| Abstract: | Using TRIME-TDR for the determination of soil water dynamics on sandy soils In this study the suitability of the TRIME-TDR system for the determination of soil water content was analysed. For this purpose a period of three years with continuous data of soil water contents, measured by TRIME-TDR, and soil water suction measured by tensiometer were available. Additionally soil samples at different times were taken for gravimetric moisture analysis. The determinations of soil moisture with the TRIME-TDR is based on a new measuring technique. The soil water contents measured by TRIME-TDR were analysed by comparison with corresponding soil moisture values from gravimetric measurements of soil samples. The soil water contents determined by TRIME-TDR in comparison with gravimetric soil moisture values show an absolute mean error of 7.9 Vol%. In most cases the soil water contents measured by TRIME-TDR were distinctly higher than the corresponding soil moisture values from gravimetric measurements. After correcting the TRIME-TDR the absolute mean error was reduced to 2.5 Vol%. Due to the results of this study soil water contents measured by TRIME-TDR-technique cannot be used in hydrological or ecological studies without a check based on the comparison with gravimetric soil moisture values. |
