Principle of a soil temperature sensor
A soil temperature sensor measures the temperature of soil, air, and water. Experiments and scientific studies are important. Soil temperature, often called ground temperature, includes both surface and underground temperatures. It gives important data for research.
Soil temperature is important for crop growth and development. It also affects how fertilizers break down and how organic matter builds up. A crucial environmental element in agricultural production exists. Soil temperature plays a vital role in shaping the microclimate, making its measurement and study a significant aspect of microclimate and agrometeorological observations.
The magnitude and direction of soil heat flux primarily influence the fluctuation of soil temperature. However, researchers connect it to soil thermal characteristics such as volume heat capacity, thermal conductivity, density, specific heat, porosity, and moisture content. For non-horizontal terrains, the slope’s position and size additionally affect it.
So, what is the operational principle of a soil temperature sensor?
Upon witnessing this, numerous friends are curious about the working principle of this type of sensor. Essentially, it operates similarly to a standard temperature sensor, utilizing the thermistor principle. However, unlike traditional temperature sensors, the soil temperature sensor features a more robust sealed casing. This design guarantees the sensor’s functionality even when someone deeply embeds it underground.
Sources of error in soil temperature sensors
The inaccuracies of the temperature sensor primarily stem from two sources. Firstly, the error arises from the associated measurement and control circuit system. Nevertheless, the sub-microwatt detection circuit can significantly minimize the sensor’s self-heating error.
The signal detection circuit has a resolution better than 0.01°C. Its accuracy can reach 0.1°C or more. Secondly, we attribute the error to solar radiation. When solar radiation hits the temperature sensor’s surface, it raises the temperature.
The sensor adds this increase to the actual atmospheric temperature it measures. This effect is similar to heating the temperature sensor directly. People refer to the rise in temperature from radiant heating as solar radiant heating error, or radiant error for short.
Application of soil temperature sensor
People widely use the soil temperature sensor in agriculture, forestry, geology, and water management. It helps with farmland, forests, lawns, and maintaining highways and railways.
The smart soil temperature monitor is rainproof. It is designed to respond quickly and work well in wet conditions. It can track the temperature of soil, air, and water at the same time. This device offers precise measurements and reliable performance.
The soil temperature sensor has a large storage capacity and a compact size. Portable and provides continuous monitoring of soil temperature. This ensures stable performance and high reliability. Plus, it requires no maintenance.