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Sensors 2013, 13(1), 1137-1145; doi:10.3390/s130101137
Article
Characterization of a New Heat Dissipation Matric Potential Sensor
Institute of Natural Resources Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, CH-8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 15 October 2012; in revised form: 28 December 2012 / Accepted: 14 January 2013 / Published: 17 January 2013
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Sensors)
Download PDF Full-Text [713 KB, uploaded 17 January 2013 14:26 CET]
Abstract: Soil moisture sensors can help to reduce the amount of water needed for irrigation. In this paper we describe the PlantCare soil moisture sensor as a new type of heat dissipation sensor, its calibration and the correction for temperature changes. With the PlantCare sensor it is possible to measure the matric potential indirectly to monitor or control irrigation. This sensor is based on thermal properties of a synthetic felt. After a defined heating phase the cooling time to a threshold temperature is a function of the water content in the synthetic felt. The water content in this porous matrix is controlled by the matric potential in the surrounding soil. Calibration measurements have shown that the sensor is most sensitive to −400 hPa and allows lower sensitivity measurements to −800 hPa. The disturbing effect of the temperature change during the measurement on the cooling time can be corrected by a linear function and the differences among sensors are minimized by a two point calibration.
Keywords: soil moisture; matric potential; sensor; heat dissipation; temperature; irrigation control
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MDPI and ACS Style
Matile, L.; Berger, R.; Wächter, D.; Krebs, R. Characterization of a New Heat Dissipation Matric Potential Sensor. Sensors 2013, 13, 1137-1145.
AMA StyleMatile L, Berger R, Wächter D, Krebs R. Characterization of a New Heat Dissipation Matric Potential Sensor. Sensors. 2013; 13(1):1137-1145.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatile, Luzius; Berger, Roman; Wächter, Daniel; Krebs, Rolf. 2013. "Characterization of a New Heat Dissipation Matric Potential Sensor." Sensors 13, no. 1: 1137-1145.