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Soil Science Instrumentation
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Salinity and Temperature
| Soil Salinity Measurement |
| Soil Salinity Sensor |
Soil salinity sensors are ideal for efficient in-situ field monitoring of soil salinity with minimal disturbance to the soil profile. |
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| Soil Salinity Sensor Hand Held Meter |
The 5000M Salinity Meter manufactured by ICT International offers scientists and environmental managers a highly accurate, low cost, plug and play solution to measure salinity in the field. |
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| Soil Temperature Measurement |
| TT4 Smart Thermocouple Interface |
The TT4 is a digital interface to allow connection of thermocouple temperature sensors to the SL5 SmartLogger. |
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| ECT Air and Soil Temperature Probe |
The Temperature Sensor can measure both air temperature and soil temperature. It connects to any channel in a Decagon Datalogger for long-term temperature monitoring.
Supplied with 3m cable with 3.5mm jack plug. |
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Soil Tension and Suction
| Tensiometers |
| Jet Fill |
The Model 2725 Jet Fill Tensiometer features the patented Jet Fill reservoir for push-button convenience and minimization of soil disturbance when servicing is required. |
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| 2100F Micro Tensiometer and Soil Column Tensiometer |
The Model 2100F soil moisture probe is a specialised unit designed for investigation of soil suction in small regimes such as near the soil surface, or for laboratory work such as measuring soil suction values at various levels in soil columns. |
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| 2100F Tensiometer Accessories |
Accessories available for the 2100F soil moisture probe |
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| Quick Draw |
The Model 2900F1 Quick Draw Tensiometer is designed for portable field use. It responds quickly and equilibrates rapidly with the tension in the soil, providing measurements within a few minutes. |
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| Transducer Tensiometers and Logging Tensiometers |
Transducers Including:
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The vacuum inside the tensiometer is measured by a pressure transducer, which gives a continuous analogue output signal. A resolution of 0.1 kPa (1 cm H2O) can be attained for the GT3 Tensiometer Transducer.
The GT3-420 has an industry-standard 4 to 20mA current loop output that can be used to interface it to a wide variety of standard devices including programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and data loggers.
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| Gypsum Blocks |
Gypsum Blocks or G-Blocks are an evolution in design. They provide quick response and true sensitivity to conditions where moisture remains relatively high. |
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| Watermark Smart Interface |
The Watermark sensor is an indirect method of measuring soil water. It is an electrical resistance type sensor, that converts the electrical resistance reading to a calibrated reading of centibars of soil water suction. |
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Thermal Matric Potential Sensor (CS229)
Matric Suction (Ψm) Sensor Calibration Service
PDF
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The CS229 thermal matric sensor is used to measure the soil matric potential in dry to very dry soils. Typical applications of this sensor are in the area of store release cover hydrology monitoring in mine and landfill closure and research on desert vegetation and hydrology. |
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Soil Moisture
| Capacitance Soil Moisture Probes |
| ECH2O EC-5 Soil Moisture Sensors |
ECH2O is a capacitance probe that measures dielectric permittivity of the surrounding medium. In soil, dielectric permittivity is directly related to the water content. The ECH2O probe outputs a voltage proportional to the dielectric permittivity, and therefore the water content of the soil. |
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| 10HS Soil Moisture Sensors |
The 10HS Soil Moisture Sensor obtains volumetric water content by measuring the dielectric constant of the media through the utilization of capacitance/frequency domain technology. In addition, the 10HS sensors incorporate a high frequency oscillation, which allows the sensor to accurately measure soil moisture in any soil or soilless media with minimal salinity and textural effects. |
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| 5TE Sensors |
The 5TE is designed to measure the water content, electrical conductivity, and temperature of soil and growing media. |
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| MAS-1 4-20 milliamp water content sensor |
The MAS-1 4-20 milliamp sensor is the first current-based sensor to use Decagon's trademark 70 MHz technology. This sensor offers a standard 4-20 milliamp output that is common with PLCs and irrigation controllers. With the 4-20 mA interface, cable lengths over 200 m are possible. |
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Advanced Logger System Em50 |
The Em50 is a 5-channel, self-contained data recorder designed for use with any ECH2O sensor. The sensors are plugged into the 5 channels and measured as directed by the user. Housed in a weatherproof enclosure with an O-ring seal, the Em50 is ideal for long-term outdoor use. With minimal battery usage, the Em50 can take readings as often as once per minute for over a year. |
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| ProCheck hand-held readout device |
The hand-held ProCheck gives you a read-out and stores reading from any of Decagon's soil moisture or environmental sensors. |
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| Aquaterr M-300. T-300 & EC-300 Soil Meters |
Aquaterr Soil Moisture, Temperature & Salinity Meters. These are designed to closely track the "hand feel" method, using a radio-frequency capacitance sensor. A direct readout is given. |
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| Standing Wave Soil Moisture Probes |
| MP406 Sensors |
The MP406 can be used to measure the soil moisture for scientific research or irrigation management. The MP406 Moisture Probe can also be used to measure the moisture content in many materials such as soil, food and materials used in roadway and building construction. |
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| MP406 Interfaces |
| MP406 4-20mA Output for Irrigation Control |
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Complete self-contained soil moisture probe and meter in a portable kit.
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MPKit Applications Slides
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Sample MPKit Application slides.
Click the image thumbnail for full size.
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| See Also: MP406 Power Use Calculations for Sensor and Interfaces |
| Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) Soil Moisture Measurement |
| Mini-TRASE |
The MiniTrase retains all of the superior capabilities that made our Trase System 1 a valued instrument, but now features: significantly reduced weight, size and cost. MiniTrase provides the largest signal pulse of any standard commercial TDR instrumentation used in soils or dielectric measurements. |
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| TRASE System 1 |
Trase is the only self-contained TDR instrument capable of investigating and monitoring not only soils, but a wide variety of other materials as well. It is fully field portable, and when you need to leave it at a remote site for several days or weeks, it can be accessed from home or office. |
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| Waveguides |
The Buriable Waveguide is designed to be installed permanently in the soil, and allows measurements to be made at any depth in the soil profile. |
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| TDR Multiplexers |
With the Trase Muliplexer, up to 241 locations can be automatically logged to measure the dielectric and subsequent moisture properties of soil or other materials.
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| Neutron Probe Soil Moisture Meters |
| 503DR Neutron Probe |
CPN 503DR-1.5 Neutron Probe sets the standard for soil moisture measurement for both scientific research and irrigation scheduling. Readings of soil water content recorded in the Neutron Probe are automatically uploaded to computer for review and analysis.
See also:
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| NPro Irrigation Scheduling Software |
| 503DR Neutron Probe Irrigation Scheduling Package |
| Auger set |
The auger set will bore a precision hole in the ground that will accept an aluminium access tube.
Click here for more information |
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| TIA-350S One-man Post Hole Digger |
The Tia350S is an easy to start one-man lightweight post hole digger.
Click here for more information |
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| Radiation Survey Meter - Monitor 4 |
The Monitor 4 Radiation Detector (M4) are compact, general purpose survey meters capable of detecting alpha, beta, gamma, and x-rays over 3 selectable ranges. |
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| MC3 Series Surface Moisture & Density Probe |
Nuclear density gauges are the most effective non-destructive testing method for asphalt paving materials. Conventional density test methods require collection of core samples, which are time consuming and require repair of the pavement. Accurate nuclear gauge density measurements take one-minute and are accepted by all State and Federal highway agencies. |
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Soil Oxygen Sensors
Oxygen Sensor brochure
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The Soil O2 Sensor is used for measuring the root
respiration. It detects the density of oxygen in the soil by
% order. The usual usage of this sensor is to place
the sensor vertically at intervals of 20 to 50 cm.
Auger a hole in the soil and place this sensor into the hole.
The vertical profile of the O2 in the soil can then be measured.
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Soil Water Potential
| Pressure Plate Extractor Systems |
| Pressure Plate Extractor Components |
Pressure Extractors are used in determining the water-holding characteristics of soil samples. Wetted soil samples are placed in the extractor, and a known pressure is applied, which forces the removal of any water held to the soil at a lower pressure. By analyzing the sample at several different pressures, the characteristic pressure versus water content relationship can be determined for the soil. |
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| Lab Setup 0700LAB002V2 |
Lab Setup - Pressure Plate Extractors and Manifold
Laboratory equipment using pressure plate extractors and high air entry ceramic plates to determine the soil-water characteristic curve.
The characterisation of soils according to their moisture holding capacities , moisture flow and retention characteristics is essential for:
- Agriculture
- The development of effective irrigation and plant stress management
- Soil mechanics applications
The soil-water characteristic curve of a soil relates the water content to the applied matric suction. In the laboratory, a matric suction can be applied to a soil specimen by maintaining a zero pore-water pressure by applying a positive pore-air pressure. The matric suction can be varied by applying different air pressures to the soil specimen.
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| Lab Setup 0700LAB023V2 |
| Lab Setup 0750LAB002 |
| Lab Setup 0750LAB023 |
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Tempe Cells
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The Tempe Pressure Cell is used to determine the water-holding characteristics of a soil sample in the 0 to 1 bar pressure range.
1428K Remote Tempe Kit - The complete mobile setup for vacuum/pressure extraction and soil hydrology studies in a waterproof case for easy transport.
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Vacuum Manifold |
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| Compressor |
0505V compressor replaces older 0500FG model |
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| Vacuum Pumps |
Portable hand pumps for vacuum and pressure availability in the field. |
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| Porous Ceramic Plates & Cups |
| Porous Ceramic Plates |
These pressure plate cells have been the de-facto standard for the measurement of soil moisture retention studies worldwide. |
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| Porous Ceramic Cups |
The unique characteristics and quality of our porous ceramics allow them to be used in a variety of applications. The natural wetting abilities of a porous ceramic, the uniform pore sizing, and inert raw materials provide an excellent finished product for research or industrial applications. |
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| Porous Ceramics Custom Sizes |
Each specialty area of our ceramics product line represents the finest quality products available to you as a consumer. Many of the items are used in the fabrication of our quality field and research laboratory equipment. |
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| Custom Ceramics Order Form |
| Properties of Porous Ceramics |
| Soil Water Potential Measurement |
| WP4 Water Potential Meter |
The WP4C gives water potential readings directly in Megapascals within 5 minutes. It directly measures water potential from -0.1 to -300 MPa with excellent accuracy. The instrument is easy to use and maintain, and calibration is simple. |
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| MPS-1 |
Soil water potential is a key parameter for determining water availability for plant growth, water flow, and soil stability. Although an in-situ measurement of soil water potential has been the focus of considerable research over the years, existing solutions still have many drawbacks such as high maintenance, limited lifetime, individual calibration requirements, high cost, and small measurement range. The MPS-1 is a sensor that can be used in the field to accurately measure in-situ soil water potential without these limitations.
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| Soil Water Samplers (Lysimeters) |
| 1900 Soil Water Samplers |
The Model 1900 Soil Water Sampler is a large-volume sampler designed for near-surface installation at depths ranging from 15 cm (6") to 1.8 m (6'). The unit consists of a 4.8 cm (1.9") outside diameter PVC tube, a porous ceramic cup with a 200 kPa (2 bar) air-entry value, and a Santoprene stopper. |
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| 1905 Slim Tube Soil Water Samplers |
The 1905 Slim Tube Soil Water Sampler is a small-diameter sampler designed for taking small-volume samples or for use where installation space is limited. |
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| 1920 Soil Water Samplers |
The 1920 Pressure / Vacuum Soil Water Sampler is used where samples are collected to detect concentrations of organic or inorganic solutes or pesticides, with sensitivities in parts per million (PPM). |
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| 1922 "Ultra" Soil Water Samplers |
The 1922 "Ultra" Soil Water Sampler is used where samples are collected to detect concentrations of organic or inorganic solutes or pesticides, with sensitivities in parts per billion. |
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| 1923 Ultra Soil Water Sampler |
The Large Capacity 1923 Ultra Soil Water Sampler is used where samples are collected to detect concentrations of organic or inorganic solutes or pesticides, with sensitivities in parts per billion. |
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| Related information |
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| Gravitation lysimeter |
Gravitation lysimeters are used to measure parameters to calculate water and solute balances in soils. Due to the high resolution weighing system the input water fractions are measured with a resolution of 0,01 mm, including dew, rime and the water equivalent of snowfall and small rates of evapotranspiration. In connection with the additional recording of the amounts of percolating water and precipitation it also permits the quantification of water balance of the soil column.
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| Permeameters & Infiltrometers |
| Guelph Permeameter |
A fast, accurate, easy to use instrument to measure in-situ hydraulic conductivity. |
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| Tension Infiltrometer |
Tension infiltrometers are designed to measure the unsaturated hydraulic properties of soils. Water is allowed to infiltrate soil at a rate which is slower than when water is ponded on the soil surface. This is accomplished by maintaining a small negative pressure on the water as it is infiltrating into the soil. |
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| Mini-Disk Infiltrometer |
Mini-disk Infiltrometers provide quick and convenient measurement of soil hydraulic conductivity. |
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| Hood infiltrometer |
The hood infiltrometer is used for measuring the soil hydraulic conductivity in the field.
Measurement is effected by infiltration from a water-filled closed hood put onto the ground.
The water-covered circular soil surface under the hood then is the source area for infiltration flow.
No contact layer on the soil surface is necessary.
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| Drain Gauge |
| Drain Gauge |
The Gee passive capillary lysimeter (Drain Gauge) is much smaller than comparable instruments, and its cost allows for more measurement sites over a large range of locations for the monitoring of deep drainage. |
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| Drain Gauge Interface |
Penetrometers, Augers and Samplers
| Soil Penetrometers |
| Rimik CP40II Penetrometer with built-in GPS |
Penetrometer measures the resistance to penetration in soil. The instrument consists of a data logger, load cell, a cone attached to a shaft and GPS. The data logger records the cone index value of the load required for insertion of the cone through the soil as well as time, date and GPS coordinates. |
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| Soil Samplers & Augers |
| ICT Soil Samplers |
The Model 0200 Soil Bulk Density Sampler allows the extraction of intact soil cores. A core 57mm (2.25") in diameter is extracted and held in a brass cylinder. The cylinder and soil sample can then be placed in a pressure plate extractor or Tempe Cell apparatus, and the water-holding characteristics of the sample can be determined. |
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| Soil Augers |
Specifically designed to auger a tight fitting hole when installing 50 mm outside diameter aluminium access tubing used with the Neutron Probe. Set includes a spiral auger for clay soils, a shell auger for sandy or dry clay soils, extension and T-handle. Holes can be augered for 2 m aluminium tubes. |
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| TIA-350S One-man Post Hole Digger |
The Tia350S is an easy to start one-man lightweight post hole digger.
Click here for more information |
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Thermal Properties
| Thermal Properties Analyser |
| KD2 Pro |
The pocket-sized KD2 thermal properties analyzer uses a single sensor to measure thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity. It uses a simple yet precise heating and monitoring system to measure the slope and intercept of the sample specific temperature rise vs. time curve. The KD2 uses this data to calculate and display thermal conductivity in 90 seconds. |
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| Hukseflux Thermal Conductivity Sensors |
Hukseflux specialises in the measurement of thermal conductivity of plastics, composites, fluids, pastes, and granular materials like soils. Special capabilities include the measurement of composites in two directions (fiber and perpendicular to the fiber orientation), and the measurement of thin plastic and metal foil materials. |
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Soil Moisture Equipment Corporation
© 2003-2009, ICT International
EST NSW Australia
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