We developed a relatively simple installation device that minimized soil disturbance, especially suited for sensor installations at depths larger than about 70 cm (Fig. 1). This device included a small scissor jack, placed in a 5” diameter and 6” height stainless steel cylinder, allowing for horizontal sensor installation at any pre-specified soil depth. The jack of this device was directly connected with a vertically-positioned turning rod, to open-and-close the jack, thereby inserting the sensor that is attached to the jack into the wall of a 5-inch wide pre-augered hole. The device allowed for the mounting of a webcam, so that the process of sensor insertion could be viewed on a video screen during installation.
Fig.1. (A) Sensor installation device, (B) sensor placement in the device with the hand-driven jack closed and ready for the sensor to be installed, (C) sensor positioned in the device with jack fully opened and the sensor is completely inserted into the soil, and (D) installed sensor at different depths with the new installation device.
For more information see the presentations and publications under Outreach