Environmental

EC5 Soil Moisture Sensor

Low cost individual sensors for large sensor networks

The EC5 delivers research-grade accuracy at a price that makes large sensor networks economically practical. You can adequately characterize your site with sensors at multiple depths and locations, even if you're on a tight budget.

Engineered for accuracy

The EC-5 determines volumetric water content (VWC) by measuring the dielectric constant of the media using capacitance/frequency domain technology. Its 70 MHz frequency minimizes salinity and textural effects, making this sensor accurate in almost any soil or soilless media. Factory calibrations are included for mineral soils, potting soils, rockwool, and perlite.

Easy installation

Just 5 cm long with a ~0.2 L measurement volume, this handy little sensor is easy to install in the field and can also be used in nursery pots. The EC5's compact design makes it easy to push directly into undisturbed soil to ensure good accuracy.

Easy integration

The EC-5's analog signal means no-hassle integration with systems manufactured by other companies.

Reasons to pick the EC5

  • Volumetric water content is the only measurement you need
  • Affordable
  • Simple sensor with excellent accuracy
  • Small volume of influence (eg., field spatial variability, lab column studies, or greenhouse research)

Specifications
Accuracy Mineral Soil:
±3% VWC, most mineral soils, up to 8 dS/m
±1-2% VWC with soil specific calibration
Rockwool: ±3% VWC, 0.5 to 8 dS/m
Potting Soil: ±3% VWC, 3 to 14 dS/m
Resolution 0.1% VWC (mineral soil)
0.25% VWC (rockwool)
Range Calibration dependant; up to 0-100% VWC  with polynomial equation
Dimensions 8.9 x 1.8 x 0.7 cm
Cable Length
5 m, custom cable lengths available upon request
Measurement Time
10 ms
Power
2.5VDC - 3.6VDC @ 10mA
Output: 10-40% of excitation voltage (250-1000mV at
2500mV excitation)
Output
Voltage, correlated linearly (soil) or polynomially (growing media) with VWC
Temperature
-40°C to +50°C
Connector Types
3.5 mm stereo jack plug or stripped and tinned lead wires (3)
Datalogger Compatibility
(not exclusive)
METER: ZL6 & ProCheck
Campbell Scientific: CR10X, 21X, 23X, CR1000, CR3000, etc.
Other: Any data acquisition system capable of switched 2.5 to 3.6 V excitation and single ended voltage measurement at 12 bit or better resolution.
Warranty
One year, parts and labour

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Labcell Limited exclusively supply and support METER products in the UK & Ireland.

Non UK/Ireland Customers, please contact METER Environment directly at:www.metergroup.com/environment/

EC5 Volume EC-5

Features

  • Measures volumetric water content
  • Affordable: ideal for large sensor networks
  • Simple sensor with excellent accuracy
  • Small volume of influence (eg., field spatial variability, lab column studies, or greenhouse research)
  • 70 MHz frequency minimizes salinity and textural effects
  • Factory calibrations included for mineral soils, potting soils, rockwool and perlite
  • Small size means easy installation
  • Plug and play capability
  • Easy integration with other systems
  • Use with ZL6 data logger to collect data remotely

Click here for the Soil Sensors Comparison Page.

EC5 Manual
Size: 423.7 KB (433,861 bytes)

Soil Sensors Quick Start Guide
Size: 1.5 MB (1,533,464 bytes)

Quotation Request

Email us to request a quotation for the EC5 Soil Moisture Sensor