Review of Soil Moisture Sensing Using Soil Electrical Conductivity

Published attempts to measure soil moisture content using soil-implanted electrodes were reviewed. The literature review primarily covered domestic, agricultural-related research during the past century. The review indicated a general feeling of doubt about the accuracy and reliability of the resistance method to determine soil moisture. However, most researchers stated that the method showed promise and warranted further study. The reviewed literature proposed methods of eliminating changing probe-to-surface contact. Rather than eliminating this phenomenon, a resistance-based sensor presently under development utilized this trait as one variable in soil moisture determination.