Any tips for deploying soil moisture sensors?

A: Proper Installation is critical for good soil moisture measurements! Here are a few tips:

* Good soil contact with the sensor probes is required.
* Install the sensor probes into undisturbed soil where there aren't any pebbles in the way of the probes.
* Use a soil auger to make a hole to the desired depth (an angled hole is best) and push probes into undisturbed soil at bottom of hole – OR – dig a hole and push probes into the side of the hole.
* Use a PVC pipe with slots for the sensor and a longer slot for the cable.
* Thoroughly water the soil around the sensor after it is installed with the hole partially backfilled, to cause the soil to settle around the sensor.
* As the hole is back-filled, try to pack the soil to the same density as the undisturbed soil.
* Protect sensor cables in conduit.