Abstract
Data interpretation is a major challenge given the increasing number of wireless soil moisture sensor net-works. Although sometimes ignored, site-specific infor-mation like topography, morphology, and soil type are key to understanding soil moisture behavior. To improve our understanding of soil moisture sensor behavior, we evalu-ated three sites that were constituents of a 12 node wireless network deployed across a 37 ha field in locations selected for their geographic diversity. Each site had previously been characterized with a detailed soil profile analysis. Continuously monitored water content sensors were ins-talled at 5 depths at 30 cm spacing starting at 30 cm. Site-specific characteristics significantly affected soil water dy-namics. A hardpan in the soil explained unexpected differ-ences in soil water with depth at one site, while low land-scape position along with subsurface drainage explained another. Diurnal redistribution of water could also be seen at a third location down to 150 cm. Combining data from intensely monitored sites with plant type, topography, and soil morphology greatly improve our interpretation of soil moisture data in the field.
