff=577Bamboo and root digging tools2023-06-17T00:05:31Z<p>Admin: Created page with "Digging up Bamboo or other plants with strong tangled roots is a challenge that ordinary shovels and spades struggle with. Here are some tools that are designed for this task..."</p>
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<div>Digging up Bamboo or other plants with strong tangled roots is a challenge that ordinary shovels and spades struggle with. Here are some tools that are designed for this task. The tools below range in price from US $80 to over US $300. Shipping can add quite a bit more on some of them.<br />
<br />
=== MidAtlantic Bamboo Spade ===<br />
The Bamboo Spade looks like a transplant spade with a sliding weight that you can raise and lower to pound the spade through the roots (or hard dirt). The spade is reinforced so that it can be used for prying up plants.<br />
<br />
Links: [https://www.midatlanticbamboo.com/bamboo-spade/bamboo-spade.htm Product website]<br />
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1mFRfbl6Lc Youtube Demo]<br />
<br />
=== The Slammer ===<br />
The Slammer looks like a digging bar with a wide blade and a sliding weight you can raise and lower to hammer the tool down.<br />
It is very rugged and can be also used for demolition in addition to the garden. It is manufactured in New Zealand and has US distributors.<br />
<br />
Links: [https://theslammertool.com Product Website]<br />
[https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=slammer+digging+tool+review Youtube Reviews and Demos]<br />
<br />
=== Brush Grubber Root Buster HD ===<br />
The Root Buster HD looks like a digging bar with a wide blade and a sliding weight you can raise and lower to hammer the tool down.<br />
<br />
Links: [http://www.brushgrubber.com/bg-18-heavy-duty-root-buster.html Product website]<br />
<br />
=== B'ROOT BAR ===<br />
Looks like a digging bar with a large axe head welded on the end.<br />
No sliding weight, also called a vertical axe.<br />
Sold on Amazon and other places<br />
<br />
Links:<br />
Warning: Their website listed in the descriptions of their YouTube videos appears to have been hacked (as of June 2023)<br />
YouTube Channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@brootbar261 Product Youtube Channel]<br />
<br />
=== Smarkey Root Cutting/Digging Tool ===<br />
Digging bar with sliding weight on handle. Blade looks narrower that most of the other tools listed here.<br />
Just appeared on Amazon, no reviews yet.<br />
<br />
Link: [https://www.amazon.com/Smarkey-Cutting-Digging-Tamping-Remover/dp/B0C38PT63M Amazon]</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Garden_Tools&diff=576Garden Tools2023-06-16T23:02:40Z<p>Admin: Created page with "== Interesting Garden Tools == * Bamboo and root digging tools"</p>
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<div>== Interesting Garden Tools ==<br />
* [[Bamboo and root digging tools]]</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=575Main Page2023-06-16T23:00:48Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>=Garden-Info.org=<br />
<br />
== Drafts - Work in Progress ==<br />
* [[Garden Tools]]<br />
* [[Measurements and Monitoring]]<br />
* [[Hawaii]]<br />
* [[home page mockup]]<br />
* [[Movies on Gardening and Plants]]<br />
* [[Garden Music]]<br />
* [[Garden Philately]]<br />
* [[Special:FormEdit/Video|Add an Video Direct]]<br />
* [[Form:Business|Add a Nursery]]<br />
* [[Form:Place|Add a Place]]</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Harvesting_Tree_Fruit&diff=574Harvesting Tree Fruit2021-08-26T22:43:49Z<p>Admin: </p>
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<div>Harvesting Tree fruit has its own unique challenges, especially of the trees are tall.<br />
<br />
Some tools I have found useful for mango (and some similar sized tree fruit):<br />
<br />
This tool works great for fruit up to 15' or so.<br />
* {{amazonlinkt |link_text=Telescopic fruit picker|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EQ33XXS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EQ33XXS&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=f4ce25e76cef55fd4a32350f45fa0c1d"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00EQ33XXS&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
**The rubber pads occasionally pop off, and if lost the manufacturer has parts available on Amazon:<br />
** {{amazonlinkt | link_text=Rubber pads | az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B9K91LY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07B9K91LY&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=2eb9b7f8b4f7bec1a143bc6494044dee"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07B9K91LY&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
** {{amazonlinkt | link_text=Replacement handle | az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09DL7D6PT/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B09DL7D6PT&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=1f5fe29111328170f15593d013ed7261"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B09DL7D6PT&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
A fruit picking basket like this one on a long telescoping pole can be used for fruit 25' to 30' off the ground. Note that this basket comes with a built-in adapter for Standard US Threaded Pole (3/4-inch Acme) (i.e. the threads used in the bottom of a paint roller handles). This gives you a lot of options on what kind of pole you can us with it, compatible poles are available online and from the big-box hardware stores. The same company also sells the basket with included poles. I've found that with very long poles, the pole tends to flex a bit at the top, and so it can take some strength and practice to pick fruit with a very long pole. These baskets usually some with piece of soft foam at the bottom to cushion the fruit dropping into them. When picking high fruit, you often need to look through the basket to see the fruit, and the foam gets in the way, so I usually remove it.<br />
* {{amazonlinkt |link_text=Fruit Picking Basket | az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWM6SXY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06XWM6SXY&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=f104af5d4d1c51c8baeeb0c6a5202b14"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B06XWM6SXY&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
* {{amazonlinkt | link_text=Fruit Picking Basket with 25' pole | az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074D6MBJN/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B074D6MBJN&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=a14cfd50fb51ba381ec6defedd53d054"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B074D6MBJN&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Harvesting_Tree_Fruit&diff=573Harvesting Tree Fruit2021-08-26T22:25:09Z<p>Admin: Created page with "Harvesting Tree fruit has its own unique challenges, especially of the trees are tall. Some tools I have found useful for mango (and some similar sized tree fruit): This too..."</p>
<hr />
<div>Harvesting Tree fruit has its own unique challenges, especially of the trees are tall.<br />
<br />
Some tools I have found useful for mango (and some similar sized tree fruit):<br />
<br />
This tool works great for fruit up to 15' or so.<br />
* {{amazonlinkt |link_text=Telescopic fruit picker|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EQ33XXS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EQ33XXS&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=f4ce25e76cef55fd4a32350f45fa0c1d"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00EQ33XXS&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
A fruit picking basket like this one on a long telescoping pole can be used for fruit 25' off the ground. Note that this basket comes with a built-in adapter for Standard US Threaded Pole (3/4-inch Acme) (i.e. the threads used in the bottom of a paint roller handles). This gives you a lot of options on what kind of pole you can us with it, compatible poles are available online and from the big-box hardware stores. The same company also sells the basket with included poles. I've found that with very long poles, the pole tends to flex a bit at the top, and so it can take some strength and practice to pick fruit with a very long pole. These baskets usually some with piece of soft foam at the bottom to cushion the fruit dropping into them. When picking high fruit, you often need to look through the basket to see the fruit, and the foam gets in the way, so I usually remove it.<br />
* {{amazonlinkt |link_text=Fruit Picking Basket | az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWM6SXY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06XWM6SXY&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=f104af5d4d1c51c8baeeb0c6a5202b14"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B06XWM6SXY&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
* {{amazonlinkt | link_text=Fruit Picking Basket with 25' pole | az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074D6MBJN/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B074D6MBJN&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=a14cfd50fb51ba381ec6defedd53d054"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B074D6MBJN&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Hawaii&diff=572Hawaii2021-08-26T21:21:04Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Gardening and Plants in Hawaii==<br />
<br />
*Master Gardener Program<br />
*[[Botanical Gardens]]<br />
*Where to buy plants<br />
**[[Nurseries]]<br />
**[[Plant Sales]]<br />
**[[Farmer Markets]]<br />
*How to Identify Plants<br />
**Plant Keys<br />
***Joseph F. Rock Herbarium [http://www.herbarium.hawaii.edu/]<br />
****Interactive ID Key to the Common Angiosperm Families of the Hawaiian Islands.<br />
****Interactive Key to the Ferns of the Hawaiian Islands<br />
*Invasive Plants<br />
*Other Resources<br />
**CTAR<br />
**Websites<br />
*Blogs<br />
** Hawaii Gardening by Janice Crowl author of Container Gardening in Hawaii [http://hawaiigardening.blogspot.com/]<br />
*Hawaii specific Gardening and Plants Books<br />
*Hawaii specific Gardening Magazines<br />
*Notable Plants specimens and their locations<br />
*Events of interest to gardeners and plant people<br />
*Education resources<br />
*Organizations<br />
**Honolulu Rose Society [http://www.honolulurosesociety.org/]<br />
**Oahu Master Gardners [http://www.facebook.com/OahuMG]<br />
**Big Island Association of Nurserymen [http://hawaiiplants.com/index.html]<br />
**Honolulu Orchid Society [http://www.honoluluorchidsociety.org/]<br />
**Mililani Orchid Club [http://www.mililaniorchidclub.org/]<br />
**Kaimuki Orchid Society [http://kaimukiorchidsociety.org/]<br />
**List of Orchid Clubs [http://www.mililaniorchidclub.org/orchidclubs.html]<br />
**Hawaii Kai Orchid Society [http://www.ikanaka.com/HKOS_MembersActivities.html]<br />
**Windward Orchid Society [http://windwardorchidsociety.org/]<br />
**Daifukuji Soto Mission Orchid Club [http://www.daifukuji.org/activities.html]<br />
**Aiea Orchid Club [http://aieaorchidclub.blogspot.com/]<br />
**Kona Outdoor Circle [http://www.konaoutdoorcircle.org/]<br />
**Native Hawaiian Plant Society [http://www.hear.org/nhps/]<br />
**Ewa Orchid Society [http://ewaorchidsociety.tripod.com/]<br />
**Hui Okika O Kunia, Inc., The Kunia Orchid Society [http://kuniaorchidsociety.tripod.com/]<br />
**Maui Orchid Society [http://www.mauiorchidsociety.org/]<br />
**Kona Orchid Society [http://www.konaorchidsociety.org/]<br />
**Friends of Honolulu Botanical Gardens [http://www.friendsofhonolulubotanicalgardens.com/]<br />
**Orchid Society of Manoa<br />
**Hawaii Bonsai Association [http://hawaiibonsaiassoc.org/] <br />
**Hawaii Agtourism Association [http://www.hiagtourism.org/]<br />
**Hawaii Organic Farmers Association [http://www.hawaiiorganic.org/]<br />
**Aloha Arborist Association [http://www.alohaarborist.com/]<br />
*Importing Plants into Hawaii<br />
*Pages to Watch<br />
** Star Advertiser Garden Calendar [http://www.staradvertiser.com/features/calendars/2011_home_and_garden.html?id=96271823]<br />
** Orchid Show calendar [http://www.honoluluorchidsociety.org/?page_id=30]<br />
** Rose Society Calendar [http://www.honolulurosesociety.org/calendar.html]<br />
** Oahu Nursery Growers Association Calendar [http://ongahawaii.com/Calendar.html]<br />
** Hawaii Bonsai Association [http://hawaiibonsaiassoc.org/]<br />
** Landscape Hawaii Calendar [http://landscapehawaii.org/events-calendar.asp]<br />
** Honolulu Rose Society Calendar [http://www.honolulurosesociety.org/calendar.html]<br />
*To Do<br />
** List of Bonsai Associations in Hawaii [http://www.hawaiibonsaiassoc.org/files/Clubs.html]<br />
** List of Hawaii Ag societies mostly commerical [http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Hawaii/Publications/Annual_Statistical_Bulletin/stat09-95.pdf]<br />
** Community Gardens<br />
** Volunteer opportunities<br />
** Orchid grower/supplier list<br />
** find calendar sites to monitor<br />
** Buying rose sources [http://www.honolulurosesociety.org/buying.html]<br />
** Nursery Lists [http://landscapehawaii.org/native-hawaiian-plants.asp]<br />
** Commerical Associations [http://landscapehawaii.org/our-associations.asp]<br />
** Association list [http://www.plantsgalore.com/data/groups/02-HI-Groups.aspx]<br />
** Agtourism [http://www.hiagtourism.org/]<br />
** Association list [http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Hawaii/Publications/Annual_Statistical_Bulletin/stat09-95.pdf]<br />
** classified ads [http://www.hawaiiorganic.org/bulletin-board]<br />
** include links to good you-tube videos like VSH gardening lecture<br />
** Permaculture: classes, people, projects, resources<br />
** We garden for you resources<br />
** Garden Related Charities<br />
*** [http://www.echonet.org/ Echo] - promotes improved gardening techniques in 3rd world countries<br />
*** [http://www.gardenconservancy.org/ The Garden Conservancy] - Saves and preserves Americaâs exceptional gardens for the education and enjoyment of the public<br />
*** [http://communitygarden.org/ American Community Gardening Association] - increase and enhance community gardening and greening across the United States and Canada<br />
*** [http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/ Green Education Foundation] - creating a sustainable future through education (K-12)<br />
*** [http://www.gardenwriters.org/gwa.php?p=par/index.html Plant a Row for the Hungry] - a public service program of the Garden Writers Association and the GWA Foundation. Encourage people to plant an extra row of produce each year and donate their surplus to local food banks, soup kitchens, and service orgnaizations.<br />
*** [http://www.growfood.com/ Food For Everyone Foundation] - encourage and foster the efficient scientific non-polluting and ecologically sensitive food production procedures (Mittleider) with primary emphasis on the developing countries.<br />
*** [http://kitchengardeners.org/ Kitchen Gardeners International] - empower individuals, families, and communities to achieve greater levels of food self-reliance through the promotion of kitchen gardening, home-cooking, and sustainable local food systems.<br />
*** [http://www.seedsavers.org/ Seed Savers Exchange] - dedicated to saving and sharing heirloom seeds<br />
*** [http://www.dinnergarden.org/ Dinner Garden] - The Dinner Garden is fighting to end hunger in the United States with home and community gardens.<br />
*** [http://www.growbiointensive.org/ Ecology Action] - Our mission is to train people worldwide to better feed themselves while conserving resources.<br />
*** [http://opensourceecology.org/ Open Source Ecology] - A Network of Farmers, Engineers, and Supporters Building the Global Village Construction Set<br />
** Botany for Crime solving<br />
*** [http://www.howplantswork.com/2011/12/19/csi-botany-using-plants-to-solve-crimes/ Forensic Botany]<br />
** Garden Mazes<br />
*** [http://www.dole-plantation.com/Worlds-Largest-Maze Dole Maze] -- Large maze in the world, 3 acres, 2.5 miles of paths<br />
** Garden Music -- does music make plants grow better?<br />
** Garden Humor<br />
** Garden Volunteer Opportunities<br />
** Garden Compost and Mulch Sources<br />
** Garden Fertilizer Sources<br />
*** Zoo?<br />
** Garden TV Shows<br />
** Garden Podcasts<br />
** Garden Tools<br />
** Garden Automation<br />
** Garden Gadgets<br />
** Garden Myths<br />
** ethnobotany<br />
** Unusual Gardening and Plant book sources<br />
*** [http://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/Books.htm J. L. HUDSON, SEEDSMAN] - unusual books about edible plants, medicinal plants, American Indian, Australian, and African ethnobotany, books on seed saving, source lists, and more<br />
** [http://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/OtherSources.htm List of unusual garden, plant, organization sites]<br />
** [http://plantinfo.umn.edu/sources/nsearch.asp list of Hawaii Nurseries]<br />
** [http://mrbrownthumb.blogspot.com/2011/12/seed-catalog-list.html selected Seed catalog list]<br />
** CSAs<br />
** Rooftop gardening<br />
*** [http://farmroof.com/ FarmRoof] -- urban rooftop farms and CSA<br />
** Vertical Gardening<br />
** Garden Stamps<br />
** Allegry Free Gardening<br />
*** [http://www.allergyfree-gardening.com/ AllegryFree-Gardening.com]<br />
** Bonsai<br />
** Movies about gardening<br />
*** Back to Eden [http://backtoedenfilm.com/]<br />
** Garden Records (largest, biggest, etc)<br />
** Guerrilla Gardening<br />
** Survival Gardening<br />
** Foraging<br />
** wearable plants<br />
*** necklace planters<br />
** 3d printed garden items<br />
** Biochar<br />
** smartphone and table apps<br />
** Garden Music<br />
** Garden Poetry<br />
** Garden Limericks<br />
** Garden Humor<br />
** Garden Clipart<br />
** Veganic agriculture<br />
** [[Robot Gardening and Farming]]<br />
** [[Harvesting Tree Fruit]]</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Measure_Soil_Moisture&diff=571Measure Soil Moisture2021-08-21T01:33:38Z<p>Admin: </p>
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<div>There are many different ways to check the soil moisture in your garden. This is a summary of the different instruments and techniques available measuring soil moisture. Also included are links to resources for making your own sensors.<br />
<br />
=Manual Methods=<br />
<br />
== Plant Appearance==<br />
When you see noticeable signs plant distress like wilting, it means the plant has run out of water. This is not good for the plant and is a poor way to determine when to water.<br />
<br />
==Fingers==<br />
Just feel the soil. It can be hard to judge other than the surface moisture unless you dig a hole.<br />
<br />
==Wood Probes==<br />
If the soil is soft you can use a thin wood stick such as a skewer to probe the soil. Insert the stick and when you can pull it out you can observe or feel it to determine how moist the soil is.<br><br />
{{amazonlinkt|link_text=Amazon - 12-Inch Bamboo Skewers|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MY7W5LJ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07MY7W5LJ&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=57af4837664fd56721802afedb939893"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07MY7W5LJ&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
==Notched stick==<br />
[[File:Inside_urban_green_soil_probe.jpg|150px]] To use this type of probe, you push into the soil, rotate, and pull out. You can then access the soil moisture by observing and feeling the soil samples retrieved in the notches. See this article for more details [http://www.insideurbangreen.org/2008/08/a-better-way-to-check-soil-moisture.html A Better Way To Check Soil Moisture]<br />
<br />
==Soil cores==<br />
A hollow tube you push into the soil to extract a column of soil for examination.<br />
These come in various lengths up to several feet long<br><br />
{{amazonlinkt|link_text=Tubular Soil Sampler - From Amazon|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NERJ5S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004NERJ5S&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=84e1bfc34e92153cee50e229da2ac416"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B004NERJ5S&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
==Bottom Wick==<br />
For containers, [[Al Tapla]] suggests putting an adsorbent wick hanging down from the bottom of the pot. You can just feel it where it exits the pot to determine if the soil is still moist. See Also: [[Container wicks]]<br />
<br />
==Weight==<br />
For containers, if you are familiar with the plant, you can just lift or weigh it to get a feel for how much water is in the soil.<br />
<br />
=Soil Meters=<br />
There are many different types of meters to measure soil moisture. They range in cost from a few dollars up to a few thousand dollars.<br />
The low cost meters are almost all conductivity meters. The most expensive ones are radar based.<br />
==Soil Electrolyte Meters==<br />
These meters have a probe with two dissimilar metals separated by an insulator. When the probe is inserted into the ground the two disimular metals and the moist soil form a simple battery and the output of this battery is displayed on a meter to indicate soil moisture. The more moist the soil, the higher the battery output and the higher the reading on the meter. The main disadvantage of these meters is erroneous readings when the soil contains too high a concentration of salts or minerals or when the probe metals oxidize or otherwise no longer make good contact with the soil. Sometimes cleaning the probe with steel wool can help, but check manufacturer instructions frist. The advantage of these meters is that they require no battery, and are low cost and very simple to use. These meters are often combined with probes for PH. <br />
<br />
Examples of these meters are:<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=Indoor/Outdoor Moisture Sensor Meter|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002B80FU4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002B80FU4&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=8048a4dc73d0113457ca2edb803ddfe4"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B002B80FU4&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=SONKIR Soil pH Meter, MS02 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BR52P26/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07BR52P26&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=49b7ffb3b1e3f50398fa5443a31ffae6"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07BR52P26&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==Soil Resistance (or Conductivity) Meters==<br />
These meters typically have a battery and work by the electrolyte effect described above or measure the resistance of the soil by sending a small current through the soil. Moist soil is more conductive (lower resistance) and so will conduct more current. The results are displayed on an analog or digital meter. The disadvantages of this meter type are: batteries required, erroneous readings when the soil contains too high a concentration of salts or minerals or when the probe metals oxidize or otherwise no longer make good contact with the soil. Sometimes cleaning the probe with steel wool can help, but check manufacturer instructions first. The advantages of these meters are: usually low cost and very simple to use. <br />
<br />
Examples of these meters are:<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=Luster Leaf Rapitest Digital Moisture Meter|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032WFD4G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0032WFD4G&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=08a7ed2bf536f21fd6a46605baad90ee"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B0032WFD4G&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}} <br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=REOTEMP Garden and Compost Moisture Meter (15 Inch Stem). There is also a 36" version|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DM4LS1D/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07DM4LS1D&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=5fac2a93179d9031278d15a2b52908e3"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07DM4LS1D&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
===DIY Do It Yourself Sensors===<br />
* [http://www.faludi.com/2006/11/02/moisture-sensor-circuit/ Moisture Sensor Circuit] Blog post with schematic for a simple sensor and numerous reader comments.<br />
* [https://store.qkits.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=soil+moisture Qkit Elecronics] Kits for soil moisture sensor<br />
* [http://www.discovercircuits.com/S/s-water.htm Sensors, Detectors: Water, Moisture Sensors] circuits for various moisture sensors<br />
* [http://www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/how-to-make-cheap-soil-moisture-sensor-2/ HOW TO MAKE A CHEAP SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR â HEAVY DUTY VERSION] Detailed instructions for making gypsum block sensors. Reader comments discuss alternative methods. including capacitance sensors and the [https://www.vegetronix.com Vegetronix] sensor.<br />
* [http://www.circuitdiagram.org/plant-soil-moisture-tester-circuit.html Plant Soil Moisture Tester Circuit] Very simple circuit or measuring moisture<br />
* [http://electroschematics.com/761/soil-moisture-tester/ SOIL MOISTURE TESTER] Article about building a soil moisture sensor, includes schematics.<br />
<br />
==Soil Capacitance Meters==<br />
The [[wikipedia:Capacitance|capacitance]] of soil depends on how moist it is. If two parallel conducting probes are placed in the soil, then they form a [[wikipedia:capacitor|capacitor]] with the soil as the [[wikipedia:Dielectric|dielectric]]. As the moisture of the soil changes, the relative [[wikipedia:Permittivity|permittivity]] of the soil changes and as a result the capacitance between the probes changes. The capacitance values are very small on the order of a few pico farads and so require a little effort to measure. One common method is to create an oscillator using the soil capacitance to set the frequency. As the to soil moisture changes, the capacitance changes and the oscillator frequency shifts. This frequency shift is measured and displayed to show the soil moisture.<br />
<br />
These meters have the advantage of being reasonably independent of the soil mineralization, and the metal in the soil probes can be insulated and so are less prone to oxidize or otherwise deteriorate from being in direct contact with the soil. Since the measurement is affected by the soil both to the sides and between the probes, this method is more of an overall indication of the soil moisture rather than just the soil directly between the tips of the probes as in the case of the soil conductivity meters.<br />
<br />
These meters were once very expensive, but prices have dropped with the advent of micro processors.<br />
<br />
===Consumer Products===<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=Ecowitt remote sensor with meter -- sensor available separately for use in larger Ecowitt systems |az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CJYTSH1/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07CJYTSH1&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=057533670a8ec2526b545b32f41517bc"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07CJYTSH1&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
===System Components===<br />
* [https://www.vegetronix.com Vegetronix] makes several different models that are relatively low cost and easy to inferface to micro processors and other systems.<br />
* [http://www.decagon.com/en/education/application/plant-ecology/ Decagon Devices] makes a range of different professional grade soil sensors<br />
===DIY Do It Yourself Sensors===<br />
It is not difficult to fabricate you own soil capacitance sensors.<br />
* [http://www.actahort.org/books/171/171_6.htm A CAPACITANCE SOIL MOISTURE METER] A research paper describing a sensor made from two lengths of wire. Only the abstract is available free -- check your library.<br />
* [http://hulk.bu.edu/pubs/papers/2007/TR-05-02-2007.doc WiGreen Soil Moisture Sensing System] Student project from Boston University. A description of a student designed and built network of soil sensors and a central computer system to collect the data.<br />
* [http://dei-s1.dei.uminho.pt/pessoas/higino/pampus/AV_ISIE00.pdf On-chip integrated silicon bulk-micromachined soil moisture sensor with electronics and bus interface] Research paper describes building at testing a low cost sensor based on capacitive and heat-pulse methods.<br />
* [http://www98.griffith.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/10072/9072/1/21909.pdf Contributions to the Measured Capacitance by the Dielectric Properties of Water in Insulated Electrode Soil Moisture Sensors] Research paper that compares the theory to experimental results for capacitive soil sensors.<br />
* [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/4224566_Wireless_Soil_Moisture_Sensor_Based_on_Fringing_Capacitance Wireless soil moisture sensor based on fringing capacitance] Only the abstract is free online. Check you Library.<br />
* [http://www.crops.org/publications/sssaj/pdfs/68/2/430 Calibration of Capacitance Probe Sensors using Electric Circuit Theory] Research paper comparing theory to experimental results<br />
* [https://www.fertinnowa.com/technologies/capacitance-probes-measuring-soil-moisture/ Capacitance probes for measuring soil moisture] Fertinnowa articles on capacitance probes<br />
* [http://www.agri.gov.il/en/people/788.aspx Arie Nadler, Ph.D.] Personal page for soil researcher, includes a schematic for a capacitive soil probe<br />
<br />
==Chemical Color Change==<br />
Some materials will change color depending on how moist they are. Some materials may have a limited useful lifetime.<br />
Sensors that use this effect:<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=Sustee Aquameter, Plant Moisture Sensor, various lengths available, approximately 6 month lifetime|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CGZGJ8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B076CGZGJ8&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=ebe5b6e2ebddb1b3d45da031ac506ed2"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B076CGZGJ8&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
[https://daphnesbotanicals.com/products/plantdoc Daphne's Plantdoc sensor] is leaf shaped with the stem inserted in the soil<br />
<br />
<br />
==Frequency domain reflectometry (FDR)==<br />
FDR systems send an oscillating signal into a buried [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|transmission line]] and then measure the frequency of the signal that is reflected back. The amount of moisture in the soil changes the [[Wikipedia:Dielectric constant|dielectric constant]] of the soil and as a result the frequency of the reflected signal. So the difference of the sent and received signals changes depending on the soil moisture.<br />
<br />
==Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)==<br />
Measures the speed of a radio wave through [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|transmission line]] buried in the soil. The amount of moisture in the soil changes [[Wikipedia:Dielectric constant|Dielectric constant]] of the soil and as a result the speed of the signal. TDR sensors send a electromagnetic pulse into the buried transmission line and then measure how long it takes to see the pulse reflected back from the end of the buried transmission line.<br />
<br />
==Time Domain Transmission (TDT)==<br />
Measures the one-way time for an electromagnetic pulse to travel over the length of a [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|Transmission Line]]. This is similar to the [[Wikipedia:Time-domain reflectometer|TDR]] technique, but rather than measuring the reflections of the pulse, it measures the one-way transit time of the pulse over the length of the transmission line by using equipment at both ends of the transmission line. <br />
Since soil moisture changes the speed of the signal, the amount of water in the soil can be calculated from the transit time of the signal. Typically these sensors are permanently installed in the soil.<br />
* [http://www.streatsahead.com/Pages/Aquaflex%20Menu.html AQUAFLEX soil moisture meters] The Aquaflex sensor loops the transmission line so that physically all of the electronics are at one end of the sensor.<br />
<br />
===Coaxial Impedance Dielectric Reflectometry===<br />
Similar to FDR and TDR sensors described above. The sensor sends an oscillating signal into the soil and measures the signal reflected from the soil itself to determine the soil moisture. <br />
* [https://stevenswater.com/applications/soil-monitoring/ Hydra Probe Soil Moisture Sensor]<br />
<br />
==Gravimetric==<br />
Take some soil weigh it, put it in the oven, heat it to drive out all the water, weigh it, the difference is the amount of water that was in the soil. Accurate, but not practical for frequent measurements.<br />
<br />
==Soil Water Tension==<br />
[[File:Tensiometer.png|left|100px|alt=Tensiometer diagram|1. Porus cup, usually ceramic 2. tube, length will vary depending on depth being measured 3. Top Seal 4. Pressure sensor/vacuum gauge]]<br />
<br />
These sensors (Tensiometers) measure how hard it is to extract water from the soil, i.e. they measure soil water tension. This is the same water tension that plants must overcome to extract water from the soil.<br />
Typically these sensors are a sealed water filled pipe with a ceramic cup at the soil end, and a vacuum gauge at the top. When the soil is dry, water travels through the ceramic cup into the soil and creates a vacuum at the top of the pipe which can be measured with the vacuum gauge. When water is added to the soil, water travels back from the soil through the ceramic cup into the pipe decreasing the vacuum at the top of the pipe. It is possible to make you own Tensionmeters although I have not seen anyone do it recently.<br />
* [https://dynamax.com/products/soil-moisture/eq3-equitensiometer Dynamax Tensiometers]<br />
* [http://www.irrometer.com/sensors.html IRROMETER Tensiometers]<br />
<br />
<br />
==Neutron Thermalisation==<br />
Measures how much water in the soil slows down neutrons. Expensive.<br />
* [https://www.troxlerlabs.com/products/details?prodid=44 Troxler SOIL MOISTURE GAUGE]<br />
* [https://www.instrotek.com/products/503-elite-hydroprobe InstroTek Hydroprobe] Company used to be called CPN International, Inc and research papers often refer to CPN probes.<br />
<br />
==Thermal Dissipation==<br />
Measures how heat dissipates in the soil which changes with soil moisture.<br />
Depends on a dry soil heating up faster than a moist soil. The sensor is a porous block with an embedded heater and temperature sensor. To make a measurement, the temperature is measured, the header turned on for a fixed time period, then the temperature is measured again. The difference between the beginning and ending temperatures is a function of how much moisture is in the soil.<br />
<br />
Example: AquaSensor<br />
<br />
==Soil Thermocouple Psychrometers==<br />
This method requires putting a sample in sealed chamber and indirectly measuring water that evaporates from the soil with a thermocouple.<br />
* [https://udspace.udel.edu/bitstream/handle/19716/2828/Chapter%203.%20Thermocouple%20Psychrometer.pdf?sequence=6&isAllowed=y Thermocouple Psychrometry] Chapter in the book: [https://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/2828 Measuring the water status of plants and soils] describing the technique.<br />
<br />
=References=</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Measure_Soil_Moisture&diff=570Measure Soil Moisture2021-08-20T23:45:55Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>There are many different ways to check the soil moisture in your garden. This is a summary of the different instruments and techniques available measuring soil moisture. Also included are links to resources for making your own sensors.<br />
<br />
=Manual Methods=<br />
<br />
== Plant Appearance==<br />
When you see noticeable signs plant distress like wilting, it means the plant has run out of water. This is not good for the plant and is a poor way to determine when to water.<br />
<br />
==Fingers==<br />
Just feel the soil. It can be hard to judge other than the surface moisture unless you dig a hole.<br />
<br />
==Wood Probes==<br />
If the soil is soft you can use a thin wood stick such as a skewer to probe the soil. Insert the stick and when you can pull it out you can observe or feel it to determine how moist the soil is.<br><br />
{{amazonlinkt|link_text=Amazon - 12-Inch Bamboo Skewers|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MY7W5LJ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07MY7W5LJ&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=57af4837664fd56721802afedb939893"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07MY7W5LJ&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
==Notched stick==<br />
[[File:Inside_urban_green_soil_probe.jpg|150px]] To use this type of probe, you push into the soil, rotate, and pull out. You can then access the soil moisture by observing and feeling the soil samples retrieved in the notches. See this article for more details [http://www.insideurbangreen.org/2008/08/a-better-way-to-check-soil-moisture.html A Better Way To Check Soil Moisture]<br />
<br />
==Soil cores==<br />
A hollow tube you push into the soil to extract a column of soil for examination.<br />
These come in various lengths up to several feet long<br><br />
{{amazonlinkt|link_text=Tubular Soil Sampler - From Amazon|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NERJ5S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004NERJ5S&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=84e1bfc34e92153cee50e229da2ac416"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B004NERJ5S&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
==Bottom Wick==<br />
For containers, [[Al Tapla]] suggests putting an adsorbent wick hanging down from the bottom of the pot. You can just feel it where it exits the pot to determine if the soil is still moist. See Also: [[Container wicks]]<br />
<br />
==Weight==<br />
For containers, if you are familiar with the plant, you can just lift or weigh it to get a feel for how much water is in the soil.<br />
<br />
=Soil Meters=<br />
There are many different types of meters to measure soil moisture. They range in cost from a few dollars up to a few thousand dollars.<br />
The low cost meters are almost all conductivity meters. The most expensive ones are radar based.<br />
==Soil Electrolyte Meters==<br />
These meters have a probe with two dissimilar metals separated by an insulator. When the probe is inserted into the ground the two disimular metals and the moist soil form a simple battery and the output of this battery is displayed on a meter to indicate soil moisture. The more moist the soil, the higher the battery output and the higher the reading on the meter. The main disadvantage of these meters is erroneous readings when the soil contains too high a concentration of salts or minerals or when the probe metals oxidize or otherwise no longer make good contact with the soil. Sometimes cleaning the probe with steel wool can help, but check manufacturer instructions frist. The advantage of these meters is that they require no battery, and are low cost and very simple to use. These meters are often combined with probes for PH. <br />
<br />
Examples of these meters are:<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=Indoor/Outdoor Moisture Sensor Meter|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002B80FU4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002B80FU4&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=8048a4dc73d0113457ca2edb803ddfe4"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B002B80FU4&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=SONKIR Soil pH Meter, MS02 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BR52P26/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07BR52P26&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=49b7ffb3b1e3f50398fa5443a31ffae6"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07BR52P26&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==Soil Resistance (or Conductivity) Meters==<br />
These meters typically have a battery and work by the electrolyte effect described above or measure the resistance of the soil by sending a small current through the soil. Moist soil is more conductive (lower resistance) and so will conduct more current. The results are displayed on an analog or digital meter. The disadvantages of this meter type are: batteries required, erroneous readings when the soil contains too high a concentration of salts or minerals or when the probe metals oxidize or otherwise no longer make good contact with the soil. Sometimes cleaning the probe with steel wool can help, but check manufacturer instructions first. The advantages of these meters are: usually low cost and very simple to use. <br />
<br />
Examples of these meters are:<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=Luster Leaf Rapitest Digital Moisture Meter|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032WFD4G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0032WFD4G&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=08a7ed2bf536f21fd6a46605baad90ee"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B0032WFD4G&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}} <br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=REOTEMP Garden and Compost Moisture Meter (15 Inch Stem). There is also a 36" version|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DM4LS1D/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07DM4LS1D&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=5fac2a93179d9031278d15a2b52908e3"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07DM4LS1D&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
===DIY Do It Yourself Sensors===<br />
* [http://home.roadrunner.com/~randylinscott/nov20.htm Randy Linscott Circuit] A schematic for a 741 op amp based sensor<br />
* [http://www.waset.org/journals/waset/v35/v35-57.pdf A High Accuracy Measurement Circuit for Soil Moisture Detection]<br />
* [http://www.botanicalls.com/ www.botanicals.com] Plans and kits for soil sensors connected to the internet.<br />
* [http://www.faludi.com/2006/11/02/moisture-sensor-circuit/ Moisture Sensor Circuit] Blog post with schematic for a simple sensor and numerous reader comments.<br />
* [http://store.qkits.com/moreinfo.cfm/FK908 Soil Moisture Indicator Kit] Kit for soil moisture sensor<br />
* [http://www.discovercircuits.com/S/s-water.htm Sensors, Detectors: Water, Moisture Sensors] circuits for various moisture sensors<br />
* [http://www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/2009/11/how-to-make-cheap-soil-moisture-sensor-2.html HOW TO MAKE A CHEAP SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR â HEAVY DUTY VERSION] Detailed instructions for making gypsum block sensors. Reader comments discuss alternative methods. including capacitance sensors and the [[Business:Vegetronix]] sensor.<br />
* [http://www.circuitdiagram.org/plant-soil-moisture-tester-circuit.html Plant Soil Moisture Tester Circuit] Very simple circuit or measuring moisture<br />
* [http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1255471714/all How to: soil moisture measurement] Discussion on the Arduino Forum on designing and making sensors<br />
* [http://electroschematics.com/761/soil-moisture-tester/ SOIL MOISTURE TESTER] Article about building a soil moisture sensor, includes schematics.<br />
<br />
==Soil Capacitance Meters==<br />
The [[wikipedia:Capacitance|capacitance]] of soil depends on how moist it is. If two parallel conducting probes are placed in the soil, then they form a [[wikipedia:capacitor|capacitor]] with the soil as the [[wikipedia:Dielectric|dielectric]]. As the moisture of the soil changes, the relative [[wikipedia:Permittivity|permittivity]] of the soil changes and as a result the capacitance between the probes changes. The capacitance values are very small on the order of a few pico farads and so require a little effort to measure. One common method is to create an oscillator using the soil capacitance to set the frequency. As the to soil moisture changes, the capacitance changes and the oscillator frequency shifts. This frequency shift is measured and displayed to show the soil moisture.<br />
<br />
These meters have the advantage of being reasonably independent of the soil mineralization, and the metal in the soil probes can be insulated and so are less prone to oxidize or otherwise deteriorate from being in direct contact with the soil. Since the measurement is affected by the soil both to the sides and between the probes, this method is more of an overall indication of the soil moisture rather than just the soil directly between the tips of the probes as in the case of the soil conductivity meters.<br />
<br />
These meters were once very expensive, but prices have dropped with the advent of micro processors.<br />
<br />
===Consumer Products===<br />
<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=Ecowitt remote sensor with meter -- sensor available separately for use in larger Ecowitt systems |az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CJYTSH1/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07CJYTSH1&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=057533670a8ec2526b545b32f41517bc"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07CJYTSH1&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
===System Components===<br />
* [https://www.vegetronix.com Vegetronix]] makes several different models that are relatively low cost and easy to inferface to micro processors and other systems.<br />
* [http://www.decagon.com/en/education/application/plant-ecology/ Decagon Devices] makes a range of different professional grade soil sensors<br />
===DIY Do It Yourself Sensors===<br />
It is not difficult to fabricate you own soil capacitance sensors.<br />
* [http://www.dietmar-weisser.de/elektronikprojekte1/analogtechnik/feuchtesensor Analog soil moisture sensor] Article includes PCB layout, Schematic, and Source code. In German - use Google Translate<br />
* [http://www.dietmar-weisser.de/elektronikprojekte1/analogtechnik/78-pflanzen-giessindikator plant GieÃindikator] Article includes PCB layout, Schematic, and Source code. In German - use Google Translate<br />
* [http://gardenbot.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7 soil moisture sensor comparison] An Adafruit forum discussion on building capacitance soil moisture sensors<br />
* [http://www.deepdarc.com/?q=moisture Soil Moisture Sensor] Blog posts about building a capacitance soil moisture sensor that include schematics and pcb layouts<br />
* [http://www.actahort.org/books/171/171_6.htm A CAPACITANCE SOIL MOISTURE METER] A research paper describing a sensor made from two lengths of wire. Only the abstract is available free -- check your library.<br />
* [http://hulk.bu.edu/pubs/papers/2007/TR-05-02-2007.doc WiGreen Soil Moisture Sensing System] Student project from Boston University. A description of a student designed and built network of soil sensors and a central computer system to collect the data.<br />
* [http://www.sowacs.com/sensors/capacitance.html CAPACITANCE SENSORS (FDR)] describes how capacitive probes work, and has links to manufacturers and other information -- a number of dead links but still a good resource<br />
* [http://dei-s1.dei.uminho.pt/pessoas/higino/pampus/AV_ISIE00.pdf On-chip integrated silicon bulk-micromachined soil moisture sensor with electronics and bus interface] Research paper describes building at testing a low cost sensor based on capacitive and heat-pulse methods.<br />
* [http://www98.griffith.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/10072/9072/1/21909.pdf Contributions to the Measured Capacitance by the Dielectric Properties of Water in Insulated Electrode Soil Moisture Sensors] Research paper that compares the theory to experimental results for capacitive soil sensors.<br />
* [http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/login.jsp?reload=true&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fiel5%2F10646%2F33608%2F01597624.pdf%3Farnumber%3D1597624&authDecision=-203 Wireless soil moisture sensor based on fringing capacitance] Only the abstract is free online. Check you Library.<br />
* [http://www.crops.org/publications/sssaj/pdfs/68/2/430 Calibration of Capacitance Probe Sensors using Electric Circuit Theory] Research paper comparing theory to experimental results<br />
* [http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu/gainesville/irrigation/capacitance_probe.shtml Volumetric Sensors for Soil Moisture: Capacitance Probe] University of Florida describes advantages and disadvantages of capacitance and other probes.<br />
* [http://www.agri.gov.il/en/people/788.aspx Arie Nadler, Ph.D.] Personal page for soil researcher, includes a schematic for a capacitive soil probe<br />
<br />
==Chemical Color Change==<br />
[https://sustee.jp/en/ Sustee] has developed a soil moisture sensor that uses a chemical color change to indicate moisture level: white for dry and blue for wet. The sensors come in varying lengths. According to the Sustee FAQ, after six months of use, they may need a core refill replacement.<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=Sustee Aquameter, Plant Moisture Sensor, Set of 2 (Green, Large)|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CGZGJ8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B076CGZGJ8&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=ebe5b6e2ebddb1b3d45da031ac506ed2"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B076CGZGJ8&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==Frequency domain reflectometry (FDR)==<br />
FDR systems send an oscillating signal into a buried [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|transmission line]] and then measure the frequency of the signal that is reflected back. The amount of moisture in the soil changes the [[Wikipedia:Dielectric constant|dielectric constant]] of the soil and as a result the frequency of the reflected signal. So the difference of the sent and received signals changes depending on the soil moisture.<br />
<br />
==Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)==<br />
Measures the speed of a radio wave through [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|transmission line]] buried in the soil. The amount of moisture in the soil changes [[Wikipedia:Dielectric constant|Dielectric constant]] of the soil and as a result the speed of the signal. TDR sensors send a electromagnetic pulse into the buried transmission line and then measure how long it takes to see the pulse reflected back from the end of the buried transmission line.<br />
<br />
==Time Domain Transmission (TDT)==<br />
Measures the one-way time for an electromagnetic pulse to travel over the length of a [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|Transmission Line]]. This is similar to the [[Wikipedia:Time-domain reflectometer|TDR]] technique, but rather than measuring the reflections of the pulse, it measures the one-way transit time of the pulse over the length of the transmission line by using equipment at both ends of the transmission line. <br />
Since soil moisture changes the speed of the signal, the amount of water in the soil can be calculated from the transit time of the signal. Typically these sensors are permanently installed in the soil.<br />
* [http://www.streatsahead.com/Pages/Aquaflex%20Menu.html AQUAFLEX soil moisture meters] The Aquaflex sensor loops the transmission line so that physically all of the electronics are at one end of the sensor.<br />
<br />
===Coaxial Impedance Dielectric Reflectometry===<br />
Similar to FDR and TDR sensors described above. The sensor sends an oscillating signal into the soil and measures the signal reflected from the soil itself to determine the soil moisture. <br />
* [http://www.stevenswater.com/soil_moisture_sensors/index.aspx Hydra Probe Soil Moisture Sensor]<br />
<br />
==Gravimetric==<br />
Take some soil weigh it, put it in the oven, heat it to drive out all the water, weigh it, the difference is the amount of water that was in the soil. Accurate, but not practical for frequent measurements.<br />
<br />
==Soil Water Tension==<br />
[[File:Tensiometer.png|left|100px|alt=Tensiometer diagram|1. Porus cup, usually ceramic 2. tube, length will vary depending on depth being measured 3. Top Seal 4. Pressure sensor/vacuum gauge]]<br />
<br />
These sensors (Tensiometers) measure how hard it is to extract water from the soil, i.e. they measure soil water tension. This is the same water tension that plants must overcome to extract water from the soil.<br />
Typically these sensors are a sealed water filled pipe with a ceramic cup at the soil end, and a vacuum gauge at the top. When the soil is dry, water travels through the ceramic cup into the soil and creates a vacuum at the top of the pipe which can be measured with the vacuum gauge. When water is added to the soil, water travels back from the soil through the ceramic cup into the pipe decreasing the vacuum at the top of the pipe. It is possible to make you own Tensionmeters although I have not seen anyone do it recently.<br />
* [http://www.dynamax.com/tensiometers.htm Dynamax Tensiometers]<br />
* [http://www.irrometer.com/sensors.html IRROMETER Tensiometers]<br />
<br />
<br />
==Neutron Thermalisation==<br />
Measures how much water in the soil slows down neutrons. Expensive.<br />
* [http://www.troxlerlabs.com/products/4301.php Troxler MODEL 4300 SOIL MOISTURE GAUGE]<br />
* [http://instrotek.com/material-testing/field-products/503dr-hydroprobe/ InstroTek 503DR Hydroprobe] Company used to be called CPN International, Inc and research papers often refer to CPN probes.<br />
<br />
==Thermal Dissipation==<br />
Measures how heat dissipates in the soil which changes with soil moisture.<br />
Depends on a dry soil heating up faster than a moist soil. The sensor is a porous block with an embedded heater and temperature sensor. To make a measurement, the temperature is measured, the header turned on for a fixed time period, then the temperature is measured again. The difference between the beginning and ending temperatures is a function of how much moisture is in the soil.<br />
<br />
Example: AquaSensor<br />
<br />
==Soil Thermocouple Psychrometers==<br />
This method requires putting a sample in sealed chamber and indirectly measuring water that evaporates from the soil with a thermocouple.<br />
* [http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/bitstream/handle/19716/2828/Chapter%203.%20Thermocouple%20Psychrometer.pdf?sequence=6 Thermocouple Psychrometry] Chapter in the book: [http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/handle/19716/2828 Measuring the water status of plants and soils] describing the technique.<br />
<br />
=References=<br />
* [http://www.irrigationnz.co.nz/assets/Uploads/2.4.1-Soil-Moisture-parts-1-and-2.pdf Soil Moisture] short handbook for farmers on measuring soil moisture</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Measure_Soil_Moisture&diff=569Measure Soil Moisture2021-08-20T23:02:13Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>There are many different ways to check the soil moisture in your garden. This is a summary of the different instruments and techniques available measuring soil moisture. Also included are links to resources for making your own sensors.<br />
<br />
=Manual Methods=<br />
<br />
== Plant Appearance==<br />
When you see noticeable signs plant distress like wilting, it means the plant has run out of water. This is not good for the plant and is a poor way to determine when to water.<br />
<br />
==Fingers==<br />
Just feel the soil. It can be hard to judge other than the surface moisture unless you dig a hole.<br />
<br />
==Wood Probes==<br />
If the soil is soft you can use a thin wood stick such as a skewer to probe the soil. Insert the stick and when you can pull it out you can observe or feel it to determine how moist the soil is.<br><br />
{{amazonlinkt|link_text=Amazon - 12-Inch Bamboo Skewers|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MY7W5LJ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07MY7W5LJ&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=57af4837664fd56721802afedb939893"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07MY7W5LJ&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
==Notched stick==<br />
[[File:Inside_urban_green_soil_probe.jpg|150px]] To use this type of probe, you push into the soil, rotate, and pull out. You can then access the soil moisture by observing and feeling the soil samples retrieved in the notches. See this article for more details [http://www.insideurbangreen.org/2008/08/a-better-way-to-check-soil-moisture.html A Better Way To Check Soil Moisture]<br />
<br />
==Soil cores==<br />
A hollow tube you push into the soil to extract a column of soil for examination.<br />
These come in various lengths up to several feet long<br><br />
{{amazonlinkt|link_text=Tubular Soil Sampler - From Amazon|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NERJ5S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004NERJ5S&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=84e1bfc34e92153cee50e229da2ac416"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B004NERJ5S&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
==Bottom Wick==<br />
For containers, [[Al Tapla]] suggests putting an adsorbent wick hanging down from the bottom of the pot. You can just feel it where it exits the pot to determine if the soil is still moist. See Also: [[Container wicks]]<br />
<br />
==Weight==<br />
For containers, if you are familiar with the plant, you can just lift or weigh it to get a feel for how much water is in the soil.<br />
<br />
=Soil Meters=<br />
There are many different types of meters to measure soil moisture. They range in cost from a few dollars up to a few thousand dollars.<br />
The low cost meters are almost all conductivity meters. The most expensive ones are radar based.<br />
==Soil Electrolyte Meters==<br />
These meters have a probe with two dissimilar metals separated by an insulator. When the probe is inserted into the ground the two disimular metals and the moist soil form a simple battery and the output of this battery is displayed on a meter to indicate soil moisture. The more moist the soil, the higher the battery output and the higher the reading on the meter. The main disadvantage of these meters is erroneous readings when the soil contains too high a concentration of salts or minerals or when the probe metals oxidize or otherwise no longer make good contact with the soil. Sometimes cleaning the probe with steel wool can help, but check manufacturer instructions frist. The advantage of these meters is that they require no battery, and are low cost and very simple to use. These meters are often combined with probes for PH. <br />
<br />
Examples of these meters are:<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=Indoor/Outdoor Moisture Sensor Meter|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002B80FU4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002B80FU4&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=8048a4dc73d0113457ca2edb803ddfe4"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B002B80FU4&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=SONKIR Soil pH Meter, MS02 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BR52P26/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07BR52P26&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=49b7ffb3b1e3f50398fa5443a31ffae6"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07BR52P26&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==Soil Resistance (or Conductivity) Meters==<br />
These meters typically have a battery and work by the electrolyte effect described above or measure the resistance of the soil by sending a small current through the soil. Moist soil is more conductive (lower resistance) and so will conduct more current. The results are displayed on an analog or digital meter. The disadvantages of this meter type are: batteries required, erroneous readings when the soil contains too high a concentration of salts or minerals or when the probe metals oxidize or otherwise no longer make good contact with the soil. Sometimes cleaning the probe with steel wool can help, but check manufacturer instructions first. The advantages of these meters are: usually low cost and very simple to use. <br />
<br />
Examples of these meters are:<br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=Luster Leaf Rapitest Digital Moisture Meter|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032WFD4G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0032WFD4G&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=08a7ed2bf536f21fd6a46605baad90ee"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B0032WFD4G&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}} <br />
* {{amazonlinkt|link_text=REOTEMP Garden and Compost Moisture Meter (15 Inch Stem). There is also a 36" version|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DM4LS1D/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07DM4LS1D&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=5fac2a93179d9031278d15a2b52908e3"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07DM4LS1D&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
===DIY Do It Yourself Sensors===<br />
* [http://home.roadrunner.com/~randylinscott/nov20.htm Randy Linscott Circuit] A schematic for a 741 op amp based sensor<br />
* [http://www.waset.org/journals/waset/v35/v35-57.pdf A High Accuracy Measurement Circuit for Soil Moisture Detection]<br />
* [http://www.botanicalls.com/ www.botanicals.com] Plans and kits for soil sensors connected to the internet.<br />
* [http://www.faludi.com/2006/11/02/moisture-sensor-circuit/ Moisture Sensor Circuit] Blog post with schematic for a simple sensor and numerous reader comments.<br />
* [http://store.qkits.com/moreinfo.cfm/FK908 Soil Moisture Indicator Kit] Kit for soil moisture sensor<br />
* [http://www.discovercircuits.com/S/s-water.htm Sensors, Detectors: Water, Moisture Sensors] circuits for various moisture sensors<br />
* [http://www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/2009/11/how-to-make-cheap-soil-moisture-sensor-2.html HOW TO MAKE A CHEAP SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR â HEAVY DUTY VERSION] Detailed instructions for making gypsum block sensors. Reader comments discuss alternative methods. including capacitance sensors and the [[Business:Vegetronix]] sensor.<br />
* [http://www.circuitdiagram.org/plant-soil-moisture-tester-circuit.html Plant Soil Moisture Tester Circuit] Very simple circuit or measuring moisture<br />
* [http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1255471714/all How to: soil moisture measurement] Discussion on the Arduino Forum on designing and making sensors<br />
* [http://electroschematics.com/761/soil-moisture-tester/ SOIL MOISTURE TESTER] Article about building a soil moisture sensor, includes schematics.<br />
<br />
==Soil Capacitance Meters==<br />
The [[wikipedia:Capacitance|capacitance]] of soil depends on how moist it is. If two parallel conducting probes are placed in the soil, then they form a [[wikipedia:capacitor|capacitor]] with the soil as the [[wikipedia:Dielectric|dielectric]]. As the moisture of the soil changes, the relative [[wikipedia:Permittivity|permittivity]] of the soil changes and as a result the capacitance between the probes changes. The capacitance values are very small on the order of a few pico farads and so require a little effort to measure. One common method is to create an oscillator using the soil capacitance to set the frequency. As the to soil moisture changes, the capacitance changes and the oscillator frequency shifts. This frequency shift is measured and displayed to show the soil moisture.<br />
<br />
These meters have the advantage of being reasonably independent of the soil mineralization, and the metal in the soil probes can be insulated and so are less prone to oxidize or otherwise deteriorate from being in direct contact with the soil. Since the measurement is affected by the soil both to the sides and between the probes, this method is more of an overall indication of the soil moisture rather than just the soil directly between the tips of the probes as in the case of the soil conductivity meters.<br />
<br />
These meters were once very expensive, but prices have dropped with the advent of micro processors.<br />
<br />
===Consumer Products===<br />
<br />
* [http://www.aquapro-sensors.com/ AquaPro Soil Moisture Sensors] uses left-in-the-ground access tubes. A capacitance probe is inserted in the access tube and can take readings at various soil depths.<br />
===System Components===<br />
* [[Business:Vegetronix|Vegetronix]] makes several different models that are relatively low cost and easy to inferface to micro processors and other systems.<br />
* [[Business:Decagon Devices]] makes a range of different professional grade soil sensors<br />
===DIY Do It Yourself Sensors===<br />
It is not difficult to fabricate you own soil capacitance sensors.<br />
* [http://www.dietmar-weisser.de/elektronikprojekte1/analogtechnik/feuchtesensor Analog soil moisture sensor] Article includes PCB layout, Schematic, and Source code. In German - use Google Translate<br />
* [http://www.dietmar-weisser.de/elektronikprojekte1/analogtechnik/78-pflanzen-giessindikator plant GieÃindikator] Article includes PCB layout, Schematic, and Source code. In German - use Google Translate<br />
* [http://gardenbot.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7 soil moisture sensor comparison] An Adafruit forum discussion on building capacitance soil moisture sensors<br />
* [http://www.deepdarc.com/?q=moisture Soil Moisture Sensor] Blog posts about building a capacitance soil moisture sensor that include schematics and pcb layouts<br />
* [http://www.actahort.org/books/171/171_6.htm A CAPACITANCE SOIL MOISTURE METER] A research paper describing a sensor made from two lengths of wire. Only the abstract is available free -- check your library.<br />
* [http://hulk.bu.edu/pubs/papers/2007/TR-05-02-2007.doc WiGreen Soil Moisture Sensing System] Student project from Boston University. A description of a student designed and built network of soil sensors and a central computer system to collect the data.<br />
* [http://www.sowacs.com/sensors/capacitance.html CAPACITANCE SENSORS (FDR)] describes how capacitive probes work, and has links to manufacturers and other information -- a number of dead links but still a good resource<br />
* [http://dei-s1.dei.uminho.pt/pessoas/higino/pampus/AV_ISIE00.pdf On-chip integrated silicon bulk-micromachined soil moisture sensor with electronics and bus interface] Research paper describes building at testing a low cost sensor based on capacitive and heat-pulse methods.<br />
* [http://www98.griffith.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/10072/9072/1/21909.pdf Contributions to the Measured Capacitance by the Dielectric Properties of Water in Insulated Electrode Soil Moisture Sensors] Research paper that compares the theory to experimental results for capacitive soil sensors.<br />
* [http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/login.jsp?reload=true&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fiel5%2F10646%2F33608%2F01597624.pdf%3Farnumber%3D1597624&authDecision=-203 Wireless soil moisture sensor based on fringing capacitance] Only the abstract is free online. Check you Library.<br />
* [http://www.crops.org/publications/sssaj/pdfs/68/2/430 Calibration of Capacitance Probe Sensors using Electric Circuit Theory] Research paper comparing theory to experimental results<br />
* [http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu/gainesville/irrigation/capacitance_probe.shtml Volumetric Sensors for Soil Moisture: Capacitance Probe] University of Florida describes advantages and disadvantages of capacitance and other probes.<br />
* [http://www.agri.gov.il/en/people/788.aspx Arie Nadler, Ph.D.] Personal page for soil researcher, includes a schematic for a capacitive soil probe<br />
<br />
==Frequency domain reflectometry (FDR)==<br />
FDR systems send an oscillating signal into a buried [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|transmission line]] and then measure the frequency of the signal that is reflected back. The amount of moisture in the soil changes the [[Wikipedia:Dielectric constant|dielectric constant]] of the soil and as a result the frequency of the reflected signal. So the difference of the sent and received signals changes depending on the soil moisture.<br />
<br />
==Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)==<br />
Measures the speed of a radio wave through [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|transmission line]] buried in the soil. The amount of moisture in the soil changes [[Wikipedia:Dielectric constant|Dielectric constant]] of the soil and as a result the speed of the signal. TDR sensors send a electromagnetic pulse into the buried transmission line and then measure how long it takes to see the pulse reflected back from the end of the buried transmission line.<br />
<br />
==Time Domain Transmission (TDT)==<br />
Measures the one-way time for an electromagnetic pulse to travel over the length of a [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|Transmission Line]]. This is similar to the [[Wikipedia:Time-domain reflectometer|TDR]] technique, but rather than measuring the reflections of the pulse, it measures the one-way transit time of the pulse over the length of the transmission line by using equipment at both ends of the transmission line. <br />
Since soil moisture changes the speed of the signal, the amount of water in the soil can be calculated from the transit time of the signal. Typically these sensors are permanently installed in the soil.<br />
* [http://www.streatsahead.com/Pages/Aquaflex%20Menu.html AQUAFLEX soil moisture meters] The Aquaflex sensor loops the transmission line so that physically all of the electronics are at one end of the sensor.<br />
<br />
===Coaxial Impedance Dielectric Reflectometry===<br />
Similar to FDR and TDR sensors described above. The sensor sends an oscillating signal into the soil and measures the signal reflected from the soil itself to determine the soil moisture. <br />
* [http://www.stevenswater.com/soil_moisture_sensors/index.aspx Hydra Probe Soil Moisture Sensor]<br />
<br />
==Gravimetric==<br />
Take some soil weigh it, put it in the oven, heat it to drive out all the water, weigh it, the difference is the amount of water that was in the soil. Accurate, but not practical for frequent measurements.<br />
<br />
==Soil Water Tension==<br />
[[File:Tensiometer.png|left|100px|alt=Tensiometer diagram|1. Porus cup, usually ceramic 2. tube, length will vary depending on depth being measured 3. Top Seal 4. Pressure sensor/vacuum gauge]]<br />
<br />
These sensors (Tensiometers) measure how hard it is to extract water from the soil, i.e. they measure soil water tension. This is the same water tension that plants must overcome to extract water from the soil.<br />
Typically these sensors are a sealed water filled pipe with a ceramic cup at the soil end, and a vacuum gauge at the top. When the soil is dry, water travels through the ceramic cup into the soil and creates a vacuum at the top of the pipe which can be measured with the vacuum gauge. When water is added to the soil, water travels back from the soil through the ceramic cup into the pipe decreasing the vacuum at the top of the pipe. It is possible to make you own Tensionmeters although I have not seen anyone do it recently.<br />
* [http://www.dynamax.com/tensiometers.htm Dynamax Tensiometers]<br />
* [http://www.irrometer.com/sensors.html IRROMETER Tensiometers]<br />
<br />
<br />
==Neutron Thermalisation==<br />
Measures how much water in the soil slows down neutrons. Expensive.<br />
* [http://www.troxlerlabs.com/products/4301.php Troxler MODEL 4300 SOIL MOISTURE GAUGE]<br />
* [http://instrotek.com/material-testing/field-products/503dr-hydroprobe/ InstroTek 503DR Hydroprobe] Company used to be called CPN International, Inc and research papers often refer to CPN probes.<br />
<br />
==Thermal Dissipation==<br />
Measures how heat dissipates in the soil which changes with soil moisture.<br />
Depends on a dry soil heating up faster than a moist soil. The sensor is a porous block with an embedded heater and temperature sensor. To make a measurement, the temperature is measured, the header turned on for a fixed time period, then the temperature is measured again. The difference between the beginning and ending temperatures is a function of how much moisture is in the soil.<br />
<br />
Example: AquaSensor<br />
<br />
==Soil Thermocouple Psychrometers==<br />
This method requires putting a sample in sealed chamber and indirectly measuring water that evaporates from the soil with a thermocouple.<br />
* [http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/bitstream/handle/19716/2828/Chapter%203.%20Thermocouple%20Psychrometer.pdf?sequence=6 Thermocouple Psychrometry] Chapter in the book: [http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/handle/19716/2828 Measuring the water status of plants and soils] describing the technique.<br />
<br />
=References=<br />
* [http://www.irrigationnz.co.nz/assets/Uploads/2.4.1-Soil-Moisture-parts-1-and-2.pdf Soil Moisture] short handbook for farmers on measuring soil moisture</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Measure_Soil_Moisture&diff=568Measure Soil Moisture2021-08-20T07:48:17Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>There are many different ways to check the soil moisture in your garden. This is a summary of the different instruments and techniques available measuring soil moisture. Also included are links to resources for making your own sensors.<br />
<br />
=Manual Methods=<br />
<br />
== Plant Appearance==<br />
When you see noticeable signs plant distress like wilting, it means the plant has run out of water. This is not good for the plant and is a poor way to determine when to water.<br />
<br />
==Fingers==<br />
Just feel the soil. It can be hard to judge other than the surface moisture unless you dig a hole.<br />
<br />
==Wood Probes==<br />
If the soil is soft you can use a thin wood stick such as a skewer to probe the soil. Insert the stick and when you can pull it out you can observe or feel it to determine how moist the soil is.<br><br />
{{amazonlinkt|link_text=Amazon - 12-Inch Bamboo Skewers|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MY7W5LJ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07MY7W5LJ&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=57af4837664fd56721802afedb939893"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07MY7W5LJ&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
==Notched stick==<br />
[[File:Inside_urban_green_soil_probe.jpg|150px]] To use this type of probe, you push into the soil, rotate, and pull out. You can then access the soil moisture by observing and feeling the soil samples retrieved in the notches. See this article for more details [http://www.insideurbangreen.org/2008/08/a-better-way-to-check-soil-moisture.html A Better Way To Check Soil Moisture]<br />
<br />
==Soil cores==<br />
A hollow tube you push into the soil to extract a column of soil for examination.<br />
These come in various lengths up to several feet long<br><br />
{{amazonlinkt|link_text=Tubular Soil Sampler - From Amazon|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NERJ5S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004NERJ5S&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=84e1bfc34e92153cee50e229da2ac416"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B004NERJ5S&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
==Bottom Wick==<br />
For containers, [[Al Tapla]] suggests putting an adsorbent wick hanging down from the bottom of the pot. You can just feel it where it exits the pot to determine if the soil is still moist. See Also: [[Container wicks]]<br />
<br />
==Weight==<br />
For containers, if you are familiar with the plant, you can just lift or weigh it to get a feel for how much water is in the soil.<br />
<br />
=Soil Meters=<br />
There are many different types of meters to measure soil moisture. They range in cost from a few dollars up to a few thousand dollars.<br />
The low cost meters are almost all conductivity meters. The most expensive ones are radar based.<br />
==Soil Electrolyte Meters==<br />
These meters have a probe with two dissimilar metals separated by an insulator. When the probe is inserted into the ground the two disimular metals and the moist soil form a simple battery and the output of this battery is displayed on a meter to indicate soil moisture. The more moist the soil, the higher the battery output and the higher the reading on the meter. The main disadvantage of these meters is erroneous readings when the soil contains too high a concentration of salts or minerals or when the probe metals oxidize or otherwise no longer make good contact with the soil. Sometimes cleaning the probe with steel wool can help, but check manufacturer instructions frist. The advantage of these meters is that they require no battery, and are low cost and very simple to use. These meters are often combined with probes for PH. <br />
<br />
Examples of these meters are:<br />
* {{amazon|B002B80FU4|Indoor/Outdoor Moisture Sensor Meter]}}<br />
* {{amazon|B001A5OR5I|Luster Leaf 1820 Rapitest Soil Moisture Meter}}<br />
* {{amazon|B000HHLJQA|Luster Leaf 1880 Rapitest Electronic 4-Way Analyzer}}<br />
* {{amazon|B00636VPNG|3-in-1 Moisture, pH & Light Garden Soil Probe Meter}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==Soil Resistance (or Conductivity) Meters==<br />
These meters typically have a battery and work by the electrolyte effect described above or measure the resistance of the soil by sending a small current through the soil. Moist soil is more conductive (lower resistance) and so will conduct more current. The results are displayed on an analog or digital meter. The disadvantages of this meter type are: batteries required, erroneous readings when the soil contains too high a concentration of salts or minerals or when the probe metals oxidize or otherwise no longer make good contact with the soil. Sometimes cleaning the probe with steel wool can help, but check manufacturer instructions first. The advantages of these meters are: usually low cost and very simple to use. <br />
<br />
Examples of these meters are:<br />
* {{amazon|B0032WFD4G|Luster Leaf 1825 Rapitest Digital Moisture Meter}} <br />
* {{amazon|B0017RXJUS|Hydrofarm HGTL Thirsty Light Original Digital Indoor Plant Moisture Sensor}} This sensor flashes a light when the soil is too dry<br />
* {{amazon|B002OEJ682|Singing Blue Jay - Plant Pal Soil Moisture Meter}} Bird sings when soil is dry<br />
<br />
===DIY Do It Yourself Sensors===<br />
* [http://home.roadrunner.com/~randylinscott/nov20.htm Randy Linscott Circuit] A schematic for a 741 op amp based sensor<br />
* [http://www.waset.org/journals/waset/v35/v35-57.pdf A High Accuracy Measurement Circuit for Soil Moisture Detection]<br />
* [http://www.botanicalls.com/ www.botanicals.com] Plans and kits for soil sensors connected to the internet.<br />
* [http://www.faludi.com/2006/11/02/moisture-sensor-circuit/ Moisture Sensor Circuit] Blog post with schematic for a simple sensor and numerous reader comments.<br />
* [http://store.qkits.com/moreinfo.cfm/FK908 Soil Moisture Indicator Kit] Kit for soil moisture sensor<br />
* [http://www.discovercircuits.com/S/s-water.htm Sensors, Detectors: Water, Moisture Sensors] circuits for various moisture sensors<br />
* [http://www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/2009/11/how-to-make-cheap-soil-moisture-sensor-2.html HOW TO MAKE A CHEAP SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR â HEAVY DUTY VERSION] Detailed instructions for making gypsum block sensors. Reader comments discuss alternative methods. including capacitance sensors and the [[Business:Vegetronix]] sensor.<br />
* [http://www.circuitdiagram.org/plant-soil-moisture-tester-circuit.html Plant Soil Moisture Tester Circuit] Very simple circuit or measuring moisture<br />
* [http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1255471714/all How to: soil moisture measurement] Discussion on the Arduino Forum on designing and making sensors<br />
* [http://electroschematics.com/761/soil-moisture-tester/ SOIL MOISTURE TESTER] Article about building a soil moisture sensor, includes schematics.<br />
<br />
==Soil Capacitance Meters==<br />
The [[wikipedia:Capacitance|capacitance]] of soil depends on how moist it is. If two parallel conducting probes are placed in the soil, then they form a [[wikipedia:capacitor]] with the soil as the [[wikipedia:Dielectric]]. As the moisture of the soil changes, the relative [[wikipedia:Permittivity]] of the soil changes and as a result the capacitance between the probes changes. The capacitance values are very small on the order of a few pico farads and so require a little effort to measure. One common method is to create an oscillator using the soil capacitance to set the frequency. As the to soil moisture changes, the capacitance changes and the oscillator frequency shifts. This frequency shift is measured and displayed to show the soil moisture.<br />
<br />
These meters have the advantage of being reasonably independent of the soil mineralization, and the metal in the soil probes can be insulated and so are less prone to oxidize or otherwise deteriorate from being in direct contact with the soil. Since the measurement is affected by the soil both to the sides and between the probes, this method is more of an overall indication of the soil moisture rather than just the soil directly between the tips of the probes as in the case of the soil conductivity meters.<br />
<br />
These meters were once very expensive, but prices have dropped with the advent of micro processors.<br />
<br />
===Consumer Products===<br />
* {{amazon|B00FOM2Y6W|Parrot Flower Power - Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Bluetooth Smart Plant Sensor }} seems to be the successor to the Black and Decker PCS10 PlantSmart Digital Plant Care Sensor,<br />
* {{amazon|B003Z4JV8K|The now discontinued Black and Decker PCS10 PlantSmart Digital Plant Care Sensor}} used technology licensed from [[Business:Vegetronix|Vegetronix]]<br />
* {{amazon|B001RLVVR2|Fertile Earth WaterStik Plant Moisture Sensor}} uses technology licensed from [[Business:Vegetronix|Vegetronix]]<br />
===Commercial Systems===<br />
* [http://www.aquapro-sensors.com/ AquaPro Soil Moisture Sensors] uses left-in-the-ground access tubes. A capacitance probe is inserted in the access tube and can take readings at various soil depths.<br />
===System Components===<br />
* [[Business:Vegetronix|Vegetronix]] makes several different models that are relatively low cost and easy to inferface to micro processors and other systems.<br />
* [[Business:Decagon Devices]] makes a range of different professional grade soil sensors<br />
===DIY Do It Yourself Sensors===<br />
It is not difficult to fabricate you own soil capacitance sensors.<br />
* [http://www.dietmar-weisser.de/elektronikprojekte1/analogtechnik/feuchtesensor Analog soil moisture sensor] Article includes PCB layout, Schematic, and Source code. In German - use Google Translate<br />
* [http://www.dietmar-weisser.de/elektronikprojekte1/analogtechnik/78-pflanzen-giessindikator plant GieÃindikator] Article includes PCB layout, Schematic, and Source code. In German - use Google Translate<br />
* [http://gardenbot.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7 soil moisture sensor comparison] An Adafruit forum discussion on building capacitance soil moisture sensors<br />
* [http://www.deepdarc.com/?q=moisture Soil Moisture Sensor] Blog posts about building a capacitance soil moisture sensor that include schematics and pcb layouts<br />
* [http://www.actahort.org/books/171/171_6.htm A CAPACITANCE SOIL MOISTURE METER] A research paper describing a sensor made from two lengths of wire. Only the abstract is available free -- check your library.<br />
* [http://hulk.bu.edu/pubs/papers/2007/TR-05-02-2007.doc WiGreen Soil Moisture Sensing System] Student project from Boston University. A description of a student designed and built network of soil sensors and a central computer system to collect the data.<br />
* [http://www.sowacs.com/sensors/capacitance.html CAPACITANCE SENSORS (FDR)] describes how capacitive probes work, and has links to manufacturers and other information -- a number of dead links but still a good resource<br />
* [http://dei-s1.dei.uminho.pt/pessoas/higino/pampus/AV_ISIE00.pdf On-chip integrated silicon bulk-micromachined soil moisture sensor with electronics and bus interface] Research paper describes building at testing a low cost sensor based on capacitive and heat-pulse methods.<br />
* [http://www98.griffith.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/10072/9072/1/21909.pdf Contributions to the Measured Capacitance by the Dielectric Properties of Water in Insulated Electrode Soil Moisture Sensors] Research paper that compares the theory to experimental results for capacitive soil sensors.<br />
* [http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/login.jsp?reload=true&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fiel5%2F10646%2F33608%2F01597624.pdf%3Farnumber%3D1597624&authDecision=-203 Wireless soil moisture sensor based on fringing capacitance] Only the abstract is free online. Check you Library.<br />
* [http://www.crops.org/publications/sssaj/pdfs/68/2/430 Calibration of Capacitance Probe Sensors using Electric Circuit Theory] Research paper comparing theory to experimental results<br />
* [http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu/gainesville/irrigation/capacitance_probe.shtml Volumetric Sensors for Soil Moisture: Capacitance Probe] University of Florida describes advantages and disadvantages of capacitance and other probes.<br />
* [http://www.agri.gov.il/en/people/788.aspx Arie Nadler, Ph.D.] Personal page for soil researcher, includes a schematic for a capacitive soil probe<br />
<br />
==Frequency domain reflectometry (FDR)==<br />
FDR systems send an oscillating signal into a buried [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|transmission line]] and then measure the frequency of the signal that is reflected back. The amount of moisture in the soil changes the [[Wikipedia:Dielectric constant|dielectric constant]] of the soil and as a result the frequency of the reflected signal. So the difference of the sent and received signals changes depending on the soil moisture.<br />
<br />
==Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)==<br />
Measures the speed of a radio wave through [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|transmission line]] buried in the soil. The amount of moisture in the soil changes [[Wikipedia:Dielectric constant|Dielectric constant]] of the soil and as a result the speed of the signal. TDR sensors send a electromagnetic pulse into the buried transmission line and then measure how long it takes to see the pulse reflected back from the end of the buried transmission line.<br />
<br />
==Time Domain Transmission (TDT)==<br />
Measures the one-way time for an electromagnetic pulse to travel over the length of a [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|Transmission Line]]. This is similar to the [[Wikipedia:Time-domain reflectometer|TDR]] technique, but rather than measuring the reflections of the pulse, it measures the one-way transit time of the pulse over the length of the transmission line by using equipment at both ends of the transmission line. <br />
Since soil moisture changes the speed of the signal, the amount of water in the soil can be calculated from the transit time of the signal. Typically these sensors are permanently installed in the soil.<br />
* [http://www.streatsahead.com/Pages/Aquaflex%20Menu.html AQUAFLEX soil moisture meters] The Aquaflex sensor loops the transmission line so that physically all of the electronics are at one end of the sensor.<br />
<br />
===Coaxial Impedance Dielectric Reflectometry===<br />
Similar to FDR and TDR sensors described above. The sensor sends an oscillating signal into the soil and measures the signal reflected from the soil itself to determine the soil moisture. <br />
* [http://www.stevenswater.com/soil_moisture_sensors/index.aspx Hydra Probe Soil Moisture Sensor]<br />
<br />
==Gravimetric==<br />
Take some soil weigh it, put it in the oven, heat it to drive out all the water, weigh it, the difference is the amount of water that was in the soil. Accurate, but not practical for frequent measurements.<br />
<br />
==Soil Water Tension==<br />
[[File:Tensiometer.png|left|100px|alt=Tensiometer diagram|1. Porus cup, usually ceramic 2. tube, length will vary depending on depth being measured 3. Top Seal 4. Pressure sensor/vacuum gauge]]<br />
<br />
These sensors (Tensiometers) measure how hard it is to extract water from the soil, i.e. they measure soil water tension. This is the same water tension that plants must overcome to extract water from the soil.<br />
Typically these sensors are a sealed water filled pipe with a ceramic cup at the soil end, and a vacuum gauge at the top. When the soil is dry, water travels through the ceramic cup into the soil and creates a vacuum at the top of the pipe which can be measured with the vacuum gauge. When water is added to the soil, water travels back from the soil through the ceramic cup into the pipe decreasing the vacuum at the top of the pipe. It is possible to make you own Tensionmeters although I have not seen anyone do it recently.<br />
* [http://www.dynamax.com/tensiometers.htm Dynamax Tensiometers]<br />
* [http://www.irrometer.com/sensors.html IRROMETER Tensiometers]<br />
<br />
==Neutron Thermalisation==<br />
Measures how much water in the soil slows down neutrons. Expensive.<br />
* [http://www.troxlerlabs.com/products/4301.php Troxler MODEL 4300 SOIL MOISTURE GAUGE]<br />
* [http://instrotek.com/material-testing/field-products/503dr-hydroprobe/ InstroTek 503DR Hydroprobe] Company used to be called CPN International, Inc and research papers often refer to CPN probes.<br />
<br />
==Thermal Dissipation==<br />
Measures how heat dissipates in the soil which changes with soil moisture.<br />
Depends on a dry soil heating up faster than a moist soil. The sensor is a porous block with an embedded heater and temperature sensor. To make a measurement, the temperature is measured, the header turned on for a fixed time period, then the temperature is measured again. The difference between the beginning and ending temperatures is a function of how much moisture is in the soil.<br />
<br />
Example: AquaSensor<br />
<br />
==Soil Thermocouple Psychrometers==<br />
This method requires putting a sample in sealed chamber and indirectly measuring water that evaporates from the soil with a thermocouple.<br />
* [http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/bitstream/handle/19716/2828/Chapter%203.%20Thermocouple%20Psychrometer.pdf?sequence=6 Thermocouple Psychrometry] Chapter in the book: [http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/handle/19716/2828 Measuring the water status of plants and soils] describing the technique.<br />
<br />
=References=<br />
* [http://www.irrigationnz.co.nz/assets/Uploads/2.4.1-Soil-Moisture-parts-1-and-2.pdf Soil Moisture] short handbook for farmers on measuring soil moisture</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Measure_Soil_Moisture&diff=567Measure Soil Moisture2021-08-20T07:32:34Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>There are many different ways to check the soil moisture in your garden. This is a summary of the different instruments and techniques available measuring soil moisture. Also included are links to resources for making your own sensors.<br />
<br />
=Manual Methods=<br />
<br />
== Plant Appearance==<br />
When you see noticeable signs plant distress like wilting, it means the plant has run out of water. This is not good for the plant and is a poor way to determine when to water.<br />
<br />
==Fingers==<br />
Just feel the soil. It can be hard to judge other than the surface moisture unless you dig a hole.<br />
<br />
==Wood Probes==<br />
If the soil is soft you can use a thin wood stick such as a skewer to probe the soil. Insert the stick and when you can pull it out you can observe or feel it to determine how moist the soil is.<br><br />
{{amazonlinkt|link_text=Amazon - 12-Inch Bamboo Skewers|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MY7W5LJ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07MY7W5LJ&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=57af4837664fd56721802afedb939893"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07MY7W5LJ&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
==Notched stick==<br />
[[File:Inside_urban_green_soil_probe.jpg|150px]] To use this type of probe, you push into the soil, rotate, and pull out. You can then access the soil moisture by observing and feeling the soil samples retrieved in the notches. See this article for more details [http://www.insideurbangreen.org/2008/08/a-better-way-to-check-soil-moisture.html A Better Way To Check Soil Moisture]<br />
<br />
==Soil cores==<br />
A hollow tube you push into the soil to extract a column of soil for examination.<br />
These come in various lengths up to several feet long<br><br />
{{amazonlinkt|link_text=Tubular Soil Sampler - From Amazon|az=<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NERJ5S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004NERJ5S&linkCode=as2&tag=gardeinfo01-20&linkId=84e1bfc34e92153cee50e229da2ac416"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B004NERJ5S&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=gardeinfo01-20" ></a>}}<br />
<br />
==Bottom Wick==<br />
For containers, [[Al Tapla]] suggests putting an adsorbent wick hanging down from the bottom of the pot. You can just feel it where it exits the pot to determine if the soil is still moist. See Also: [[Container wicks]]<br />
<br />
==Weight==<br />
For containers, if you are familiar with the plant, you can just lift or weigh it to get a feel for how much water is in the soil.<br />
<br />
=Soil Meters=<br />
There are many different types of meters to measure soil moisture. They range in cost from a few dollars up to a few thousand dollars.<br />
The low cost meters are almost all conductivity meters. The most expensive ones are radar based.<br />
==Soil Electrolyte Meters==<br />
These meters have a probe with two dissimilar metals separated by an insulator. When the probe is inserted into the ground the two disimular metals and the moist soil form a simple battery and the output of this battery is displayed on a meter to indicate soil moisture. The more moist the soil, the higher the battery output and the higher the reading on the meter. The main disadvantage of these meters is erroneous readings when the soil contains too high a concentration of salts or minerals or when the probe metals oxidize or otherwise no longer make good contact with the soil. Sometimes cleaning the probe with steel wool can help, but check manufacturer instructions frist. The advantage of these meters is that they require no battery, and are low cost and very simple to use. These meters are often combined with probes for PH. <br />
<br />
Examples of these meters are:<br />
* {{amazon|B002B80FU4|Indoor/Outdoor Moisture Sensor Meter]}}<br />
* {{amazon|B001A5OR5I|Luster Leaf 1820 Rapitest Soil Moisture Meter}}<br />
* {{amazon|B000HHLJQA|Luster Leaf 1880 Rapitest Electronic 4-Way Analyzer}}<br />
* {{amazon|B00636VPNG|3-in-1 Moisture, pH & Light Garden Soil Probe Meter}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==Soil Resistance (or Conductivity) Meters==<br />
These meters typically have a battery and work by the electrolyte effect described above or measure the resistance of the soil by sending a small current through the soil. Moist soil is more conductive (lower resistance) and so will conduct more current. The results are displayed on an analog or digital meter. The disadvantages of this meter type are: batteries required, erroneous readings when the soil contains too high a concentration of salts or minerals or when the probe metals oxidize or otherwise no longer make good contact with the soil. Sometimes cleaning the probe with steel wool can help, but check manufacturer instructions first. The advantages of these meters are: usually low cost and very simple to use. <br />
<br />
Examples of these meters are:<br />
* {{amazon|B0032WFD4G|Luster Leaf 1825 Rapitest Digital Moisture Meter}} <br />
* {{amazon|B0017RXJUS|Hydrofarm HGTL Thirsty Light Original Digital Indoor Plant Moisture Sensor}} This sensor flashes a light when the soil is too dry<br />
* {{amazon|B002OEJ682|Singing Blue Jay - Plant Pal Soil Moisture Meter}} Bird sings when soil is dry<br />
<br />
===DIY Do It Yourself Sensors===<br />
* [http://home.roadrunner.com/~randylinscott/nov20.htm Randy Linscott Circuit] A schematic for a 741 op amp based sensor<br />
* [http://www.waset.org/journals/waset/v35/v35-57.pdf A High Accuracy Measurement Circuit for Soil Moisture Detection]<br />
* [http://www.botanicalls.com/ www.botanicals.com] Plans and kits for soil sensors connected to the internet.<br />
* [http://www.faludi.com/2006/11/02/moisture-sensor-circuit/ Moisture Sensor Circuit] Blog post with schematic for a simple sensor and numerous reader comments.<br />
* [http://store.qkits.com/moreinfo.cfm/FK908 Soil Moisture Indicator Kit] Kit for soil moisture sensor<br />
* [http://www.discovercircuits.com/S/s-water.htm Sensors, Detectors: Water, Moisture Sensors] circuits for various moisture sensors<br />
* [http://www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/2009/11/how-to-make-cheap-soil-moisture-sensor-2.html HOW TO MAKE A CHEAP SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR â HEAVY DUTY VERSION] Detailed instructions for making gypsum block sensors. Reader comments discuss alternative methods. including capacitance sensors and the [[Business:Vegetronix]] sensor.<br />
* [http://www.circuitdiagram.org/plant-soil-moisture-tester-circuit.html Plant Soil Moisture Tester Circuit] Very simple circuit or measuring moisture<br />
* [http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1255471714/all How to: soil moisture measurement] Discussion on the Arduino Forum on designing and making sensors<br />
* [http://electroschematics.com/761/soil-moisture-tester/ SOIL MOISTURE TESTER] Article about building a soil moisture sensor, includes schematics.<br />
<br />
==Soil Capacitance Meters==<br />
The [[wikipedia:Capacitance]] of soil depends on how moist it is. If two parallel conducting probes are placed in the soil, then they form a [[wikipedia:capacitor]] with the soil as the [[wikipedia:Dielectric]]. As the moisture of the soil changes, the relative [[wikipedia:Permittivity]] of the soil changes and as a result the capacitance between the probes changes. The capacitance values are very small on the order of a few pico farads and so require a little effort to measure. One common method is to create an oscillator using the soil capacitance to set the frequency. As the to soil moisture changes, the capacitance changes and the oscillator frequency shifts. This frequency shift is measured and displayed to show the soil moisture.<br />
<br />
These meters have the advantage of being reasonably independent of the soil mineralization, and the metal in the soil probes can be insulated and so are less prone to oxidize or otherwise deteriorate from being in direct contact with the soil. Since the measurement is affected by the soil both to the sides and between the probes, this method is more of an overall indication of the soil moisture rather than just the soil directly between the tips of the probes as in the case of the soil conductivity meters.<br />
<br />
These meters were once very expensive, but prices have dropped with the advent of micro processors.<br />
<br />
===Consumer Products===<br />
* {{amazon|B00FOM2Y6W|Parrot Flower Power - Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Bluetooth Smart Plant Sensor }} seems to be the successor to the Black and Decker PCS10 PlantSmart Digital Plant Care Sensor,<br />
* {{amazon|B003Z4JV8K|The now discontinued Black and Decker PCS10 PlantSmart Digital Plant Care Sensor}} used technology licensed from [[Business:Vegetronix|Vegetronix]]<br />
* {{amazon|B001RLVVR2|Fertile Earth WaterStik Plant Moisture Sensor}} uses technology licensed from [[Business:Vegetronix|Vegetronix]]<br />
===Commercial Systems===<br />
* [http://www.aquapro-sensors.com/ AquaPro Soil Moisture Sensors] uses left-in-the-ground access tubes. A capacitance probe is inserted in the access tube and can take readings at various soil depths.<br />
===System Components===<br />
* [[Business:Vegetronix|Vegetronix]] makes several different models that are relatively low cost and easy to inferface to micro processors and other systems.<br />
* [[Business:Decagon Devices]] makes a range of different professional grade soil sensors<br />
===DIY Do It Yourself Sensors===<br />
It is not difficult to fabricate you own soil capacitance sensors.<br />
* [http://www.dietmar-weisser.de/elektronikprojekte1/analogtechnik/feuchtesensor Analog soil moisture sensor] Article includes PCB layout, Schematic, and Source code. In German - use Google Translate<br />
* [http://www.dietmar-weisser.de/elektronikprojekte1/analogtechnik/78-pflanzen-giessindikator plant GieÃindikator] Article includes PCB layout, Schematic, and Source code. In German - use Google Translate<br />
* [http://gardenbot.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7 soil moisture sensor comparison] An Adafruit forum discussion on building capacitance soil moisture sensors<br />
* [http://www.deepdarc.com/?q=moisture Soil Moisture Sensor] Blog posts about building a capacitance soil moisture sensor that include schematics and pcb layouts<br />
* [http://www.actahort.org/books/171/171_6.htm A CAPACITANCE SOIL MOISTURE METER] A research paper describing a sensor made from two lengths of wire. Only the abstract is available free -- check your library.<br />
* [http://hulk.bu.edu/pubs/papers/2007/TR-05-02-2007.doc WiGreen Soil Moisture Sensing System] Student project from Boston University. A description of a student designed and built network of soil sensors and a central computer system to collect the data.<br />
* [http://www.sowacs.com/sensors/capacitance.html CAPACITANCE SENSORS (FDR)] describes how capacitive probes work, and has links to manufacturers and other information -- a number of dead links but still a good resource<br />
* [http://dei-s1.dei.uminho.pt/pessoas/higino/pampus/AV_ISIE00.pdf On-chip integrated silicon bulk-micromachined soil moisture sensor with electronics and bus interface] Research paper describes building at testing a low cost sensor based on capacitive and heat-pulse methods.<br />
* [http://www98.griffith.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/10072/9072/1/21909.pdf Contributions to the Measured Capacitance by the Dielectric Properties of Water in Insulated Electrode Soil Moisture Sensors] Research paper that compares the theory to experimental results for capacitive soil sensors.<br />
* [http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/login.jsp?reload=true&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fiel5%2F10646%2F33608%2F01597624.pdf%3Farnumber%3D1597624&authDecision=-203 Wireless soil moisture sensor based on fringing capacitance] Only the abstract is free online. Check you Library.<br />
* [http://www.crops.org/publications/sssaj/pdfs/68/2/430 Calibration of Capacitance Probe Sensors using Electric Circuit Theory] Research paper comparing theory to experimental results<br />
* [http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu/gainesville/irrigation/capacitance_probe.shtml Volumetric Sensors for Soil Moisture: Capacitance Probe] University of Florida describes advantages and disadvantages of capacitance and other probes.<br />
* [http://www.agri.gov.il/en/people/788.aspx Arie Nadler, Ph.D.] Personal page for soil researcher, includes a schematic for a capacitive soil probe<br />
<br />
==Frequency domain reflectometry (FDR)==<br />
FDR systems send an oscillating signal into a buried [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|transmission line]] and then measure the frequency of the signal that is reflected back. The amount of moisture in the soil changes the [[Wikipedia:Dielectric constant|dielectric constant]] of the soil and as a result the frequency of the reflected signal. So the difference of the sent and received signals changes depending on the soil moisture.<br />
<br />
==Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)==<br />
Measures the speed of a radio wave through [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|transmission line]] buried in the soil. The amount of moisture in the soil changes [[Wikipedia:Dielectric constant|Dielectric constant]] of the soil and as a result the speed of the signal. TDR sensors send a electromagnetic pulse into the buried transmission line and then measure how long it takes to see the pulse reflected back from the end of the buried transmission line.<br />
<br />
==Time Domain Transmission (TDT)==<br />
Measures the one-way time for an electromagnetic pulse to travel over the length of a [[Wikipedia:Transmission Line|Transmission Line]]. This is similar to the [[Wikipedia:Time-domain reflectometer|TDR]] technique, but rather than measuring the reflections of the pulse, it measures the one-way transit time of the pulse over the length of the transmission line by using equipment at both ends of the transmission line. <br />
Since soil moisture changes the speed of the signal, the amount of water in the soil can be calculated from the transit time of the signal. Typically these sensors are permanently installed in the soil.<br />
* [http://www.streatsahead.com/Pages/Aquaflex%20Menu.html AQUAFLEX soil moisture meters] The Aquaflex sensor loops the transmission line so that physically all of the electronics are at one end of the sensor.<br />
<br />
===Coaxial Impedance Dielectric Reflectometry===<br />
Similar to FDR and TDR sensors described above. The sensor sends an oscillating signal into the soil and measures the signal reflected from the soil itself to determine the soil moisture. <br />
* [http://www.stevenswater.com/soil_moisture_sensors/index.aspx Hydra Probe Soil Moisture Sensor]<br />
<br />
==Gravimetric==<br />
Take some soil weigh it, put it in the oven, heat it to drive out all the water, weigh it, the difference is the amount of water that was in the soil. Accurate, but not practical for frequent measurements.<br />
<br />
==Soil Water Tension==<br />
[[File:Tensiometer.png|left|100px|alt=Tensiometer diagram|1. Porus cup, usually ceramic 2. tube, length will vary depending on depth being measured 3. Top Seal 4. Pressure sensor/vacuum gauge]]<br />
<br />
These sensors (Tensiometers) measure how hard it is to extract water from the soil, i.e. they measure soil water tension. This is the same water tension that plants must overcome to extract water from the soil.<br />
Typically these sensors are a sealed water filled pipe with a ceramic cup at the soil end, and a vacuum gauge at the top. When the soil is dry, water travels through the ceramic cup into the soil and creates a vacuum at the top of the pipe which can be measured with the vacuum gauge. When water is added to the soil, water travels back from the soil through the ceramic cup into the pipe decreasing the vacuum at the top of the pipe. It is possible to make you own Tensionmeters although I have not seen anyone do it recently.<br />
* [http://www.dynamax.com/tensiometers.htm Dynamax Tensiometers]<br />
* [http://www.irrometer.com/sensors.html IRROMETER Tensiometers]<br />
<br />
==Neutron Thermalisation==<br />
Measures how much water in the soil slows down neutrons. Expensive.<br />
* [http://www.troxlerlabs.com/products/4301.php Troxler MODEL 4300 SOIL MOISTURE GAUGE]<br />
* [http://instrotek.com/material-testing/field-products/503dr-hydroprobe/ InstroTek 503DR Hydroprobe] Company used to be called CPN International, Inc and research papers often refer to CPN probes.<br />
<br />
==Thermal Dissipation==<br />
Measures how heat dissipates in the soil which changes with soil moisture.<br />
Depends on a dry soil heating up faster than a moist soil. The sensor is a porous block with an embedded heater and temperature sensor. To make a measurement, the temperature is measured, the header turned on for a fixed time period, then the temperature is measured again. The difference between the beginning and ending temperatures is a function of how much moisture is in the soil.<br />
<br />
Example: AquaSensor<br />
<br />
==Soil Thermocouple Psychrometers==<br />
This method requires putting a sample in sealed chamber and indirectly measuring water that evaporates from the soil with a thermocouple.<br />
* [http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/bitstream/handle/19716/2828/Chapter%203.%20Thermocouple%20Psychrometer.pdf?sequence=6 Thermocouple Psychrometry] Chapter in the book: [http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/handle/19716/2828 Measuring the water status of plants and soils] describing the technique.<br />
<br />
=References=<br />
* [http://www.irrigationnz.co.nz/assets/Uploads/2.4.1-Soil-Moisture-parts-1-and-2.pdf Soil Moisture] short handbook for farmers on measuring soil moisture</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Amazonlinkt&diff=566Template:Amazonlinkt2021-08-20T07:12:08Z<p>Admin: </p>
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A short video review of the movie by Larry Hall: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CjptUYhEdU|link]<br />
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Free online viewing<br />
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|Title=Back to Eden<br />
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A short video review of the movie by Larry Hall: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CjptUYhEdU|youtube link]<br />
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A short video review of the movie by Larry Hall: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CjptUYhEdU|youtube link]<br />
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A short video review of the movie by Larry Hall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CjptUYhEdU&feature=player_embedded#!<br />
<br />
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}}<br />
[[Special:FormEdit/Video|Add a Movie or DVD]]</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Video:The_Secret_Life_of_Plants_video_001&diff=536Video:The Secret Life of Plants video 0012021-05-31T05:50:36Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Video<br />
|Title=The Secret Life of Plants<br />
|Description=A beautiful (but unscientific) look at the concept that plants have more intelligence than we suspect. Some great timelapse sequences of plants growing. The soundtrack recorded by Stevie Wonder. Free online viewing<br />
|URL=http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-secret-life-of-plantsx<br />
}}</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Movies_on_Gardening_and_Plants&diff=535Movies on Gardening and Plants2021-05-31T05:40:46Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>These movies explore gardening and plants and our relationship to them.<br />
They are mostly full length movies with high production values.<br />
<br />
[[Special:FormEdit/Video|Add a Movie or DVD]]<br />
{{#ask: [[Category:Video]]<br />
| ?Title<br />
| ?Video Description=Description<br />
| ?External Website URL=URL<br />
| ?Amazon ID<br />
| mainlabel=Page<br />
<br />
<br />
}}<br />
[[Special:FormEdit/Video|Add a Movie or DVD]]</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Movies_on_Gardening_and_Plants&diff=534Movies on Gardening and Plants2021-05-31T05:36:47Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>These movies explore gardening and plants and our relationship to them.<br />
They are mostly full length movies with high production values.<br />
<br />
[[Special:FormEdit/Video|Add a Movie or DVD]]<br />
{{#ask: [[Category:Video]]<br />
| ?Title<br />
| ?Video Description<br />
| ?External Website URL=URL<br />
| ?Amazon ID<br />
| mainlabel=Page<br />
<br />
<br />
}}<br />
[[Special:FormEdit/Video|Add a Movie or DVD]]</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Video:Back_to_Eden_video_001&diff=533Video:Back to Eden video 0012021-05-31T05:34:33Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Video<br />
|Title=Back to Eden<br />
|Description=Watch Paul Gautschi's journey with God to learn the benefits of using wood chip mulch in the garden.<br />
A short video review of the movie by Larry Hall: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CjptUYhEdU&feature=player_embedded#! link]<br />
Free online viewing<br />
|URL=http://backtoedenfilm.com/<br />
}}</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Video:Back_to_Eden_video_001&diff=532Video:Back to Eden video 0012021-05-31T05:33:40Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Video<br />
|Title=Back to Eden<br />
|Description=Watch Paul Gautschi's journey with God to learn the benefits of using wood chip mulch in the garden.<br />
A short video review of the movie by Larry Hall: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CjptUYhEdU&feature=player_embedded#! link]<br />
<br />
<br />
Free online viewing<br />
|URL=http://backtoedenfilm.com/<br />
}}</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Video:Back_to_Eden_video_001&diff=531Video:Back to Eden video 0012021-05-31T05:31:49Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Video<br />
|Title=Back to Eden<br />
|Description=Watch Paul Gautschi's journey with God to learn the benefits of using wood chip mulch in the garden.<br />
A short video review of the movie by Larry Hall: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CjptUYhEdU&feature=player_embedded#!]<br />
<br />
<br />
Free online viewing<br />
|URL=http://backtoedenfilm.com/<br />
}}</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Video:Back_to_Eden_video_001&diff=530Video:Back to Eden video 0012021-05-31T05:27:30Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Video<br />
|Title=Back to Eden<br />
|Description=Watch Paul Gautschi's journey with God to learn the benefits of using wood chip mulch in the garden.<br />
A short video review of the movie by Larry Hall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CjptUYhEdU&feature=player_embedded#!<br />
<br />
<br />
Free online viewing<br />
|URL=http://backtoedenfilm.com/<br />
}}</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Movies_on_Gardening_and_Plants&diff=529Movies on Gardening and Plants2021-05-31T05:26:52Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>These movies explore gardening and plants and our relationship to them.<br />
They are mostly full length movies with high production values.<br />
<br />
[[Special:FormEdit/Video|Add a Movie or DVD]]<br />
{{#ask: [[Category:Video]]<br />
| ?Title<br />
| ?Description<br />
| ?External Website URL=URL<br />
| ?Amazon ID<br />
| mainlabel=Page<br />
<br />
<br />
}}<br />
[[Special:FormEdit/Video|Add a Movie or DVD]]</div>Adminhttp://www.garden-info.org/w/index.php?title=Movies_on_Gardening_and_Plants&diff=528Movies on Gardening and Plants2021-05-31T05:20:29Z<p>Admin: </p>
<hr />
<div>These movies explore gardening and plants and our relationship to them.<br />
They are mostly full length movies with high production values.<br />
<br />
[[Special:FormEdit/Video|Add a Movie or DVD]]<br />
{{#ask: [[Category:Video]]<br />
| ?Title<br />
| ?Description<br />
| ?External Website URL=URL<br />
| ?Amazon ID<br />
| mainlabel=Page<br />
| link=none<br />
<br />
}}<br />
[[Special:FormEdit/Video|Add a Movie or DVD]]</div>Admin