Neutron Physics Considerations in Moisture Probe Design

by John F. Stone, Oklahoma State Univ, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Irrigation and Drainage

Abstract:

Neutron physics can be used to characterize most of the know behavior of neutrons in the soil. Scattering, absorption and slowing down are the principal processes affecting moisture probe design. Key to probe operation is the fact that slow neutrons can be detected in the presence of fast neutrons. Distribution of slow neutrons about a source of fast neutrons, coupled with the placement of the slow neutron detector determines many of the characteristics of a moisture probe. These include shape of the calibration curve, sensitivity of the probe to water determination and influence of the depth in the soil on calibration.

Subject Headings: Soil water | Probe instruments | Moisture | Calibration | Soil properties | Absorption | Water meters

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