Tensiometers Then and Now
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Transcript of Tensiometers Then and Now
TensiometersThen and Now
Elizabeth Scherling
BAE 558
Semester Project
Spring 2005
Outline
• Theory• Components• Historical Devices
– Applications
• Modern Devices– Applications
• Calibration• Maintenance• Challenges• Future Tensiometers
Theory
• Tensiometers directly measure soil water matric potential
• Forces responsible for capillary action and water retention
–van der Waals–Electrostatic dipole–Osmotic forces–Surface tension
Components I
• Thin-walled porous cup
• Rigid body
• Pressure gauge– Mechanical– Electrical: pressure transducer– Hydraulic: manometer
• De-aired water
Components II
Porous Cup Body Pressure Gauge
Historical Devices I
• B. E. Livingston• 1908• Earliest account of a
tensiometer-like device
Historical Devices II
• H. E. Pulling and B. E. Livingston
• 1915• Measured what they
called the “water supplying power of the soil”
Historical Devices III
• C. J. Lynde and H. A. Dupre
• 1913• First hanging column
design• Measured what they
called the “capillary lift of soil”
Historical Applications
• Irrigation control– Auto-irrigation for potted plants
• Capillary pressure measurement
Modern Devices I
• J. M. Hubbell and J. B. Sisson
• 1998• Advanced
tensiometer design
Modern Devices II
• B. Lebeau, S. Barrington, and R. Bonnell
• 2003• Micro-tensiometer
Modern Applications
• Irrigation Control– Greenhouse– Farm– Field
• Vadose Zone Studies
• Transport Research
• Ultimately:Tensiometers have the potential to save water and reduce infiltration contamination
Calibration
• The tensiometer must be subjected to known positive and negative pressures.– U-tube manometer– Vacuum chamber
• Recalibration only recommended after long periods of inactivity.
Maintenance
• Gas Evolution– De-air water prior to filling and for subsequent
water replacement• Vacuum, autoclave, or boil
– Check for bubbles frequently in simple designs
– Add water regularly for advanced designs
• Maintain intimate contact between porous cup wall and soil matrix
Challenges I
Choosing the correct tensiometer
Hubbell and Sisson, 1998
Challenges IIWeather Conditions
Hansen and Pasian, 1999
Cloudy day
Sunny day
Challenges III
• Low range: 3 to 6 kPa– Controlled and reliable
• Medium range: 9 to 12 kPa– Not stable or reliable
• High range: 15 to 18 kPa– Not stable or reliable
Limited Matric Potential Ranges
From a study by Hansen and Pasian, 1999
Low Range
Medium Range High Range
Future Tensiometers
• For long duration in situ use:– Cost effective advanced tensiometers
• For large-scale greenhouse use:– Micro-tensiometers with greater control of
large ranges of moisture tension
Questions
?