Model:WET
Use:Moisture and nutrient status in the root zone
· Moisture and nutrient status in the root zone
· Rapid monitoring of growing conditions
· Calibrations for many soils and substrates
The WET Sensor has crucial applications in precision horticulture and soil science research and is usable in both soils and growing substrates. It is exceptional in its ability to measure pore water conductivity (ECp), the EC of the water that is available to the plant.
The sensor is easily inserted into substrates, composts and most soils. It takes less than 5 seconds to measure water content (%), pore water conductivity (ECp) and temperature – all being important indictors of root zone health.
The WET Sensor is able to calculate pore water conductivity (ECp) which is the EC of the water available to plant roots. The ECp calculation is derived from an approximate relationship between dielectric properties. This applies particularly well to WET Sensor readings, which are taken at the same frequency within the same defined region of soil/substrate. The approximation is valid in most soils and is particularly accurate in mineral wool and other artificial substrates media.
Where plants are grown in artificial substrates using hydroponic or fertigation systems, nutrients are routinely supplied in irrigation water. Nutrient levels are controlled by monitoring the water content and conductivity (EC) and adjusting the injection of liquid fertiliser into the irrigation water. The Delta-T Devices WET Sensor excels in monitoring this crucial information.
Nutrients are sometimes provided by fertigation but are often
provided by Controlled Release Fertilisers (CRF). The rate at which these are
taken up depends on several factors, including the weather conditions and
irrigation regime.
The Delta-T Devices WET Sensor can be used to measure the EC within the growing
media and so take much of the guesswork out of this process.
If the irrigation water is recycled or abstracted from rivers and aquifers with high levels of dissolved salts, over time there can be a build up of soil salinity. Soil salinisation will eventually reduce crop yields. The WET Sensor is fast and efficient for sampling soil salinity, ensuring that farmers have the essential information they need to take remedial action as quickly as possible.