Summary
This study evaluated three field-deployable soil water potential sensors—polymer tensiometers, MPS-2 probes, and pF meters—through a controlled drying experiment to determine their capacity to capture in situ soil water retention curves. Polymer tensiometers and MPS-2 probes proved reliable and capable of capturing water retention curves across the plant-available water range, whilst pF meters were unreliable below −30 kPa and showed sensitivity to measurement interval. The findings suggest that combined use of polymer tensiometers or MPS-2 probes with soil moisture probes offers a practical approach for monitoring spatial and temporal variability of water retention in the field, with potential applications in refining hydrodynamic behaviour predictions.
UK applicability
The measurement protocols and sensor comparisons reported are applicable to UK soil monitoring contexts where in situ water retention data would improve understanding of root zone hydrology and water availability. Field-scale adoption of these sensors could enhance agronomic decision-making in UK agricultural systems with variable soil types and climate conditions.
Key measures
Soil water potential (measured in kPa); soil moisture content; water retention curve (WRC) dynamics; sensor accuracy and reliability across tension ranges from saturation to wilting point
Outcomes reported
The study compared three types of soil water potential sensors (polymer tensiometers, MPS-2 probes, and pF meters) in a controlled drying experiment to assess their ability to measure in situ soil water retention curves. Polymer tensiometers and MPS-2 probes demonstrated good reliability and capacity to provide observed water retention curves when combined with soil moisture probes, whilst pF meters showed poor accuracy below −30 kPa.
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