5TE Operator’s Manual
6. Installing the Probes
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6. Installing the Probes
NOTE 1: Make sure the screw electrodes on the 5TE are clean before
installing the sensors. See the sensor cleaning section at the end of the
manual.
NOTE 2: Decagon advises that you test the sensors with your data log-
ging device and software before going to the field.
Before you select a site for installation, remember that the soil
next to the probe surface has the strongest influence on its
readings. It is important to avoid air gaps or extremely com-
pact soil around the probe, which can skew readings. Do not
install the 5TE next to large metal objects, which can attenuate
the probes’ electromagnetic field and distort output readings.
Because the probes have gaps between their prongs, it is also
important to consider the size of the media you are inserting
the probe into. It is possible to get sticks, bark, roots or other
material stuck between the probe prongs, which will adversely
affect readings. Finally, be careful when inserting the probes
into dense soil, as the prongs can break if excessive force is
used when pushing them in.
Procedure
The 5TE can be inserted directly into growing media or soil.
The tip of each prong has been sharpened to make it easier to
push the probe in.
Be careful around the sharpened tips!
The probe
needs to be completely covered by soil, as shown in Figure 2.
