Multiparameter Soil Sensor Delta-T WET150 Multiparameter Soil Sensor

„Delta-T Devices Ltd. WET150 Multi-Parameter Soil Probe

• Our latest research-grade soil sensor
• Measures humidity, temperature and EC
• Digital SDI-12 for easy system integration
• Strong, possible padding and low power consumption
• Precise monitoring of growing conditions
• Removable and retractable cable system
• 5 year warranty

The WET150 digital multi-parameter soil sensor is the result of 40 years of research and development by Delta-T Devices. Thanks to several important design innovations, it offers research-grade accuracy and build quality at a price previously thought impossible. It is an ideal tool for studying soil conditions and integrating them into SDI-12 environmental and horticultural measurement/management systems.

Digital SDI-12 sensor measuring three essential variables

When the sensor penetrates the soil or substrate, the WET150 sensor simultaneously measures three essential variables that affect plant growth: moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity (EC) – a strong indicator of nutrient levels.

One of the strengths of WET150 is its ability to reliably calculate pore water conductance (ECp), which is the amount of water ions available to the plant.

The WET150’s patented sensor electronics provide test-level measurement accuracy with exceptional salt and temperature stability – essential for critical management and irrigation decisions. When the sensor is in place, the temperature measurement (necessary to compensate for EC measurement – for optimal accuracy) is obtained directly from the root zone.

Accurate monitoring of soil and substrate conditions

When installed with growth tools, WET150 can provide the accurate data needed for efficient SDI-12 enabled automated precision irrigation and environmental management systems – allowing for reduced water/fertilizer usage and improved yield and product quality.

The WET150’s robust sealing design also makes it ideal for field research and field farming – the sensors can be left embedded for long periods of time without loss of performance. The WET150 sensors can also be embedded at different depths, allowing you to monitor soil moisture, temperature and EC profiles.

Digital SDI-12 interface

The WET150 is a digital SDI-12 sensor (fully compliant with SDI-12 version 1.3 standards). SDI-12 is a standardized interface for connecting digital sensors to a host device – typically an SDI-12 compatible data logger, wireless node, controller or computer. SDI-12 defines both digital communication and sensor power supply standards.

One of the strengths of SDI-12 is that it supports connecting multiple network sensors to a single input SDI-12-enabled host device – reducing cost and complexity.

The WET150 (like all SDI-12 sensors) is low power and has an integrated microprocessor that allows it to communicate two-way with an SDI-12 master device.

The WET150 will output readings in a standard SDI-12 format that can be sent and recognized by a host device. The inclusion of a microprocessor also enables the WET150 to perform sophisticated internal correction, compensation and averaging algorithms that improve data quality.

The SDI-12 protocol is based on a master-slave configuration. When an SDI-12 network is established, data requests are sent from the master to the slave WET150 sensors. These requests briefly activate all WET150s in the network – and the result is a measurement and data transmission response from the selected WET150. If the master does not respond to the request, all WET150s remain in a power saving state.

Advantages of SDI-12

• Use multiple sensors with a single master device, reducing complexity and cost
• Low-power systems, battery-operated and powered via the interface bus
• Many parameters can be transmitted through simplified wiring
• No loss of accuracy with long cable lengths
• Ideal for wireless-based applications

Cables and connectors

The WET150 features a high-quality stainless steel IP68 rated connector (M12 x 5 way) – connecting a standard range of Delta-T M12 x 5 way cables and accessories.

GP2 SDI-12 Data Logger – the perfect partner for WET150

The WET150 is fully compatible with the SDI-12 enabled GP2 Data Logger and Controller – featuring simple point and click configuration.

Up to 62 WET150 sensors can be connected to a single GP2 SDI-12 Data Logger (depending on cable length and power requirements).

In addition to the SDI-12 input, the GP2 can record 12 analog channels. The SDI-12 enabled GP2 Data Logger and DeltaLINK allow for quick and easy sensor network creation – without the often complex programming techniques often used by other manufacturers.

The flexibility of the SDI-12 interface and GP2 Recorder allows for a variety of power and cable configurations when building a sensor network. For more information, please refer to the WET150 User Guide. Alternatively, please contact sales@delta-t.co.uk to discuss your application in detail.

Removal

The WET150's sharp and strong needles minimally disturb the soil and substrate structure, preserving the original structure around the measuring stem and making the sensor easy to insert and install. The deep cylindrical shape of the liner facilitates installation in drilled holes. Optional extension tubes of various lengths facilitate installation and removal (50 cm and 100 cm lengths, connectable).

Adaptation

• Soil Science – WET150 integrates easily into SDI-12 systems, providing research-grade accuracy and reliability for researchers to monitor soil or substrate conditions.
• Horticulture and Agriculture – The WET150 sensor is available with a comprehensive calibration kit and provides a simple, effective, durable solution for checking the uniformity of conditions in a wide range of growing media.
• Precision Watering – The WET150 sensor is ideal for precision watering applications. Its compact design allows for easy installation in grow bags.

The WET150 is a multi-parameter soil moisture sensor. It can be installed in the soil or substrate and connected to an SDI-12 host device (e.g. a data logger) to provide long-term monitoring of moisture, temperature and EC data. Alternatively, it can be used as a kit as a portable sensor connected to the WET150 indicator meter for immediate spot moisture and EC measurements (the WET150 sensor does not provide temperature readings in portable mode).

Calibrations – The WET150 sensor comes with calibrations for mineral and organic soils, as well as coco, peat and mineral wool substrates.

Collaboration with scientists at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) on the development of the WET150 sensor
Measurement technology developed by the UK's prestigious National Physical Laboratory (NPL) was an important step in the development of the WET150 sensor.

Multi-parameter Soil Sensors – Delta-T device group

More information: on the manufacturer's website or send us an inquiry!