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ēKo Pro Series User's Manual
8.1 eS1101 Soil Moisture & Soil Temperature Sensor
The eS1101 sensor consists of a Watermark soil moisture sensor and soil temperature sensor
which temperature compensates the Watermark sensor. Up to four eS1101 ēKo sensors can be
connected to one ēKo node to measure soil moisture at different soil depths.
Switchcraft
connector
8.1.1 Installing the Sensor
If time permits soak the soil moisture sensors overnight and install wet. Make an access hole for
the soil moisture sensor to the desired depth with a 7/8"diameter rod. The depth depends on the
root zone of the crop. Fill the hole with water and push the sensor down into the hole so it
"bottoms out". Backfill the hole with soil until the sensor is covered a few inches. Push the
temperature sensor down then continue to backfill with soil until both sensors are buried.
For very coarse or gravelly soils, an oversized hole (1" – 1-1/4") may be needed to prevent
abrasion damage to the soil moisture sensor membrane. In this case, auger a hole to the desired
depth and make a thick slurry with the soil and some water. Fill the hole with this slurry, install
the soil moisture sensor then the temperature sensor. This will "grout in" the soil moisture sensor
to ensure a snug fit.
IMPORTANT:
erratic/invalid readings for a number of days until the probe absorbs water/equilibrates with the
soil. This is the reason for "conditioning" the probes before burial.
8.1.2 Sensor Maintenance
The Watermark sensor is manufactured from non-corrosive parts which will last for years. Once
the sensors are installed, there is no future need for maintenance. With permanent crops such as
trees and vines, the sensors may be left in place all winter. With annual crops, where field
operations are required, removing the sensors prior to harvest is a standard practice. If the
sensors are removed, simply clean them off and store them in a dry area until spring.
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8 Appendix B: ēKo Sensors
Installing a "dry", unconditioned soil moisture probe may result in
Soil temperature
probe
Soil moisture probe
Doc. # 7430-0710-01 Rev. C
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