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Laboratory evaluation of dual-frequency multisensor capacitance probes to monitor soil water and salinity

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Abstract

Real-time information on salinity levels and transport of fertilizers are generally missing from soil profile knowledge bases. A dual-frequency multisensor capacitance probe (MCP) is now commercially available, for sandy soils, to simultaneously monitor volumetric soil water content (VWC) measured as a percentage and salinity as a unitless volumetric ion content (VIC). The objectives of this research were to assess the relationship of salinity and water content with these dual-frequency MCPs under laboratory conditions, and assess its potential for field use in sandy soils of the mid-Atlantic region of the US. Water and salinity studies were conducted in two sand-filled PVC columns, 1.2 m long by 0.25 m ID. Each column was instrumented with ten dual-frequency capacitance sensors and two thermocouple temperature sensors. Four salinity levels were studied in the two columns using 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 dSm−1 NH4NO3 solutions. Water, salinity, and temperature readings were continuously recorded at 1-min intervals. The VIC values were found to be primarily qualitative, but combined with real-time VWC measures the probe could still be an important fertigation management tool to provide near-continuous real-time information on fertilizer penetration, spread and subsequent changes during crop growth.

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Notes

  1. Trade names are used in this publication to provide specific information. Mention of a trade name does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product or equipment by the USDA or an endorsement over other similar products.

  2. The raw f L response values and the formula for calculating VIC are not made available to the user.

  3. “Content” not concentration. VIC is unitless as provided by the manufacturer.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Mr. Randy Rowland, support scientist at the USDA-ARS, for valuable assistance and technical support. They also thank Dr. Jeff Campbell, Campbell Consulting, Horseshoe Bend, ID, for helpful discussions and critical review of the draft manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA-ARS Hydrology and Remote Sensing Lab, Bldg. 007, 10300 Baltimore Ave., BARC-W, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA

    J. L. Starr

  2. USDA ARS Crop Systems and Global Change Lab, Bldg. 001, Rm. 342, 10300 Baltimore Ave., BARC-W, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA

    D. J. Timlin

  3. USDA-ARS Environmental Management and Byproduct Utilization Lab, Bldg. 007, 10300 Baltimore Ave., BARC-W, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA

    P. M. Downey

  4. Department of Bioresources Engineering, University of Delaware REC, Georgetown, DL, 19947, USA

    I. R. McCann

Authors
  1. J. L. Starr
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  2. D. J. Timlin
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  3. P. M. Downey
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  4. I. R. McCann
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Correspondence to J. L. Starr.

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Communicated by P. Waller.

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Starr, J.L., Timlin, D.J., Downey, P.M. et al. Laboratory evaluation of dual-frequency multisensor capacitance probes to monitor soil water and salinity. Irrig Sci 27, 393–400 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-009-0154-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-009-0154-3

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