Rationale for the shape of the sensor for layer-by-layer control of soil moisture

The work examines modern methods and means of measuring soil moisture, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Particular attention is paid to layer-by-layer soil moisture control sensors and the method of their installation in the ground. The problem of changes in soil density when installing a sensor is highlighted, which subsequently leads to a violation of the interpretation of real soil moisture. Requirements for humidity sensors are formulated to eliminate errors when installing sensors. The work proposes several forms of primary transducers that make it possible to more fully establish the real volumetric humidity based on the dielcometric measurement method. Visual forms of primary transducers are given, indicating the active measurement zones. The total capacity of the converter depends on three components: the dielectric constant of the soil; the dielectric constant of the dielectric between the plates; dielectric constant of the measuring system stand. The mathematical model of the dependence of capacitance on the frequency of the oscillatory circuit has been improved. It was found that the most acceptable shape is the shape with two parallel rings.