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Interpreting an AQUAFLEX Soil Moisture Meter Graph
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The following notes illustrate the interpretation of events as seen on the example soil moisture graph.
| 1.
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The soil is very dry
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| 2.
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The water from an irrigation or rainfall event has penetrated to the depth of the sensor.
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| 3.
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Slight drops in moisture could be caused by either a short interruption in the irrigation or rain event, or by some rapid drainage of water from the air voids around the sensor, as the soil is wetted.
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| 4.
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Either the irrigation has ceased, resulting in no further wetting, or the soil is saturated and additional water is draining freely past the sensor and through the soil profile.
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| 4. - 5.
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The soil has remained saturated.
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| 5.
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Excess water draining past the sensor combined with water extraction by the crop has resulted in a net loss of water from the depth at which the sensor is located.
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| 5. - 6.
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The rapid decline in water is most likely due to gravity drainage of excess water applied during the irrigation or rain event.
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| 6.
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At Field Capacity, excess water has drained.
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| 6. - 7.
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The slower decline in soil moisture levels is attributable to evaporation and plant water use.
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| 7.
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Movement of water through capillary action and pressure gradients often causes a slight increase in soil water content.
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| 7. - 8.
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The flat line corresponds to night time, where water use is minimal.
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| 8.
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Water use commences, and the increase in soil water depletion may correspond with either warmer temperatures or higher wind speeds, increasing the rate of evapotranspiration.
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| 9.
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The decrease in soil water may correspond with either a change in weather conditions, or the crop may be running out of water, indicating that irrigation is due.
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| 10.
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A distinct reduction in water usage indicates that the soil moisture is approaching the wilting point, and the plants are beginning to experience significant water stress.
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