Using Electrical Conductivity Measurements to Optimize Irrigation
Dr. Doug Cobos discusses benefits of using electrical conductivity (EC) measurements along with water content for irrigation scheduling.
Webinars51 min watch
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Measuring Mars
How the TECP Probe Measured Soil Properties on the Phoenix Lander
Dr. Mike Hecht gives his perspective of the development of the TECP sensor for the Mars Phoenix Lander Mission.
On May 25, 2008 NASA’s Phoenix Lander successfully landed on the surface of Mars and used a robotic scoop arm to deliver regolith (Martian soil) samples to the suite of instruments on the deck of the Lander–with one exception. The Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Probe (TECP), designed by a team of METER Group (formerly Decagon Devices) research scientists, was mounted on the knuckle of the robotic arm and made direct contact with the regolith. Using the transient line heat source method, it measured thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, electrical conductivity, and dielectric permittivity of the regolith, as well as vapor pressure of the air.
In this webinar, Dr. Michael Hecht discusses the Mars Phoenix Lander Mission, the tools used, and the results of the data. He explores the findings and results from the Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Probe (TECP), as well as the temperature and humidity data, wet chemistry lab results, and discoveries from the on board microscope.
Next steps
- Talk to an expert about measuring soil properties
- Read the fascinating backstory of the TECP Probe at METER
- Mars podcast
- Learn more about the MARS Pheonix Lander
- View our thermal properties analyzer
- Explore soil moisture sensors
Questions?
Our scientists have decades of experience helping researchers and growers measure the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum.
Presenter
Dr. Michael Hecht is a former Senior Research Scientist at Cal Tech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and is now Associate Director at MIT Haystack Observatory.
Webinars
Using Electrical Conductivity Measurements to Optimize Irrigation
Rapid, in situ Thermal Conductivity Measurements—Even in Moist Insulating Materials
Dr. Gaylon Campbell shows how to measure the thermal conductivity of wet insulation with a 5-minute read time. These previously impossible measurements are now possible through advanced electronics and analytical methods.
Webinars40 min watch
Soil Electrical Conductivity: Managing Salts for Sustained High Yields
Mismanagement of salt applied during irrigation ultimately reduces production—sometimes drastically. Learn how to measure soil electrical conductivity for consistently high crop yield, quality, and profit.
Webinars42 min watch