Development of Rapid Moisture Meter for Soil Laboratory and Field Testing

Abstract

The amount of water associated with a given volume or mass of soil is a highly variable property. Determination of moisture content is most common activity in every soil testing laboratory as well as it has significance in field testing also. All index properties are having relationship with soil moisture content. Drying a soil to constant weight at 110 °C is the traditional method of arriving at a dry sample weight. This method required 24 hours of drying and soil containing gypsum and organic matter may require more drying period. Many other methods are also available as per Indian standards like torsion balance, radiation, pycnometer method, calcium carbide method and alcohol method. Some methods are also available such as, Proctor needle for field testing. But many of these methods are giving approximate water content and also having their own limitations regarding range of measurement. This study aims at rapid and accurate determination of soil moisture content of sample by using moisture sensor. It can save time as well as provide required accuracy in laboratory and field testing.