measurement, clay soils, silty soils, sandy soils Agris Category Codes: P33

Reliable soil moisture sensors are essential for agricultural application. Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) is a useful method for nondestructive, continuous measurements of soil water content. Laboratory measurements of soil volumetric water content by the TDR 100 Time Domain Reflectometer were compared to gravimetric measurements in three soils, Clay Loam, Silt Loam and Sand soil. Comparison between original and homemade 10 cm and 20 cm rods was made. TDR 100 gave good results in Clay Loam and Silt Loam soil and over estimated VWC in Sand soil. Results showed little or no difference between original and homemade sensor measurements