Field deployment

This section describes the steps you'll take for a typical field deployment.

Field deployment tutorial

The following tutorial guides you through the steps of a field deployment. Be sure you have done everything in Initial setup tutorial before starting this tutorial.

1. Install each soil collar and enter the precise location

Soil collars should be installed at least 6 hours but ideally 24 or more hours before taking measurements. See Installing soil collars for details.

Enter the precise location of each collar (optional). Your phone may be able to provide precise GPS coordinates for individual chambers using a map application. After noting the location, you can enter the information in the interface.

2. Install chambers and adjust the legs

For each chamber, set the chamber over the collar. Adjust the legs until it is stable and level. See Leveling the chamber for guidance.

3. Measure the collar height and enter the parameter into the software

Measure the collar height for each chamber (see Measuring the collar height) and enter the height into the interface for each chamber.

4. Configure the open position

If the chamber cannot rotate 180° without encountering obstructions, you can configure the open position for each chamber. See Changing the open position.

5. Connect and configure chamber sensors

This step can be completed when you are preparing for field deployment or while you are deploying the system. If you skipped or partially completed it earlier, be sure to finish configuring the chamber sensors. If you have already done it, skip to the next step.

Each chamber has a built-in air temperature thermistor and connectors for light sensors and HydraProbes.

  • Connect the thermistor cable to one of the chamber connectors.

  • Connect the LI-190R or LI-200R light sensor cable to a chamber. Enter the serial number of the light sensor and the calibration multiplier. See LI-190R and LI-200R light sensors for field installation instructions and more details.

  • Connect one Stevens HydraProbe to a chamber and then configure its address (see Using the SDI-12 console). The default settings will record soil water content and soil temperature with the dataset. For the best results, however, you can set the soil type for the HydraProbe. When you are deploying the system, follow the steps in Stevens HydraProbe. Repeat this for each probe and chamber.

Leave the sensors attached after entering the calibration and configuration information to prevent risk of attaching sensors to the incorrect chambers or ports.

Be sure the cables will not interfere with the movement of the chamber as it opens and closes.

6. Verify the configuration

Click Verify at the top of the Configuration workspace. You'll be presented a list of issues and the priority. Resolve any issues by following the instructions in the interface. When everything is set as you like, save the configuration to your computer for safekeeping.

7. Start the measurement

Returning to the home page, click Start to initiate the measurement sequence.