Moisture probes were installed across various sites in clay loam soils to monitor soil moisture levels. The probes were installed down to 100cm depth in trenches dug from fence lines. Data from sites in Werrimull and Wimmera from 2015 showed total monthly soil moisture levels down to 100cm. Data from a site in Ouyen showed soil moisture levels from 2013-2016, including moisture reaching 90cm after a rain event and depleting to 60cm over winter. Field inspections and soil cores were used to validate moisture levels indicated by the sensors. Protection and maintenance of automatic rain gauges was also discussed. Key management decisions for crops depend on determining upper and lower soil moisture limits.

1. Decision making from moisture probes
Dale Boyd DEDJTR, Echuca

2. DEDJTR Soil moisture monitoring sites
across the state
Clay loam soil

3. Capacitance probes & placement

4. Probe put down
with slurry
Trench dug from
fence line

5. Werrimull – summed soil moisture 2015
2015 Jan Mar May July Sept Nov Jan 2016
Total soil
moisture
30-100cm

6. Werrimull – stacked individual traces
30cm
40cm
50cm
60cm
70cm
80cm
90cm
100cm

7. Speedo to quickly identify total soil moisture at key time periods

8. Wimmera – summed soil moisture 2015
2015 Jan Mar May July Sept Nov
Total soil
moisture
30-100cm

10. Ouyen – soil moisture history 2013-16
2013 Spring 2014 Spring 2015 Spring
Moisture down to 90cm
with this rain event
Moisture to 60cm
through winter

11. Verify data with field inspections and soil core to validate
moisture is at the depth indicated by the sensor

12. Protection and maintenance
Automatic rain gauges are not
maintenance free

13. Any Questions
• If you would like to be applied to the monthly
distribution list or live internet access-contact me

14. Summary
•Comparison of soil moisture changes across
different years – rainfall and moisture depletion
•Need to determine crop upper and lower limits
(critical for decision making)
•Key management decisions
-Crop type (particularly in low rainfall zones)
-In crop inputs (nitrogen)
- Upfront inputs
- Disease control
- marketing
- Salvaging crop