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The capacitive soil moisture sensor consists of a polymer that reacts with water vapor in the air and
two electrodes, one on each side of the polymer When the humidity in the air varies, the polymer
absorbs and releases water vapor.
The Capacitive soil moisture sensors measure soil moisture by assessing the dielectric capacitance of
the soil. When the soil is dry, the capacitance is low, while when it is wet, the capacitance increases.
These sensors use electrodes to measure the capacitance between them and the soil.
Decagon Devices EC-5 Soil Moisture Sensor : The EC-5 calculates volumetric water content
(VWC) by gauging the dielectric constant of the medium through capacitance/frequency
domain technology. With its 70 MHz frequency, it reduces the impact of salinity and textural
variations, ensuring accurate readings in diverse soil or soilless environments.
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Decagon Devices GS3
- Less expensive soil moisture sensors :
when the ground is dry, the electrodes are far apart. The electrical capacitance between the
electrodes is therefore low. When the soil is wet, the electrodes are closer together. The
electrical capacitance between the two electrodes is high.
The sensor uses an electronic circuit to measure the electrical capacitance between the
electrodes. This electronic circuit converts the electrical capacitance measurement into an
analogue electrical signal.
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- The main difference between the circuits of the different types of capacitive soil moisture
sensors is the type of capacitance bridge used (4-capacitor bridge or 2-capacitor bridge)
- The sensor supply voltage determines the sensor's measuring range. Sensors operating with
a higher supply voltage have a wider measuring range.
- The type of operational amplifier used determines the sensitivity of the transducer. Sensors
using a more sensitive operational amplifier have a more accurate response to variations in
soil water content.
- The presence or absence of a filter can improve the accuracy of the sensor. Filters can
remove electrical noise from the sensor's output signal.
- Capacitive: measures the dielectric constant of the soil, linked to soil moisture.
- Industrial: using various technologies (Electrical resistance, Gravimetry, Time domain
reflectometry (TDR), Dielectric spectroscopy).
Accuracy:
- Capacitive: generally offers better accuracy than other types of sensor, with an accuracy of
±0.2% to ±3%.
- Industrial: Accuracy varies depending on the technology used, but is comparable to
capacitive sensors. TDR and dielectric spectroscopy can provide accuracy comparable to
capacitive sensors, while resistance and gravity measurements can be less accurate.
Measurement range:
Durability:
- Capacitive: Designed for use in difficult terrain, but can be susceptible to corrosion and
weathering. Some capacitive sensors are made from corrosion-resistant materials but may
not be as durable as industrial sensors.
- Industrial: made from robust materials to withstand harsh conditions and corrosive
environments. Industrial sensors are often made from stainless steel, polymers and other
tough materials capable of withstanding harsh conditions.