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Lincoln Ventures developed a sensitive and accurate soil moisture meter over 10 years ago which measures soil moisture and temperature over a large area. This technology, called Aquaflex, incorporates a range of products for crop and turf management available worldwide through our partner, Streat Instruments Ltd and is continually being used in new ways.
Historically, soil moisture measurement at sample sites has often been imprecise due to variations in soil conditions, the rate of evaporation and irrigation application. Using a long but flexible soil sensor measuring three metres long and about 2.5 centimetres wide, placed in the ground, the Aquaflex system provides a more accurate snapshot of moisture and temperature over a wider area than other technologies (approximately six litres) and allows for continuous monitoring.
The readings for the soil are measured using a process called time domain transmission where an electrical pulse sent through the sensor changes its shape and speed according to the amount of moisture it detects within the soil. Data from these readings may be downloaded to remotely or via a PDA or laptop, to software which can create graphs of soil moisture and temperature. The information can be used to decide when and how much irrigation is needed.
Aquaflex has become a valuable tool for a wide range of land uses, from golf courses and sports grounds to parks, pasture, orchards and vineyards. For example, the system is used by New Zealand’s sixth largest winegrower, Giesen Wines, which says using Aquaflex allowed them to better manage their irrigation and led to a 75 per cent saving in energy costs.
Lincoln Ventures Ltd | PO Box 133, Lincoln | Christchurch 7640
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