Installing The Sensors; Procedure - Decagon Devices EC-5 User Manual

3. Installing the Sensors

When selecting a site for installation, it is important to
remember that the soil adjacent to the sensor surface has
the strongest influence on the sensor reading and that
the sensor measures the volumetric water content.
Therefore any air gaps or excessive soil compaction
around the sensor can profoundly influence the read-
ings. Also, do not install the sensors adjacent to large
metal objects such as metal poles or stakes. This can
attenuate the sensor's electromagnetic field and
adversely affect output readings. Because the EC-5 has
gaps between its prongs, it is also important to consider
the size of the media you are inserting the sensor into. It
is possible to get sticks, bark, roots or other material
stuck between the sensor prongs, which will adversely
affect readings. Finally, be careful when inserting the
sensors into dense soil, as the prongs will break if exces-
sive sideways force is used when pushing them in.

Procedure

When installing the EC-5, it is best to maximize contact
between the sensor and the soil.
1. The EC-5 sensor was designed for easy installation
into the soil. After digging a hole to the desired
depth, push the prongs on the sensor into undis-
turbed soil at the bottom of the hole or into the side-
wall of the hole. Make sure that the prongs and
black overmolding are buried completely as shown
below.
EC-5 User's Manual
3. Installing the Sensors
7