ISSN : 2394-2975 (Online) International Journal of Advanced Research

ISSN : 2394-6814 (Print) Vol. 2, Issue 3 (July - Sept. 2015) in Education Technology (IJARET)

Development of Low Cost TDR System for Soil

Moisture Measurement
I
Bhushan N. Patil, IIP. H. Zope, IIIK. S. Patil
I
M.E. Scholar (Digital Elec.), Assistant Professor (E&TC Dept.), III Assistant Professor (Applied Sc. Dept)
II

I,II,III
SSBT’s College of Engineering and Technology, Bambhori, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.

Abstract
Soil moisture measurement is one of the difficult at same time much important task. Numbers of methods are available for soil moisture
measurement. But after reviewing all these methods at last we come to the conclusion that each of these techniques has some of the
limitations. So, it is always said that the ideal method for soil moisture measurement is yet to be perfected. After studying all of these
techniques comparatively it is seen that Time Domain Reflectometer method has very much scope to develop most superior system
for the task. TDR is nothing but a technology which measures frequency dependent and independent properties of dielectric material
with the use of electromagnetic waves. First off all EM wave is generated and gets transmitted in the sensor transmission waveguide
put into the soil. Due to impedance mismatching fraction of the transmitted signal reflected back whose travelling time is a function
of dielectric constant of the soil which depends on the amount of moisture present in the soil. High cost of TDR system is most
serious limitation to use this technique. A care is taken while designing to provide highly accurate, low cost solution for soil moisture
measurement. To reduce the cost instead of using complex FPGA, simpler low cost microcontroller is used. GSM module is used
which gives the low cost, wireless communication so that the reading of the TDR can be send wirelessly in short time. A simple 16*2
LCD display is used, to provide the TDR reading at the site itself. Gravimetric method is used as reference for the calibration.

Keywords
Soil Moisture Measurement, Time Domain Reflectometer, Sensor Transmission Waveguide, Gravimetric Method.

I. Introduction Agrology.
Though, large numbers of methods are available for soil moisture E. To study and determine the parameters like soil profile,
measurement. Then also there is no method available which is surface tension related with civil and soil engineering.
fully integrated, accurate and fulfilling low cost requirement. So
here is a try to develop a low cost solution for measuring soil 2. Objectives
moisture measurement with higher accuracy. In the initial part of A. To reduce the cost of the previously developed system.
paper a review of different eight techniques which are currently B. To design universal system to measure soil moisture with
used. Each of the technique is discussed with basic principle, high accuracy.
methodology, advantages and disadvantages. At last comparative C. To provide fully integrated and reliable solution for soil
analysis is also provided. moisture measurement.
Basic technique used is a Time Domain Reflectometry concept. D. To design a system that can work even at higher frequency
TDR is nothing but the generation, transmission and reflection (in MHz range).
of EM wave through soil sample. TDR is used for measurement
of frequency dependent and independent properties of dielectric 3. Theme
materials like soil, wood, cement etc. As moisture content of soil Basic theme of this project is to develop a analytical instrument
changes so dielectric constant varies. This variation results into the for soil moisture measurement. It is a try to develop a low cost
variation of propagation time of transmitted EM waves which is a solution for soil moisture measurement. The developed system is
measure of soil moisture content. The developed system includes fully integrated so there is no requirement of any outside control
microcontroller and it’s board, soil sensor, GSM module, LCD circuitry. Also wireless transmission through GSM module enables
display, Relay, switch and RS232 cable. measurement of soil sample remotely. Measurement using TDR
concept yields more accurate results. Results are available in
1. Necessity digital format so it is much easier to record, display, process and
Most of the physical and chemical characteristics of soil vary analyse. The comparative analysis with other techniques leads to
with amount of moisture present. Determination of soil moisture the conclusion how this system is cheaper, accurate and reliable
is necessary in every type of soil study like hydrology, agrology, with the other existing systems. LCD display is also provided
plant science, forester, soil engineering and civil engineering. which indicates the reading at the site itself. The developed system
The amount of moisture in the soil has been of great interest in is user friendly and easy to handle as once it is set there is no need
agriculture from the past. Soil Moisture Measurement is necessary of any frequent maintenance.
due to:
A. In agriculture and plant science field to determine best time 4. Organization
to sow and plow the field. This paper is organized in such a way that it describes the complete
B. Various physical and chemical properties of soil changes system design, results and it’s analysis in much interesting way.
with amount of moisture present in soil. Figure, photographs, Tables are provided for clarity of the concepts.
C. To measure changes in infiltration, irrigation. To study ground Description about each chapter is as follows:
water recharge and Evapo-transpiration. Thesis starts with section-I, the introduction of the system. This
D. It is also important in the fields like Hydrology, Forestry and section gives detail over view of the system and explains the

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necessity, objectives, basic theme and the organization of the Depends on the propagation time required by
system. EM wave to transmit and reflect back from
Time Domain sensor transmission waveguide
Section-II deals with the literature survey to clear the idea about
Reflecto-meter Insert probe into access tube & transmit
what kind of work is done in the past until now. Mainly two reviews (TDR)
are put forward, first describes various soil moisture measurement EM wave.
techniques used, where as the second is about different systems The propagation time required for
designed with the TDR technique. transmit & reflect back gives the %
Section-III is about complete system design. Initially basic working moisture content depending on the
principle i.e. TDR concept is explained, followed by description dielectric constant [2]
of the proposed system. Architecture and the circuit diagram of It is a dielectric method obtaining moisture
Frequency content by observing response at different
the proposed system are also provided here.
Domain Reflecto- frequencies
It also describes the software and hardware over view. meter Probe is introduced into soil
Section-IV is about the calibration of the system. Initially various (FDR) After applying electric field gives
calibration techniques for TDR instruments are introduced. Next to
reading due to capacitance effect
that detail procedure used for calibration of the developed system
Depends on the variation in amplitude of
using Oven Dry Technique is described. Amplitude transmitted signal after reflecting from the
Section-V is very much important as it provides the results of the Domain Reflecto- section of different impedance depending on
system. A table is provided to indicate the results of Gravimetric meter content of moisture [7]
Method as well as the TDR method at the same place. (ADR) EM wave is generated & transmitted
Section-VI deals with the statistical analysis of the developed using sensor
TDR instruments. Results of this section explain the performance Amplitude change gives the reading [5]
analysis of the developed system. Based on the property of the travelling
Section-VII gives the final conclusion of this thesis. It also gives Phase sinusoidal wave showing relative phase after
the future scope, applications and benefits of the developed Transmission travelling a fixed distance.
system. (PT) EM is generated and transmitted
Phase difference at the start & end fives
II. Literature Survey the reading
Soil moisture measurement is not a new task but a technique Similar to TDR measurement of the
used here that is Time Domain Reflectometry is a recent concept. Time Domain propagation time only change is that
TDR is popularly used in various fields like fault diagnosis Transmission measured over known distance.
systems, geological and agricultural fields. Two reviews are put (TDT) Methodology is exactly similar to TDR
system
forward [11]. Detailed discussion with respect to basic principle,
Depends on the suction produced by water
methodology of each technique is provided. Also a comparative
into sealed tube coming into equilibrium with
study of each technique with respect to cost, accuracy, range and the soil solution through porous medium
measurement volume is provided. Tip of ceramic cup is placed into the soil
Tensiometer Water is drawn out side to form
1. review of different soil moisture measurement equilibrium a suction is created inside
techniques tube
First review is about various techniques of soil moisture Depending on the amount of suction
measurement which are used till now. This includes review of produced moisture content is indicated
eight different techniques of soil moisture measurement. [8]

Table 1 : Different Soil Moisture Measurement Techniques 2. Comparative Analysis of different soil moisture
Technique Principle used and Methodology measurement techniques
Depends on the weight of original sample and Table 2 gives the tabular representation of comparative analysis
oven dried sample. of different Soil Moisture Measurement Techniques.
Gravimetric Take Weight of the original sample (Wt) Table 2 : Comparison of different Soil Moisture Measurement
Method Apply oven drying at 105oC for 24 Hr & Techniques [6-12]
(GM) weight (Ws). Technique Operating Accuracy Measurement Cost
Range (ft3ft-3) volume
Calculate % M = x 100 (ft3ft-3)
Depends on the amount collision NM 0 to 0.6 ± 0.005 Sphere $10,000-
Neutron between fast neutrons and Hydrogen (radius 6-16 inches) 15,000
Moderation atoms in moisture.
(NM) TDR 0.05 to About 1.2 inches $400-
Insert probe into access tube installed in saturation ± 0.01 radius around 23,000
soil. waveguide
Linear calibration between the count rate FDR 0 to ± 0.01 Sphere $100-
of slowed neutrons gives the reading of saturation (radius 1.6 inches) 3,500
% moisture content. ADR 0 to ± 0.01 to Cylinder (radius 1.2 $500-700
saturation 0.05 inches)

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PT 0.05 to 0.5 Cylinder $200-400 • Inexpensive • Soil disturbance

± 0.01 • Accurate by soil-specific during installation
TDT 0 to 0.7 Cylinder (radius 2 $400- PT calibration • Requires soil-specific
± 0.05 inches) 1,300 • Large sensing soil volume calibration
Tensio- 0-0.80 bar Sphere (Greater $75-250 • Easy to connect with • Sensitive to salinity
meter ±0.01 bar than 4 inch radius) conventional loggers • Reduced precision.
• Need Permanently
Table 3 : Advantages and Disadvantages of different systems installment in the soil
Te c h - Advantages Disadvantages • Higher Accuracy • Reduced precision
nique • Large sensing soil volume • Need Permanently
• Highly accurate and • Takes much more time TDT • Inexpensive installment in the soil
reliable (24 Hr) • Easy to connect with • Higher Soil
GM • No need of specific • Affected by conventional loggers disturbance during
calibration environmental installation
• Unaffected by salinity & conditions like heat, • Minimal skill • Not suited for swelling
air gaps humidity etc. • Not affected by soil or coarse soils
• Automation is not salinity • Frequent maintenance
possible Tensio- • Direct reading is Required
• Heavy & cumbersome meter • Continuous reading • Limited range
• High accuracy & robust • Not much safety • Avoids electronics and • Time consuming
• Unaffected by salinity & • Require certification power consumption
air gaps • Difficult use • Well-suited for high
• Large soil sensing volume • Expensive frequency
NM • Single probe can measure • Heavy & cumbersome • Inexpensive
at different depths • Time consuming
• Stable soil specific • Readings closer to 3. Review of the systems developed using tdr concept
calibration surface not easily
Second review is about the recent systems in which TDR concept
possible
• Can’t be automated
is used. The problem faced and limitations of these systems are
• Requires specific provided. [4-15]
calibration
• Highly accurate • Relatively expensive Table 4 : Different systems developed using TDR technique
• Easily expanded using • Fails at high salinity Name Advantages Disadvantages
multiplexing condition Campbell Integration in automated Required additional
TDR • Varity of sensor probes • Specific calibration
Scientific measurement system ext. control setup
availability required
TDR [4]
• Very less soil disturbance
• Insensitive to normal Random equivalent Requires two
salinity Lee et al sampling TDR extremely stable
• Measure electrical oscillators
conductivity Developed TDR system Expensive off the
• Can work in high salinity • Low accuracy Xudong cable fault diagnosis shelf laboratory
• Better resolution • Small sensing volume et. al. equipment
• Easy to connect with • Installation affects
Purisima Developed FPGA based Direct sampling
FDR conventional loggers readings
• Flexibility in probe design • Sensitive to temp, air
et. al. TDR system scheme is limited
• Inexpensive than TDR gaps, bulk density Small microcontroller Resolution is only
• Needs specific Negrea based sequential 250 ps.
calibration and sampling with three pro-
• Exhibits more Rangu grammable delay lines
variability [10] [14]
Portable high frequency Limited overall
• Better accuracy with soil • Soil specific
specific calibration calibration needed TDR meter. It can be recording time, a
• Can measure in highly • Sensitive to air gaps, used even at very high limited temporal
ADR saline stones, channel Schimmer frequency components resolution, high
condition [17] watering on probes et. al. up to a few GHz. power consump-
• Minimum soil disturbance • Small sensing volume tion, the need of
• Easy to connect with calibration, &
conventional loggers limited availability
• Inexpensive on market
• Unaffected by temperature

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Replaced the program- The system cannot The partially reflected signal can be observed at t1. The transmitted
mable delay lines by easily be adapted part of the signal travels along the ribbon cable and is distorted
Sokoll two programmable but for long transmis- along the cable depending on the dielectric properties of the
and free-running oscillators. sion lines, surrounding media (e.g., soil). After reaching the end of the open
Schimmer Excellent performance as required in many line, the signal is reflected and travels back to the generator. The
and high accuracy geological and agri- last rising edge at t2 can be observed at the beginning of the line [1].
cultural applications Only a small fraction of the signal contains relevant measurement
information, & only a fraction of the vertical resolution is used. IN
III. System Design optimized TDR system, it is desired to directly connect the output
The importance and the need of soil moisture measurement is not a of the generator as input of the sensor transmission line. [3]
new concept. As discussed earlier it is important in various fields. Circuit diagram of the proposed system is as shown in fig. 4
As described in the literature survey section various techniques are GSM module and microcontroller can be connected by using
used till now to achieve this task. But each of the technique has RS232 cable through IC MAX232.
some limitations so it is called that the ideal system for the soil
moisture measurement is yet to be perfected. After reviewing all 2. System development
the techniques it can be concluded that a TDR technique has much
more potential to idealize. Limitations faced by these systems can
be easily overcome with the application of some modifications
in the design. All these points are considered while designing
the TDR system. Limitation due to high cost is resolved with
the use of low cost hardware and making the system simpler. In
the following section detailed discussion of system design is put
forward. Basic block diagram, circuit diagram, photograph of the
proposed system is provided for detailed clarification.

1. System Concept

Fig. 3 : Architecture of the proposed system

Fig. 1: Basic operating principle of TDR technique [1]

Fig. 1 illustrates the general concept based on a typical laboratory

setup using a step pulse generator as a signal source and a fast
digital sampling oscilloscope for capturing waveform of the
measurement signal.
Fig. 2 illustrates the resulting typical waveform at the beginning
of the line. The first rising edge at t0 up to approximately UG/2 in
the signal is caused by the voltage divider formed by the generator
output impedance Rout and the matching wave impedance ZW of
the coaxial line. After travelling along the coaxial line, the signal
enters the connected flat ribbon cable a partial reflection occurs
due to impedance mismatching. [2]
Fig. 4 Circuit diagram of the proposed system

3. software and hardware overview

Table 5 provides the list of the hardware components required
for the designing of the proposed system with the cost and the
function provided.
Hardware Used:
To fulfil the objective of providing low cast solution, a low cost,
Fig. 2: Typical Waveform seen at oscilloscope [1] easily available microcontroller AT89S52 is used. For sensing
purpose a low cost and readily available soil sensor micro-chip

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PIC16F1516-I/SO is used which is much easier to handle. This between C extensions for different embedded systems. Embedded
sensor uses TDR concept for soil moisture measurement. GSM C programming needs nonstandard extensions to the C language
module is used which gives the low cost communication so that for supporting exotic features like basic I/O operations, multiple
the reading of the TDR can be send wirelessly in short time. A distinct memory banks and fixed point arithmetic. [21-2]
simple 16*2 LCD display is provided which provide the TDR
reading at the site itself. Relay is used to demultiplex the sensor IV. calibration of the system
and GSM module while interfacing with microcontroller. [25] Although TDR methods are useful in terms of their ease of use and
ability to take measurements quickly, there are complications and
Table 5 : Components used, their function and cost challenges with using and installing TDR instruments. Modelling
Component Function Cost temporal variations in soil moisture profiles first needs the ability
Microcontroller To implement Microcontroller 125 to measure moisture in a variety of soil textures and over a range
Board and assembly of depths accurately [20]. So, the important question always asked
Microcontroller CPU of system 90 while using TDR is: how accurate are the results of soil moisture
(AT89S52) measurement? Weather TDR moisture values differ from the
MAX-232ECPE Serves as TTL Converter 25 values measured by GM, what are the causes behind that? The
RS232 Cable Provide communication between 45 best way to answer these questions is by calibrating the TDR
controller and GSM module instrument. [19] [9]
Regulator IC- Provide regulated 5V supply 25
L7805CV 2. methods available for tdr calibration
Relay (VK8FF-S- Provide switching between GSM 85
DC5V-C) and sensor A. using empirical function
LCD Display VWC and propagation 180 This is the traditional method for calibrating TDR measurements.
(JHD162A16*2) Time to travel EM wave Calibration is done through an empirical function which describes
MICRO-CHIP Generate, transmit and receive 2000 the relationship between moisture content and the bulk dielectric
Soil Sensor reflected EM wave to and from constant of a soil (Topp et al., 1980).
transmission waveguide
GSM Provide wireless communication 1600
B. using neutron probe
(SIM-300 V702)
Some designers have calibrated TDR moisture measurements to
Supply Unit To provide Power supply 80
soil moisture measured with the neutron probe (Evett and Steiner,
Other Expenses 120
1995; Laurent et al., 2005). The TRIME probe used, an initial
Total 4375/-Rs
calibration is applied to TDR measurements through a standard
calibration equation internally stored that is considered to be
suitable for use for a large range of mineral soils. It will measure
amount of moisture content in soil with a stated accuracy up to
+2% to 3% values (IMKO, 2006a). For measurements made in
different types of soil, it is considered that deviations from the
standard equation are really relatively small valued and results in
errors of a few percent of soil moisture value by volume.

C. using dielectric mixing

This is the method which uses the specific calibration of soil.
Here, the modelled bulk dielectric constant has relation with the
individual dielectric values of specific components of the system
including bound water, air and mineral grains (Dobson et al.,
1985). With assumed dielectric value for each parameter as a
constant, a modelled value of soil moisture can be determined.
But, in complex heterogeneous environments, it is difficult to
model because of difference in properties of minerals, a variety
of soil chemistry parameters, soil texture and moisture content
in soil. [13-14]

D. using depth, bulk density values, volumetric water

content(vwc)
Fig. 5 : Photograph of the developed system. It involves relating soil moisture using VWC, bulk density
values and depth, measured from cores taken in a pit excavated
Software and Programming Language used: surrounded to an access-tube with the bulk dielectric constant,
Embedded C programming is used for interfacing of GSM module (Whalley et. al., 2004). This type of approach may be unpractical
LCD display and Soil Sensor. [24] The Keil software is used to in heterogeneous conditions present at many field sites or in
upload the program to microcontroller. Embedded C is a set of conditions where significant depths are involved.
language extensions for the C Programming language by the C
Standards committee to address commonality issues that exist

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E. using gravimetric method Here: Wt = Weight of original sample (Wet sample)

It is one of the most proven, accurate and reliable method use for Ws = weight of oven dried sample.
calibrating instruments for moisture measurement. Therefore, it IV. The original sample of soil is also applied for TDR Method
is selected for TDR calibration. Procedure is explained in the in parallel. TDR then senses the amount of moisture present
following section briefly. in the soil and depending on the travelling time required by
Gravimetric measurement of soil water content is based on removal EM wave to transmit and reflect back from TDR transmission
of water from the soil sample. Water is removed by leaching, waveguide a proportional COUNT is then displayed.
chemical reaction or evaporation. Once sample water is removed, V. After obtaining the TDR count, next step is to find out a
the amount of water removed from the sample is determined factor % VWC per count as:
and used to calculate VWC. The determination of water content
removed is done using one of the several methods. The most
simplest and accurate method to determine water content removed
is by measurement of loss of weight of the soil sample. Sample VI. Same procedure is then repeated for the samples containing
water content can also be determined by collection of the water different moisture contents. Care is taken that these all
through distillation or absorption in a desiccant used. Extraction samples must of the same soil type only having different
of substances which replace sample water and measurement of amount of moisture content. Next to this average of all factors
a physical or chemical property of the extracting material that is determined.
is affected by water content can be used. Now, sample water VII. So now our TDR instrument is calibrated with reference to
content can be determined by quantitative measurement of reaction the Gravimetric method. % VWC by TDR then can be easily
products displaced from a soil sample. In these methods the found out using the average % VWC per count belonging to
water and soil are separated and the amount of water removed is that soil type.
measured. Oven drying technique is the most widely used of all
gravimetric methods. The oven dry technique is the standard for
the calibration of all other soil moisture determination techniques.
[19] [20] V. Results and discussion
As discussed in last section, soil moisture measurement by TDR
3. procedure to calibrate tdr using oven dry method technique is done with reference to the Gravimetric method.
Soil moisture measurement using oven dry method i.e. (GM) is GM is most proven, accurate and reliable method for calibrating
the most reliable and accurate method. So a factor i.e. % VWC other instruments for soil moisture measurement. Complete
per TDR COUNT is found from the measurement taken by measurement of soil moisture content is done on weight basis.
Gravimetric Method and the TDR method. Table 5 and table 6 indicate the result of the complete measurement
discussed in the previous section. The final results of soil moisture
measurement are indicated by yn and xn i.e. % Volumetric Water
Content on weight basis measured with Gravimetric Method and
TDR Method respectively. Measurement is done on number of
samples from different three soil types noted as I, II and III.

1. percent vwc measurement results

Graph 1 plots the % VWC by GM and TDR method. Graph 1
represents the plot of percent VWC by two methods. Graph 2
gives the plot of TIME, COUNT and %VWC measured with TDR
system for soil sample III.

Table 6 : Measurement results of Percent VWC using GM

Fig. 6: Oven Dry Technique used for Gravimetric Method Gravimetric Method
Soil Wt Ws % VWC
Detailed procedure: Sample (gm) (gm) (yn)
I. Weight of the original soil sample (wet) is taken using 150 128.08 17.11
precision weighing machine. This is then stated as Wt. I. 150 124.30 20.68
II. This sample is then applied for complete oven drying for 24 150 116.77 28.46
hours at 1050C. After this the sample is taken out side from 150 111 35.14
hot air oven and cooled to the room temperature. A care 150 125.66 19.37
must be taken that the sample should not be come in touch II. 150 123.95 21.02
with the environmental humidity because it can affect the 150 122.60 22.35
measurement. Then this oven dried sample is also weighted 150 127.66 17.50
and stated as Ws. III. 150 116.67 28.51
III. From these two readings then the % Moisture 150 115.50 29.87
contained i.e. volumetric water contained on weight 150 111.34 34.72
basis is determined using following formula:

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As soil moisture content i.e. VWC depends on the type of soil so

count indicated by TDR system varies with the type of soil. Graph
3 indicates the variation in the % VWC per COUNT for different
types of soil samples at different amount of moisture content.

Table 7 : Measurement results of Percent VWC using TDR

Method
TDR Method
Soil TIME COUNT % VWC Avg. % %
Sample Ts Per count VWC Per VWC
(ms) count (xn)
11.25 96 0.1782 17.17
I. 13.24 113 0.1830 20.21
19.69 168 0.1694 0.1789 30.05
22.27 190 0.1849 33.99 Graph 3: % VWC per COUNT for different soil samples.
18.05 154 0.1258 19.84
II. 18.75 160 0.1314 0.1288 20.61 1. percentage error
20.27 173 0.1292 22.28 It is the deviation of the true value (measured value) from the
12.42 106 0.1651 17.15 expected value i.e. the most probable value that calculations
III. 20.74 177 0.1611 28.64 indicate one should expect to measure.
21.45 183 0.1632 0.1618 29.61 It is measured as
25.78 220 0.1578 35.60

Here,

2. relative accuracy
It is the degree of exactness (closeness) of a measurement compared
to the expected (desired) value. It is determined as:

Percent accuracy is determined by:

Graph 1: Measurement results of soil sample-III

Table 7 indicates the results of calculated error and accuracy of
different measurements.
Percent VWC using GM, TDR method and Percent accuracy
measured for Soil Sample type III is indicated in the graph 4.. As
discussed earlier GM is used as the standard reference for soil
moisture measurement.

Table 8 : Percent Error and Percent Accuracy of the system

Sample (yn) (xn) e %E A %a
17.11 17.17 -0.06 -0.35 0.9965 99.65
20.68 20.21 0.47 2.27 0.9773 97.73
I. 28.46 30.06 -1.60 -5.62 0.9438 94.38
35.14 33.99 1.15 3.27 0.9673 96.73
Average % E = 2.88 % Avg. % a = 97.12 %
Graph 2: TIME, COUNT and %VWC for soil sample-III 19.37 19.84 -0.47 -2.43 0.9757 97.57
II. 21.02 20.61 0.41 1.95 0.9805 98.05
VI. Statistical analysis 22.35 22.28 0.07 0.31 0.9969 99.69
Statistical analysis is much important in the study of any analytical Average % E = 1.56 % Avg. % a = 98.44 %
instrument. Analysis of the measurement results stated in table 17.50 17.15 0.35 2.00 0.9800 98
8 and 9 is done using the standard formulae used for statistical III. 28.51 28.64 -0.13 -0.45 0.9955 99.55
analysis. All of these formulae are considered with the reference 29.87 29.61 0.28 0.93 0.9907 99.07
of book Electronic Instrumentation and Measurement by H. S. 34.72 35.60 -0.88 -2.53 0.9747 97.47
Kalsi. [18] Average % E = 1.48 % Avg. % a = 98.52 %

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3. Arithmetic mean 7. Standard deviation

It is the most probable value of a measured variable of the taken Reduction in this quantity effectively means improvement in
number of readings. The approximation becomes better with measurement. It is given by,
increasing the number of readings of the same quantity. It is
given as:

Here, xn = value of nth measurement Table 10 : Deviation from Mean, Avg. Deviation and Standard
n = no. of measurements Deviation
Sample xn Davg δ
0.1849 0.0060
I. 0.1830 0.1789 0.0041 0.0051 0.0069
0.1782 -0.0007
0.1694 -0.0095
0.1258 -0.0030
II. 0.1314 0.1288 0.0026 0.0020 0.0028
0.1292 0.0004
0.1651 0.0029
III. 0.1611 0.1622 -0.0011 0.0020 0.0022
0.1632 0.0010
0.1592 0.0020
Graph 4: % VWC and % Accuracy for Soil Sample-III
Table 10 gives the results of Arithmetic Mean, Deviation from
4. Precision Mean, Average Deviation and Standard Deviation for different
It is a quantitative or numerical indication of the closeness of soil samples. Standard Deviation for sample-I is highest among
measured value with which a repeated set of measurement of the three which is decreases for Sample-II and III.
same variable agree with the average set of measurements.
It is determined as:

Table 9 : Arithmetic Mean and Precision for different samples

Sample xn P
0.1849 0.9665
I. 0.1830 0.1789 0.9771
0.1782 0.9961
0.1694 0.9469
0.1258 0.9767
II. 0.1314 0.1288 0.9798
0.1292 0.9969 Graph 5: Avg. Deviation, Standard Deviation and % Error for
0.1651 0.9821 different soil samples.
III. 0.1611 0.1622 0.9932
0.1632 0.9938 VII. Conclusions
0.1592 0.9815 At the end we can conclude that in this way we are succeeded
to provide low cost solution for soil moisture measurement. It is
5. Deviation from mean always said that the ideal method for soil moisture measurement
The departure of a given reading from the arithmetic mean of the is yet to be perfected. A TDR instrument also has limitations
group of readings is known as the deviation from mean of the like high cost, need of specific calibration, inaccuracy at higher
measurement values. salinity conditions. This system design is a step towards the
perfection of this technique as it removes the limitation of the
high cost. Need of the specific calibration can be minimize in
the future by collecting large data base from large number of
6. Average deviation different soil samples. Solution for the reduction of inaccuracy
It is an indication of the precision of the instrument used in problems faced at higher salinity condition is also available; some
measurement. of the researchers are trying to solve this problem with the use of
polyolefin coated TDR probes.
Automation of the agricultural field is possible by handling the
process in it electronically. Though Gravimetric Method is most
accurate and proven method but at the same time it has serious
disadvantages like lengthy operation, time consumption. Also it

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ISSN : 2394-2975 (Online) International Journal of Advanced Research
ISSN : 2394-6814 (Print) Vol. 2, Issue 3 (July - Sept. 2015) in Education Technology (IJARET)

can’t provide measurement result at the site itself. TDR system indebted with deep sense of gratitude for the constant inspiration
on other side provides results at site as well as can transmit it given to me by my project guide for his direct or indirect help in
wirelessly. GM is a manual method so results also have to be the completion of my project work.
recorded manually. TDR gives result in digital form so it is much I am thankful to our beloved Head of Department of Electronics
easier to record, transmit and analyse the results. TDR probe & Telecommunication Engineering Prof. Dr. S. R. Suralkar and
has very small area so it can be easily installed; also there is no former H. O. D. Dr. S. U. Bhadade for their whole-hearted co-
requirement of frequent maintenance. operation in the completion of my project work. Also I thanks to
System design with a microcontroller reduces development cost Prof. K. S. Patil for his guidance and help.
and makes it more simple and reliable. LCD Display provides the This acknowledgement would be partial without expressing my
result at the site where as GSM module provide results wirelessly special thanks to our Principal Dr. K. S. Wani for his precious
wherever required. Comparative analysis with other system support during the project work and permitting access labs of any
indicates how TDR system is superior one. Statistical analysis of the department of SSBT’s COET, Bambhori as per the need.
provided presents the system performance. Last but not the least; I would like to thanks my parents, colleagues,
my family and lovingly friends for their years of unyielding love,
1. Future scope support and encouragement during the tenure of this project.
As already discussed ideal system for soil moisture measurement
is yet to be perfected, this system is only a step in that direction. References
For the future this system has much scope for getting higher [1] Dennis Trebbels, Alois Kern, “Miniaturized FPGA-Based
accuracy. Further increase in accuracy and reduction in the cost High-Resolution Time-Domain Reflectometer” IEEE
can be achieved by the use of different materials for designing of Transactions On Instrumentation And Measurement, Vol.
the TDR probe. Lot of work can be done on the design of coated 62, No. 7, July 2013.
TDR probe using different materials like polyolefin to handle high [2] A. Scheuermann and C. Huebner, “On the feasibility
salinity conditions. Very large amount of data base can be gathered of pressure profile measurements with time-domain
for removing need of specific calibration of the system. reflectometry,” IEEE Trans. Instrum. Meas., vol. 58, no. 2,
pp. 467–474, Feb. 2009.
2. Benefits of the tdr system [3] Alvarez-Benedí, J. and R. Muñoz-Carpena (eds). Soil-Water-
I. Low cost. Solute Process Characterization, An Integrated Approach .
II. Higher accuracy. CRC Press LLC:Boca Raton. ISBN:.1-5667-0657-2. 2005.
III. Simple software and hardware design. [4] Campbell, G.S. and W.H. Gardner, 1971. Psychrometric
IV. Wireless transmission of the readings is possible. measurement of soil water potential: temperature and bulk
V. Fault detection and correction is easy as compared to existing density effects. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 35: 8-12. Conference
system. and Exposition, Feb. 2000, New Orleans, LA, pp. 861–
VI. No need of frequent maintenance, low maintenance cost. 867.
VII. Easily expanded using multiplexing. [5] Gaskin, G.D. and J.D. Miller, 1996. Measurement of soil
VIII. Varity of sensor probes availability. water content using simplified impedance measuring
IX. Very less soil disturbance. technique. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research
X. Insensitive to normal salinity. 63: 153-160.
[6] Yoder, R.E., D.L. Johnson, J.B. Wilkerson and D.C. Yoder.
3. Applications 1998. Soil water sensor performance. Applied Engineering
I. In agriculture and plant science field to determine best time in Agriculture 14(2): 121-133.
to sow and plow the field. [7] Wijaya, K., T. Nishimura and K. Makoto. 2002. Estimation of
II. In the Drainage engineering to measure changes in infiltration bulk density of soil by using amplitude domain reflectometry
and irrigation. (ADR) probe. 17th WCSS. Thailand. Paper no. 385.
III. To study ground water recharge and Evapo-transpiration. [8] A. I. JOHNSON, “Methods of Measuring Soil Moisture in
IV. It is also important in the fields like Hydrology, Forestry and the Field,” Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 1619-U,
Agrology. 1992.
V. In the study of various physical and chemical properties [9] Schmugge, T.J., Jackson, T.L., and McKim, H.L., Survey of
of soil which changes with amount of moisture present in Methods for Soil Moisture Determination. Water Resources
soil. Research Vol. 16. N0.6, Pages 961-979, December 1980.
VI. To study and determine the parameters like soil profile, [10] Rafael Munoz- Carpena, Sanjay Shukla, and Kelly Morgan,
surface tension related with civil and soil engineering. “Field Devices for Monitoring Soil Water Content”, The
VII. Automation of Irrigation and Mushroom cultivation. Southern Regional Water Program. SR-IWM-2 Pages 1-24.
Available at http://www.bae.ncsu.edu\topic\go_irrigation\
AcknowledgEment docs\field-devices-monitoring-.pdf [Assecced 25-September-
The satisfaction that accompanies the successful completion of 2014]
any task would be incomplete without mentioning the names of [11] Painter, D. J., Moisture Near The Soil Surface. Proceedings
people whose never-ending cooperation made it possible and of Soil and Plant Water Symposium: Palmerston North, 25-
whose constant guidance and encouragement crown all efforts 27 May 1976 Pages 7-12.
with success. I am grateful to my project guide Prof. Dr. P. H. [12] Sophie Proulx, “Evaluation of The Performance Of Soll
Zope for the guidance, inspiration and constructive suggestions Moisture Sensors In Laboratory-Scale Lysimeters,”
that helped me in the preparation of this project report. I am Department of Biosystems Engineering University of

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International Journal of Advanced Research ISSN : 2394-2975 (Online)
in Eduation Technology (IJARET) Vol. 2, Issue 3 (July - Sept. 2015) ISSN : 2394-6814 (Print)

Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba, August-2001 Pages

1-124. Pankaj H. Zope has received his B.E.
[13] Wobschall, D. “A theory of the complex dielectric permittivity degree in Industrial Electronics in 1999
of soil containing Water” IEEE Transactions on Geoscience from MGM J.N.E.C Aurangabad and
Electronics 1977. GE-15(1): 49-58. Master’s degree in Digital Electronics
[14] Markus Stacheder*, Franz Koeniger and Rainer Schuhmann, Engineering in 2007 from PRMIT Badnera,
“New Dielectric Sensors and Sensing Techniques for Soil Amravati University. Subsequently he
and Snow Moisture Measurements”, Sensors 2009, 9, 2951- carried out his research from Jodhpur
2967. National University, Jodhpur and awarded
[15] Soil water monitoring - an information package-2nd edition PhD in 2013. Presently he is working as
(2005) http://www.irrigationfutures.org.au/imagesDB/news/ Assistant Professor in the Post Graduate
soilwatermonitoring2ed.pdf. [Assecced 24-August-2014] Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
[16] Ron Heiniger, “Sensors and Monitors for Measuring Soil at SSBT C.O.E.T. Bambhori, Jalgaon. He has published more
Moisture” Vernon G. James Research and Extension Center, than 60 research paper of national and international repute. He is
Plymouth, NC 27962, Spring 2013 PP 1-5. working on many project of Nano-science and Nano-Electronics
[17] J.M. Blonquist Jr.*, S.B. Jones, D.A. Robinson, “A time and his research interests include signal processing (Digital,
domain transmission sensor with TDR performance Image), Power Electronics and Inverter, Analog Devices, Nano-
characteristics”, Journal of Hydrology 314 (2005) 235– Sensor, Solar Cell Fabrication and Super- Capacitors etc.
245.
[18] H. S. Kalsi, “Electronic Instrumentation”, Third Edition, Kiran S. Patil has received his B.Sc.
Tata McGraw Hill publications, 2011. degree in Physics in 1993 from M.J
[19] Benjamin F. Schwartz, Madeline E. Schreiber, Penelope S. College Jalgaon and Master’s degrees
Pooler, J. Donald Rimstidt, “Methods for obtaining accurate MSc.in Physics in 1995 from Pune
access-tube TDR moisture in deep heterogeneous soils”, University Pune. Subsequently he carried
Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA out his research from Jodhpur National
24060 Pages 7-10, 17. University, Jodhpur and awarded PhD in
[20] Schwartz, B.F., M.E. Schreber, P.S. Pooler, and J.D. Rimstidt, 2012. Presently he is working as Assistant
“New methods for obtaining accurate access-tube TDR Professor in the Department of Applied
moisture values: a tool for understanding vadose hydrology Science at SSBT C.O.E.T. Bambhori,
in deep and heterogeneous soil profiles”, Soil Science Society Jalgaon. He has published more than 20 research paper of national
of America Journal. and international repute. He is working on many project of Nano-
[21] Amir Hossein Abkari, Writing C Code for the 8051, available science and Nano-Electronics and his research interests include
at- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/barghiran_electronic Bio-sensor, Thermoelectric Generator, Super Capacitor, DSSC
[Accessed 08-Jan-2015]. etc,
[22] Derrick Klotz, C for Embedded Systems Programming, MF-
ENT-T000, November 11, 2010.
[23] Keil Software, Application Note, Interface and Simulation of
a LCD Text Display, Revision date: 26-Jun-01. Pages 1-6.
[24] Raj Kamal, Embedded Programming in C/C++, McGraw-
Hill Education Publication, 2008. Pages 1-55.
[25] Data Sheet, 89C51/89C52/89C54/89C58/80C51 8-bit
microcontroller family 4K/8K/16K/32K Flash. Philips
Semiconductors, 27 Oct 1999.

Author’s Profile

Bhushan N. Patil has received his B.E.

graduation degree in Electronics and
Telecommunication in 2012 and now
pursuing M.E. post graduation degree in
Digital Electronics from SSBT C.O.E.T.
Bambhori, Jalgaon. He has also worked
as a Lecturer at TIT Polytechnic, Paldhi,
Jalgaon and as an Assistant Professor
at SSBT C.O.E.T. Bambhori, Jalgaon.
He has attended two National Level
Workshops organized by IIT, Kharagpur.
He has participated in two International level conferences and
has published two papers in International Journals.

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