Hydra Probe data add science to soil management for better understanding of soil conditions. The result is optimized analysis of soil for scientific study and for enhanced quality and yield of turf and crops.

Hydra Probe sensing technology has been deployed over 10 years by the USDA and is used by NASA for ground truthing of satellite-based soil imaging.

A compact, rugged design with potted internal components makes the Hydra Probe easier to deploy than competing sensors and ideal for remote and harsh conditions. Durable construction makes it possible for the units to remain in the field for many years, maintenance-free.

The defined sensing area allows accurate measurements in regions where there are strong soil moisture gradients, such as near the soil surface. Response time to changing soil conditions is immediate, and calibration is as simple as selecting a soil type (sand, silt or clay).

Each Hydra Probe is serial addressable, allowing for multiple sensors to be connected to any RS485 or SDI-12 data logger via a single cable. Sensor data can also be sent directly to a radio modem through a small RS485-RS232 converter.

The Hydra Probe uses an electromagnetic signal propagated from the center tine of the probe to measure multiple parameters. The voltages recorded depend on the type of electrical properties of the soil. On-board software converts the raw voltage to standard units of measurement for each parameter. With a standard database or spreadsheet, managers can view real-time soil snapshots or long-term soil trends.

• Instantly measure soil moisture, conductivity, salinity, and temperature
• Optimize soil analysis, watering and fertilization
• Enables measurement of native (undisturbed) soil
• Low risk: ten years of field proven science
• Measure flow of water, fertilizer from topsoil to sub-root zone
• Performs well in high-salinity soil
• Easier monitoring of remote sites
• Review real-time soil data and trends from the office

• Instantaneous sensor response
• Serial addressable: multiple units on one cable
• Maintenance-free
• Easily linked to wireless systems
• One-click calibration
• Compatible with most data logging systems
• Digital or analog output
• Compact, rugged for years of in-soil use

• Long/short-term soil monitoring
• Spot checking of soil
• Golf green management
• Sports turf management
• Precision agriculture/fertigation
• Geotechnical measurement
• Weather/climate studies
• Watershed management
• Flood control forecasting
• Forest tinder conditions