Tensiometer Model SR Manual Gauge, 36in

Tensiometer Model SR Manual Gauge, 36in

Tensiometers

Tensiometers are the instruments to measure soil moisture tension, also known as matric water potential, in the root zone of plants. By providing real time and accurate data on the soil moisture status, tensiometers help farmers, greenhouse managers and researchers to make informed decisions on irrigation scheduling and water management. The core of a tensiometer is a water filled cylindrical tube with a porous ceramic cup at one end and a vacuum gauge at the other. Before installation the porous cup is thoroughly soaked to ensure optimal function, so water can move freely between the soil and the device. As plant roots pull water from the soil, the tension increases and creates a measurable vacuum inside the tensiometer. This tension is displayed on the gauge, giving a direct reading of how much effort plant roots must exert to get water. Tensiometers are available in different models, including low tension for coarse soils or non-soil media, so they are a reliable choice for use in greenhouses, open fields and any environment where precise soil moisture management is critical.

236 Model SR Manual Gauge 36" (90cm) | Irrometer Soil Moisture Sensors

The “SR” Irrometer is the standard device for use in medium to heavy soils. It is very important to calibrate the tensiometer for specific soil types to ensure accurate measurement of water depletion. Choose the right model for your specific soil type and application.

The device includes a threaded replaceable tip and reservoir, gauge chamber and hermetically sealed IRROMETER vacuum gauge with dual scale of centibars and kilopascals (0-100 cb [kpa] range).

The white tipped STANDARD (SR) is for general use with row, tree and field crops, with ranges from 0-100 cb (kPa).

Note: A Service Unit is required for proper operation of the IRROMETER instrument and should be included on initial orders.One unit will service ALL of your IRROMETERS:

• The Standard Service Unit (1001) is used during initial installation and then periodically for removal of air from instrument to ensure maximum sensitivity and accuracy.

• The Test Pump Service Unit (1002) serves the dual purpose of removing air and testing the gauge in one operation.*To set up the tensiometer use the pump to remove air from the instrument and ensure proper function.

Product Description

The Tensiometer is the only direct measurement system available, which means it actually reads the physical forces at work in the soil. Tensiometers act like a dummy root, allowing the soil moisture to interact with the instrument through the ceramic tip and porous cup. Evaporation and plant uptake affect soil moisture tension by withdrawing water from the soil, creating a vacuum within the device. Soil water tension outside of the instrument tries to remove the water from it, which creates a measurable tension inside the column. This tension is read with either a mechanical gauge or a transducer attached to the instrument. As water is extracted from the soil, it creates a vacuum inside the tensiometer, leading to increased gauge readings that reflect the soil’s matric potential. While this is the most accurate and proven method available, there is some maintenance required periodically to keep them full of water, and they must be removed from the field during the winter months to avoid freezing.

• IRROMETER measures soil water which indicates plant water availability.

• The IRROMETER Tensiometer is the standard in accurate soil moisture measurement, offering growers an inexpensive and reliable means of measuring soil moisture for irrigation scheduling.

• An IRROMETER will measure the actual soil water tension, which indicates the effort required by root systems to extract water from the soil.

• Because the IRROMETER is a true measurement of soil water potential, the instrument is not affected by salinity and does not require site calibration.

• IRROMETER is available in several models with standard lengths of 6”, 12”, 18”, 24”, 36”, or 48” depending on the rooting depth of the specific crop. For growers interested in soil pH testing, dedicated meters are also available.

Model SR Features

• 0-100 cb (kPa) range gauge

• Replaceable ceramic tip (white)

• Air-free gauge gives accurate readings

• Large reservoir makes maintenance easy

• Hermetically sealed gauge designed for harsh environments

• Low tension functionality for measuring soil quality in coarse sandy soils and non-soil growing media

The cylindrical tube of the tensiometer has a diameter of about one inch, which is standard for installation and operation.

Part | SR Depth | Weight

• 206 | 6’’ (15 cm) | .844 lb. /.383 kg

• 212 | 12’’ (30 cm) | .968 lb. / .439 kg* 218 | 18’’ (45 cm) | 1.09 lb. / .496 kg

• 224 | 24’’ (60 cm) | 1.22 lb. / .553 kg

• 236 | 36’’ (90 cm) | 1.47 lb. / .666 kg

• 248 | 48’’ (120 cm) | 1.72 lb. / .780 kg

New And Improved Gauges For 2019Both SR and LT IRROMETER now have a membrane vent for better temperature and elevation related compensation, a larger 2 ½ inch face for ease of reading, and a stainless steel rustproof body.

Specifications

Tensiometers come in a variety of models and sizes to fit different soil types and applications. Most standard tools have a 0-100 cb range, some low tension models have a 0-40 cb range for use in sandy soils or non-soil growing media. This tool is a transparent glass or plastic tube filled with water and has a porous ceramic cup at the bottom and a vacuum gauge at the top. The gauge reads in 1 cb increments for precise monitoring especially near field capacity when the soil is almost saturated. Some models have a blue “Quick-Flo” ceramic tip for faster and more accurate readings. Tensiometers are available in various lengths—6”, 12”, 18”—to target the root zone, usually one-quarter to one-third of the maximum root depth. This targeted installation gives you the most relevant data for irrigation scheduling and soil management.