A Dual Sensor for Simultaneous Investigation of Soil Cone Index and Moisture Content

Abstract

A dual sensor combining dielectric and mechanic principles was developed. The geometric structure of this sensor has been designed according to the ASAE- standard for penetrometer cones, and the sensor can provide a pair of output signals when inserted into soil. By analyzing both signals, one can determine the correlation among cone index, soil bulk density, and moisture content. Some preliminary experiments were performed in a laboratory environment, and the sensor will be ready for use in the field in the near future.