EQ3 Equitensiometer

Maintenance-Free Soil Water Potential Measurement

The EQ3 Equitensiometer represents a significant advancement in soil science, offering a robust and reliable alternative to high-maintenance, water-filled tensiometers. Designed for researchers and professionals who require long-term, accurate data on soil water status, the EQ3 eliminates the frequent servicing associated with traditional tools. Its patented dielectric technology allows for maintenance-free operation, meaning it can be buried and left in place for extended periods, even in freezing conditions, without loss of performance or the need for intervention.

Ideal for Plant Water Stress and Dry Soil Research

The EQ3 is particularly well-suited for studies in drier soils where plant water stress becomes a critical factor. It operates effectively across a wide range of 0 to -1000 kPa, with best accuracy achieved between -100 and -500 kPa. This makes it an indispensable tool for ecologists, soil scientists, and irrigation specialists who need to understand water movement and availability in the root zone under various conditions, from agricultural fields to natural ecosystems.

Robust Design for Demanding Environments

Built to the exacting standards of Delta-T Devices, the EQ3 is buriable and sealed to an IP68 rating, ensuring complete protection against moisture and dust. Its rugged construction and frost resistance mean it can withstand the most challenging field conditions. The sensor features a detachable cable system with optional extension tubes, allowing for flexible installation at various depths and easy replacement or extension of cables as needed.

Key Advantages and Benefits

• Maintenance-Free Operation: No need for refilling, degassing, or topping up with water, saving significant time and resources in long-term studies.
• Frost Resistant: Can be left installed in frozen soils without damage, enabling year-round data collection in temperate climates.
• Robust and Buriable: IP68 rating ensures long-term reliability and performance directly in the soil profile.
• Integrated Temperature Sensor: Simultaneously measures soil temperature, a crucial parameter for comprehensive environmental analysis.
• Wide Measurement Range: Covers 0 to -1000 kPa, providing valuable data from saturated conditions to very dry soils.

Typical Applications and Usage

The EQ3 is perfect for static, long-term monitoring applications in:

• Plant and crop water stress studies.
• Environmental and ecological research.
• Soil and geo-sciences.
• Civil engineering projects monitoring soil moisture tension.
• Irrigation scheduling and management in agriculture.

For optimal results, the sensor should be installed in an augered hole or trench wall to ensure good soil-to-sensor contact. While it is not a rapid-response sensor, it provides highly stable and accurate readings once equilibrated, typically over several hours.