Calibration of Soil Moisture Sensors (ECH2O-5TE) in Hot and Saline Soils with New Empirical Equation

The use of soil moisture sensors is a practice applied to improve irrigation water management. ECH2O-5TE are increasingly being used estimate the volumetric content (VWC). In view importance efficient these devices, six main factors affecting accuracy sensor measurements were studied: levels, salinity, temperature, organic matter, texture, and bulk density. study showed that electrical conductivity temperature independently affect measurements, while influence other interferes with salinity. This found VWC closest actual at ECe temperatures 2.42 dS m−1 25 °C, root-mean-square errors (RMSE) 0.003 0.004 m3 m−3. Otherwise, measured values readouts significantly overestimated VWC, an increasing and/or producing higher than stated values, vice versa. Given for obtaining accurate management, simplified empirical equation was derived using data collected from wide range correct influences on measurement sensors, considering soil’s texture. Thus, following proposed: ϴva = θvsaECe2+bECe+c+dT2+eT+f−1. results concerning different levels via proposed L&O correction compared corresponding determined by gravimetric methods. It this reduced differences in RMSE between readings 0.072 0.252 0.030 m−3 1 5 m−1, respectively, respect EC’s °C 0.053 0.098 0.007 0.011 3 50 regarding effect EC values.