When it comes to measuring soil moisture we opt for IMKO's PICO. PICOs use TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) the most accurate soil moisture monitoring technique available. These sensors come in a variety of sizes and configurations - our team are hear to guide you through the selection process.
Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is an indirect measure of soil water content based on the travel time of a high frequency electromagnetic pulse through the soil; this travel time is used to calculate the permittivity (dielectric constant) of the material. Unlike galvanic probes that heavily rely on the contact of the rods and the soil, TDR probes are significantly less susceptible to error from small air gaps between the rods and soil.
PICO's use material specific calibration profiles to accurately calculate soil moisture and conductivity. These can be adjusted using the HD2, Bluetooth app or PICO-CONFIG software. Whether it be for sand, peat, loamy soils and a variety of other substrates we have you covered. Cables come 1.5m as standard but longer cables are available on request, cables are fitted with a military spec connector for reliable connection to handheld device.
Sensors can be installed vertically or horizontally if you are looking to target a very specific horizon. A pre-drill kit is used to bore out the rod holes ensuring good contact with the soil and reducing compaction of the soil. For installation at depth you can use an auger to reach the desired depth or you can dig a trench install horizontally. The trench method is best for not disturbing the material directly above the sensor and targets a specific horizon whereas installing from the surface using an auger provides a relatively more straightforward installation method and is suitable for more soil types.
The PICO is sensor only and requires another device to view data, log, adjust calibration profile etc:
HD2 - An analogue handheld for viewing and changing the calibration profile of the sensor.
PICO-BT Bluetooth Dongle - Attaches to the sensor and repeats data to an android. Allows logging, live readouts and adjustment of calibration profile.
Telemetry - Compatible with VW DataHub and DataNode
PICO-BT
Pre-Drill Kit
Extension tubes for installation at depth
| Pico 64 | Pico 32 | |
| Body dimensions (mm) | 155 x Ø 63 | 155 x Ø 32 |
| Rod seperation (mm) | 40 | 20 |
| Rod Diameter (mm) | 6 | 3.5 |
| Rod lengths (mm) |
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| Accuracy Ranges | |||
| Conductivity Range (d/Sm) | 0 to 6 | 6 to 20 | >20 |
| Measurement range VMC* | 0 - 100% | ||
| Moisture Range 0 – 40% VMC* | ±1% | ±2% | With material specific calibration |
| Moisture Range 40% – 70% VMC* | ±2% | ±3% | With material specific calibration |
| Repeating Accuracy | ±0.2% | ±0.3% | With material specific calibration |
| Temerature accuracy | ±1.5 °C absolute, ±0.5 °C relative | ||
| * VMC (Volumetric Water Content) | |||
