Instruction Manual

Installing Soil Moisture & Temperature Sensors Page 15

2. To prevent fraying or cutting of cables,

secure them so they will not whip about in

the wind. Secure a cable to a metal pole by

wrapping electrical tape around them both.

Make sure cables are secure by placing clips

or ties approximately every 3 – 5' (1 – 1.6 m).

Note: Do not use metal staples or a staple gun to secure cables. Metal staples —

especially when installed with a staple gun — have a tendency to cut the cables.

Locating Sensors

Be aware of the soil variations in your field or lawn. The lighter soils dry very

quickly, heavier soils more slowly. Both conditions must be considered.

Furrow or Flood Irrigation

• Sensors are usually placed about 2/3 of the way down the run, just

ahead of the tail or backup water. This is the area where water penetra-

tion is usually the poorest.

• In tree crops, place the sensors on the drier side of the tree exposed to the

most sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is typically the Southwest

side of the tree, which is exposed to the hot afternoon sun.

Sprinkler Irrigation

• Sprinkler irrigation usually provides a more uniform distribution of

water to the ground surface, but there can be great differences in pene-

tration and holding capacity due to soil type variations, soil interfaces

and contour. Try to place your sensors in the areas where variations

occur.

• In tree crops, locate sensors at the drip line.

• In row crops, locate sensors right in the plant row.

• Be sure that sensors are not located behind obstructions, such as tree

limbs, which would interfere with water distribution to the sensor area.

• With center pivots, place sensors at 3 locations down the length of the

pivot, just in front of the "start" point.

• Place sensors at "hot spots" or "good production" areas being sure to stay

in active root zones.

Drip or Micro Irrigation

• Place sensors in the wetted area. With drip emitters, this is usually 12” to

18” from the emitter.

• With micro-sprinklers or sprays, usually 24” to 36” from the micro-sprin-

kler is best.

Cable Clip

Cable Tie

Securing Cables with Clips and Tie