Research, climate monitoring, agriculture—all depend on timely, accurate environmental measurements. Large environmental networks and small research stations alike need instruments that can deliver dependable data.
Measurement of soil conditions is often an important part of environmental monitoring. It has long been a challenge to find a soil sensor where ruggedness, cost, and ease of use are found. Campbell Scientific developed the SoilVue™10 to fill those needs and more.
The SoilVue 10 uses Campbell Scientific’s proprietary TruWave™TDR* technology, generating high-resolution soil-profile data in a surprisingly tough, all-in-one sensor. It measures soil conductivity, volumetric water content, and soil temperature at multiple points in a vertical profile—six measurements in the half-meter configuration, or nine measurements in the one-meter version.
The user installs the SoilVue 10 by drilling a hole with a standard auger, and the threaded casing of the instrument screws into the hole. This provides great soil contact for the sensors with little disturbance of the walls of the hole, preserving the integrity of the measurements. Multiple sensors in one case means a less complex setup, and more reliability than multiple individual sensors scattered through a soil profile.
Cable damage from rodents or farm implements can mean having to dig up sensors and disturb the site. The cable on the SoilVue 10 is removable and can be replaced without moving the instrument.
The sensor is great for long-term deployment. No moving parts and a rugged case mean minimal maintenance. The SDI-12 digital output is useful for single locations or large networks.
The SoilVue 10 doesn’t compromise. Many soil-monitoring systems require complex setups, with many sensors and cables and much time and special equipment to bury the sensors. The SoilVue 10 provides high-quantity, high-quality data in a tough, easy-to-install format.
To learn more about the SoilVue 10, or to ask questions of our highly trained technical and sales support team, please read our blog article or visit the SoilVue 10 product page.
* TDR = time-domain reflectometry