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Automatic Acquisition of Data from Tensiometers with Mercury Manometers
Author(s) -
Atteia O.,
Dubois J. P.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1993.03615995005700030010x
Subject(s) - tensiometer (surface tension) , water potential , data acquisition , mercury (programming language) , soil water , environmental science , computer science , soil science , physics , quantum mechanics , surface tension , programming language , operating system
Abstract Knowledge of soil matric potential gradient is essential to calculate water fluxes in soils. This gradient is generally measured with tensiometers. We present a new device for automatically measuring matric potential accurately and cheaply. The basic component is an inductive sensor that runs up and down the tensiometer's tubing. An endless screw and a stepping motor connected to an acquisition data box precisely control the vertical movement of the sensor. After 1 yr of testing, this apparatus has proved to be as accurate as the classic techniques.