Output Adapter for Watermark Sensor

Irrometer, 200SS-VA, Voltage Output Adapter for Watermark Soil Moisture SensorThis electronic adapter provides a linear voltage output which makes the Watermark sensor very easy to read by most data loggers or devices that can read a voltage signal. The voltage output signal is directly proportional to the soil water tension measurement which represents the energy a plant's root system uses to draw water from the soil. It can be temperature compensated with the addition of a 200TS soil temperature sensor.In use since 1978, the patented Watermark sensor is a solid-state electrical resistance sensing device. The sensor consists of a pair of highly corrosion resistant electrodes that are imbedded within a granular matrix. As the soil water tension changes with water content, the resistance changes as well. The sensor adapter translates the resistance value into a linear voltage output which can be read by a compatible reading device. The reading device can then be configuto display the voltage output in centibars (cb) or kilopascals (kPa) of soil water tension.Features:Proven stable calibrationInexpensive, easy to install and useFully solid-stateWill not dissolve in soilNot affected by freezing temperaturesInternally compensated for commonly found salinity levelsCompatible with many voltage reading devicesRange of measurement from 0 to 239 cb (kPa)Does not require the reading device to have a custom electronic circuit to read the Watermark sensorNo maintenance requiredApplications: Irrigation SchedulingWater Table MonitoringLeak DetectionAgronomy ResearchEnvironmental MonitoringAnywhere you need to know when or if the soil moisture status is changingOperating PrincipleThe WATERMARK sensor is a resistive device that responds to changes in soil moisture. Once planted in the soil, it exchanges water with the surrounding soil thus staying in equilibrium with it. Soil water is an electrical conductor thereby providing a relative indication of the soil moisture status. As the soil dries, water is removed from the sensor and the resistance measurement increases. Conversely, when the soil is rewetted, the resistance lowers. The WATERMARK sensor is unique in that it takes its resistive measurement within a defined and consistent internal matrix material, rather than using the surrounding soil as the measurement medium. This unique feature allows the sensor to have a stable and consistent calibration that does not need to be established for every installation. The relationship of ohms of resistance to centibars (cb) or kilopascals (kPa) of soil water tension is constant. The 200SS-VA converts the resistance value to a voltage output and can compensate the reading for temperature changes if a temperature sensor is added. Compatible reading devices such as a data logger can be scaled to report soil water tension, or matric potential, since that is the best reference of how readily available soil water is to a plant. The WATERMARK sensor consists of stainless steel electrodes imbedded in an internal granular matrix material that acts like a soil in the way it moves water. This matrix is encased in a hydrophilic material that establishes good hydraulic conductivity with the surrounding soil and is held in place by a durable stainless steel perforated shell with plastic end caps.Specification Information for Sensor with AdapterThe soil moisture measurement device, or sensor, shall represent soil moisture status in units of soil water tension or matric potential, registering in centibars (cb) or kilopascals (kPa) when read with a compatible device using a linear voltage scale. Its construction shall be of the Granular Matrix Sensor (GMS) type and require no on-site calibration or routine maintenance. It shall be durable, long-lasting, not subject to dissolving in a wet soil environment with an outer surface of stainless steel and ABS plastic. It shall be the WATERMARK Sensor as manufactuby the IRROMETER Company, Inc. of Riverside, California.