Before proceeding with the installation, it is important to know where to position your Tensiometer based on your irrigation system. This will ensure accurate and reliable measurements.
You will need the following material:
- an auger (diameter = 2.2 cm)
- a bucket
- water
- a felt-tip pen
If you are reusing your Tensiometer from one season to the next, make sure to properly prepare it before installation. To do so, perform a conditioning cycle: submerge the Tensiometer's ceramic tip in water for a few hours, then let it dry in open air. Repeat the process the following day.
Here are the steps to follow:
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Choose your location.
Choose an area that is representative of your plot: soil, vegetation, irrigation zone.
Avoid the edges of the field. - Soak the Tensiometer's tip in water for 2 minutes.
During this step the tip of the Tensiometer is humidifying. This will allow a better sensitivity to tensiometry once it is in the ground. -
Make a hole with the help of an auger (diameter = 2.2 cm).
With a felt-tip pen, make a mark on your auger corresponding to the root depth at which the Tensiometer will be positioned.
Help yourself with the marks that are already on the Tensiometer. -
Remove the soil with the auger and place its last samples in a bucket.
Stop when you have reached the mark. Digging too deep could risk forming an air hole that would affect the quality of the data.
- Humidify the soil with water and mix until reaching a thick mud.
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Cover the Tensiometer's tip (the Watermark probe) with the mud.
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Delicately insert the sensor into the hole by holding it by the box, until reaching the wanted depth. Keep it horizontally during this process.
If you feel a resistance before reaching the desired depth, do not force the sensor into the hole. This would risk damaging the equipment.
If the insertion is difficult, repeat the soil removal until reaching the right depth. -
Seal the hole by pushing down the soil and pouring a little water to ensure good contact between the sensor and the soil.
- Screw the antenna on the box.
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Pick up the sensor's serial number, it will be asked to connect it to the Weenat App.
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Log in to the Weenat App.
Add the sensor to the App by clicking on the + (top right corner), then on A sensor. Enter the Tensiometer's serial number.
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Link a sensor to your plot by following the steps in this article 👉 How to link a sensor to my plot?
Data synchronization between the sensor and the app can take up to 15 minutes – just in time for a coffee break ☕😉