Granular matrix sensors

Matrix sensors consist of a specified porous material in which, depending on the water tension in the surrounding soil, a certain moisture content assimilates. The moisture content is determined by measuring the electric conductivity or the thermal properties inside the granular material.
 

• The advantage is the maintenance-free operation.
• The disadvantage is that the discharge respectively the refilling of the pores following a change in the soil water tension is delayed and burdened with a hysteresis, depending on the soil's hydrologic conductivity and capillary adhesion.

Applications

• Irrigation control
• Water availability
• Scientific research