Monitor with precision

Measure soil water content with the affordably-priced EC-5 Soil Moisture Smart Sensor; this sensor integrates the field-proven ECH₂O™ Sensor and a 12-bit A/D, providing ±3% accuracy in typical soil conditions, and ±2% accuracy with soil-specific calibration. The sensor’s two-tine design makes the sensor easy to install. Readings are provided directly in volumetric water content. This sensor’s high frequency design gives it a relatively low sensitivity to salinity and textural effects and a wide measurement range.

Features

• Measures a 0.3 liter volume of soil
• Smaller measurement volume for use in containers or measuring at multiple depths
• Sensor uses a high-frequency (70 MHz) circuit that provides good accuracy even in high-salinity and sandy soils.
• Compatible with Onset standalone and web-based weather stations

 

Measurement Range	In soil: 0 to 0.550 m³/m³ (volumetric water content)
Extend Range	-0.401 to 2.574 m³/m³; see Note 1
Accuracy	±0.031 m³/m³ (±3.1%) typical 0 to 50°C (32° to 122°F) for mineral soils up to 8 dS/m and ±0.020 m³/m³ (±2%) with soil specific calibration; see Notes 2 and 3
Resolution	0.0007 m³/m³ (0.07%)
Volume of Influence	0.3 liters (10.14 oz)
Sensor Frequency	70 MHz
Soil Probe Dimensions	89 x 15 x 1.5 mm (3.5 x 0.62 x 0.06 in.)
Weight	180 grams (6.3 oz)
METER ECH2O Probe Part No.	EC-5
Sensor Operating Temperature	0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F). Although the sensor probe and cable can safely operate at below-freezing temperatures (to -40°C/F) and the smart sensor adapter housing (the portion of the sensor cable that houses the electronics) can be exposed to temperatures up to 70°C (158°F), the soil moisture data collected at these extreme temperatures is outside of the sensor’s accurate measurement range.
Bits per Sample	12
Number of Data Channels*	1
Measurement Averaging Option	No
Cable Length Available	5 m (16 ft)
Length of Smart Sensor Network Cable*	0.5 m (1.6 ft)
CE	The CE Marking identifies this product as complying with all relevant directives in the European Union (EU).

* A single HOBO station can accommodate 15 data channels and up to 100 m (328 ft) of smart sensor cable (the digital communications portion of the sensor cables).

Note 1: The sensor is capable of providing readings outside the standard volumetric water content range. This is helpful in diagnosing sensor operation and installation. See the Operation section for more details.

Note 2: This is a system level accuracy specification and is comprised of the probe’s accuracy of ±0.03 m³/m³ typical (±0.02 m³/m³ soil specific) plus the smart sensor adapter accuracy of ±0.001 m³/m³ at 25°C (77°F). There are additional temperature accuracy deviations of ±0.003 m³/m³ / °C maximum for the probe across operating temperature environment, typical <0.001 m=”” c=”” the=”” temperature=”” dependence=”” of=”” smart=”” sensor=”” adapter=”” is=”” negligible=”” p=””>

Note 3: Given the nature of the sensor design and sensor operating frequency, the system has inherent susceptibilities to Radio Frequency signals. The accuracy specification when subjected to certain RFI environments, such as those outlined in IEC 61000-4-3 and IEC 61000-4-6, is reduced to 0.061 m³/m³. The system level accuracy will be particularly affected when placed in an electric field of 3 V/m or greater in the 70 MHz range. RFI mitigation practices and physical deployment changes may reduce the systems susceptibility.