The MPKit consists of the following:

MP406 Soil Moisture Probe

The MP406 can be used to measure the soil moisture for scientific research or irrigation management. In either situation the MP406 can:

• Rapidly measure soil moisture by pushing the needles of the sensor into the soil surface or soil profile. (MPKit)
• The MPKit is a very suitable substitute for the Neutron Probe for irrigation scheduling
• Make measurements over time by permanently burying the MP406 and connecting it to a data logger. (MP406)
• Control irrigation by permanently burying the MP406 and connecting it into an irrigation controller with industry standard 4-20 mA interface. (MP406C)

The MP406 Moisture Probe can also be used to measure the moisture content in many materials such as soil, food and materials used in roadway and building construction.

Irrigation Scheduling

A series of holes are augered to the top (20 cm), middle (40 cm) and bottom (60 cm) of the root zone. The augered holes have a 50 mm PVC tube inserted. This enables routine measurement of soil moisture at the same location and depth for irrigation scheduling.
The MPKit, when used in this manner has the same application as the Neutron Probe.

Theory of Operation

The MP406 has a high frequency moisture detector, which uses the standing wave principle to indicate the ratio of two or more substances forming a body of material, each substance having a different dielectric constant (Ka).
The moisture measurement of the material is based upon the fact that in a water:soil:air matrix, the dielectric constant is dominated by the amount of water present. Then the soil water content can be measured exactly because changes in water content of the soil result in changes in the dielectric constant of the soil.