A Powerful Solution for Monitoring Soil Water Profiles 

The PR2 Profile Probe, from Delta T Devices (UK), offers a highly convenient single instrument solution for accurate and concurrent measurement of soil water content at various depths down to one metre. The system offers two lengths of probe; the PR2/4, measuring at 4 depths down to 40 cm, or the PR2/6 measuring at 6 depths down to 100 cm. The PR2 system generates volumetric moisture content values at each of the sensor positions along the length of the Profile Probe.

The PR2 is built around patented sensing technology which provides research grade performance in all soil types - offering low salinity and temperature sensitivity. Installation is via a bespoke access tube - which is inserted into a pre-augered 27mm diameter hole in the soil. This results in minimal soil disturbance. Customised augering equipment is available to optimise installation.

The PR2 can be used in both portable and long term installation applications. A hand-held readout unit enables instant readings at multiple locations with a single probe. Alternatively, a PR2 can be permanently installed for continuous monitoring with a data logger (such as the GP2 Data Logger and Controller).

The PR2 Profile Probe is a powerful research grade tool that can generate large amounts of accurate information quickly and easily. As such it has proved to have a wide range of applications in academic and industrial environments, from crop water balance and catchment scale studies to geotechnical, forest and viticulture applications. It has even been used to monitor relative changes in moisture content in stone walls.

The PR2 is small, lightweight, portable, and easy to use. It also has a unique ability to test the quality of the installation against the presence of stones or voids next to a sensor. This gives the operator the choice to re-site the access tube and probe if needed - to achieve optimum measuring conditions. Combined, these attributes have made the PR2 a first choice for many researchers who are looking for a reliable field-proven solution.