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Grazing Lands Research Laboratory

Soil Water Content

VW05, VW25, VW45 (5, 25, and 45 cm)

Stevens Hydra Probe pictured. Coiled cord leads to socket like sensor with 3 small spikes coming out of it. Used to measure soil temperature and soil moisture.

Soil moisture probes were added in winter/spring 2006 (for Little Washita) and summer 2005 (for Fort Cobb). The soil water content is measured at depths of 5, 25, and 45 cm below the ground. Prior to December 2008 (for Little Washita) and March 2009 (for Fort Cobb), measurements were taken at 30-minute intervals. Since then, until January 2012 (for both networks), measurements were taken at 15-minute intervals. Since then, measurements have been taken at 5-minute intervals.

Sensor Used:

Stevens Hydra Probe

Standard Units:

Fractional Percentage

Accuracy:

± 0.03 water fraction by volume in typical soil.