Observing soil water dynamics under two field conditions by a novel sensor system

Sufficiently available soil water is a basic requirement in agricultural production. Monitoring soil water dynamics (SWD) in the root zone is an optimal approach for managing a crop's growth. This study presents a novel sensor system that simultaneously measures volumetric soil water content (VSWC), apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and soil temperature at two different soil depths (shallow: 16cm; deep: 36cm). For testing its feasibility in the field, two prototypes were installed, one in bare soil and the other in a sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) field in the summer of 2010. Following a sequence of rainfall events randomly distributed over the experimental period, we observed distinct responses from the sensors at each monitored depth in both field conditions. In addition to the multi-parameter measurements, the novel sensor design includes a series of technical advantages such as solar-powered operation, wireless communication, and being relatively easy to install/remove. Thus, the developed wireless sensor system is promising for networked applications in precision farming. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.