Soil water potential measuring instruments are mainly used in agricultural irrigation management, hydrological research, and soil monitoring fields. Measure soil negative pressure (water potential) through a pressure sensing device, synchronously collect temperature data (accuracy ± 0.5 ℃), support automatic peak capture, timed acquisition, and backlight display.
The soil water potential measuring instrument mainly works based on the principle of tension meter. When the soil becomes dry, the surface tension potential of the moisture in contact with the ceramic head tends to suck out the water inside the tube, thereby forming a local vacuum at the top of the tube. A high vacuum reading indicates dry soil, while a low reading indicates moist soil. By measuring this vacuum value (i.e. soil water potential), the moisture level of the soil can be determined, which can then guide irrigation management.
Soil water potential is a core indicator for measuring the energy status of soil moisture, directly reflecting the "difficulty" of soil in absorbing water from plant roots. It can more accurately guide agricultural irrigation, ecological research, and soil and water conservation work than traditional soil moisture content (mass/volume percentage). The soil water potential measuring instrument is a device that quantifies this energy state through specific technical means. Its core value lies in helping users determine the effectiveness of soil moisture, rather than simply understanding the "amount" of moisture.
maintain:
Tension meter: Check the water storage chamber once a week and replenish distilled water in a timely manner when there is a shortage of water (tap water should not be used to avoid salt clogging the ceramic cup);
Electronic probe (TDR, thermal diffusion): Regularly clean the soil and roots on the surface of the probe to avoid corrosion or biological attachment (can be cleaned with a soft bristled brush, not with strong acid or alkali);
Long term storage: Wipe the probe dry and place it in a dry and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and low temperature freezing damage.
Soil water potential is a "dynamic indicator" that needs to be comprehensively analyzed in conjunction with meteorology (rainfall, evaporation) and crop growth stages (such as suspending irrigation when soil water potential increases after rain; maintaining high water potential during crop filling period to avoid water shortage);
Avoid relying on a single data point: It is recommended to deploy sensors at multiple points (such as one probe every 5 acres of farmland) and take the average as the decision-making basis to reduce the impact of soil spatial heterogeneity.