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Re: Using EnviroSCAN parallel to the surface.

Dear Alan:  While anything can be done, there are three considerations:  

The first relates to the installation method.  When you dig a trench, you
alter the very characteristics of the soil that you wish to measure.  The
EnviroSCAN installation method is designed to minimize the disturbance of
the soil/water relationships being measured.  Sentek trains and certifies
installers in the proper installation methodology in order to insure good
results.  

(Horizontal probes at multiple depths would worsen the situation.  However,
I assume that you want to do this for sake of economics and would only
install one horizontal probe, since to install more than one horizontally
would give you no significant economic advantage over an array constructed
in a vertical configuration).  

The second relates to maintenance.  The EnviroSCAN probe must be accessed
on occasion to replace the silica gel dessicant.  A buried probe without
access would make this difficult.  I have one probe buried to a depth of
about 2-3 cm below land surface and have experienced no problems after one
year, but there is always the possibility that the probe would need
service.  

The third relates to the software.  While the software configuration would
allow you to readily configure a horizontal probe, the analysis of the
array of data would not be as intuitive as that available using a normal
vertical installation.  

Alan, I believe that it is much more practical to build a horizontal array
of probes installed in a normal fashion to look at lateral movement.  The
installation considerations with respect to disturbance of the soil are
minimized, the access considerations are minimized and the software will
allow the viewing of both horizontal and vertical distributions of soil
moisture in an intuitive manner.  Probably only three probes spaced outward
from the emitter at appropriate distances would be more than adequate.  

I have used a two-probe installation for tomatoes under drip irrigation
using plastic mulch here in Florida.  One probe was placed at the emitter
and one probe was placed at the shoulder of the raised plastic bed.  The
lateral movement of water was easily discernible using even this simple
installation.  

I hope that this response is helpful to you.  I will be glad to answer any
other question you may have.  Dale