To ensure accurate readings from your tensiometer probe, a few simple maintenance steps are sufficient:
- Check the proper positioning of the antenna: it should be upright and properly screwed in.
- Inspect the integrity of the casing: it must be intact and securely closed.
- The sensor must be properly inserted into the soil (use the marks on the foot as a guide). A crack in the soil around the probe can cause measurement errors. In this case, remove and reinstall it nearby.
The lifespan of your sensors can also be extended by winterizing them once the irrigation season is over:
- Carefully remove the tensiometers from the soil when it is moist: right after the last irrigation or after thorough watering around the sensor.
- Use a sponge or damp cloth to remove soil from the temperature and tensiometry probes.
- Store your sensors horizontally in a dry place, protected from frost and dust.