Re: Aquaflex soil moisture sensor

[Marty Grogan]

>Dear Adrian Orloff,
>
>Several questions regarding the Aquaflex sensor:
>
>1) Why is it placed horizontally? Is this to also measure distribution
>uniformity of an irrigation system?

Maybe the sensor's length must exceed a minimum for the sensor to work.
Then the issue becomes where to locate the sensor.  If averaging over the
sensor's length provides useful information where you put it--what's the
difference.

>2) How is it installed? Doesn't the aspect of installing it horizontally
>completely eliminate a non-disturbed installation process?

Any installation of any sensor creates a disturbance.  The key to
measurement lies in repeatablity and calibration.  Even probe type tdr units
respond differently under different soil conditions.

>
>I don't completely understand the rational for placing it in this fashion,
>but would love to be informed as to the strategy.

After attending a seminar presented by WSU that discussed the myriad
parameters and interactions between soil, air, water and roots it's truly a
wonder that Mother Nature works at all.  :)

>
>Thanks ahead of time!
>
>Richard Mead
>Trickle-L & MIF owner
>
>
>

M. G.