Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Sensor Sizes and Applications

BaseStation soil moisture sensors are available in two sizes. The large sensor measures approximately 18 inches long and fits most landscape applications. The short sensor measures 5 inches long and is designed for pots and green wall applications where space is limited. Both sensors are interchangeable and perform the same function—the choice between them depends entirely on the physical constraints of your installation site.

Determining Proper Sensor Placement Depth

Sensor placement depth is critical for accurate readings. Install sensors in the top one-third of the active root zone. For turf applications, this means placing the sensor approximately one to three inches below the surface. For larger plant material, the depth will vary, but the principle remains the same: position the sensor in the top one-third of that plant's root zone.

Selecting a Representative Location

Choose a sensor location that represents the entire irrigation zone you're measuring. Avoid placing the sensor in the driest spot or the wettest spot within the zone. Select a location that reflects average conditions across the area. Individual zones can be adjusted up or down during programming to fine-tune irrigation based on the sensor data.

Recording Serial Numbers and Location Information

Before installing the sensor, record its serial number and installation location. Each sensor includes two additional stickers that match the serial number on the device itself. Use one sticker on an as-built plan and place the other on a reference list that documents where each sensor is located. Tracking this information during installation will simplify the process of assigning sensors to zones later in the configuration process.

Excavating the Installation Site

1. If installing in existing turf, carefully remove the sod and set it aside for later restoration.

2. If installing in a new area without plant material, proceed directly to excavation.

3. As you dig, remove any large stones from the excavation area. Air pockets interfere with accurate readings, and good soil-to-sensor contact is essential.

4. Before placing the sensor, use a straight edge to measure and verify the depth of the hole matches the required coverage depth for your application.

Installing the Sensor

1. Position the soil moisture sensor horizontally and on edge in the excavation. Do not lay the sensor flat, as this orientation will trap water on top of the device and cause inaccurate readings. The goal is to measure water as it passes by the sensor, not water that collects on its surface.

2. Begin backfilling the sensor, ensuring no rocks are placed directly against the sensor body.

3. Gently tap down the soil as you backfill to eliminate air pockets and ensure good soil contact around the entire sensor.

4. If you removed sod earlier, restore it over the installation site now.

Connecting the Sensor Wire

For conventional wire installations, run the sensor wire back to a valve box. If the project uses a two-wire system, the sensor can be connected anywhere along the two-wire path, provided the connection is made inside a splice box.

When connecting the sensor, use the DVRY6 splice included in the sensor kit. Industry standards require that all splices be housed in a box rather than buried directly in the trench.

Watering In the Sensor

Once installation is complete, water in the sensor thoroughly. This step helps remove any remaining air pockets that could impact sensor calibration and accuracy.

Protecting Sensors from Aeration Equipment

If your site uses turf aeration equipment, take precautions to avoid damaging installed sensors. Core aeration tools penetrate deep enough to damage soil moisture sensors. The simplest approach is to avoid aerating directly over sensor locations.

Marking Sensor Locations to Avoid Aeration Damage

Use one or more of the following methods to locate and mark buried sensors for future reference:

Method 1: Record wire length and direction. During installation, note the wire length and distance from the splice box. For example, document that a sensor is buried 23 feet north of the valve box. This measurement allows you to locate the sensor later and avoid aerating in that area.

Method 2: Install a physical marker. Set a grading feather or plastic marker in the soil close to the sensor location. Mark this area as off-limits for aeration.

Method 3: Use triangulation from fixed landmarks. Take two measurements from permanent structures such as buildings or trees to indicate where the sensor is buried. Later, use the point where these two measurements intersect to locate the sensor and avoid aerating in that spot.

Video Walkthrough

Video originally published May 2022.

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