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Field Measurement of Soil-Water Content by Gamma-Ray Transmission Compensated for Temperature Fluctuations¹

ABSTRACT

Soil-water content under natural field conditions was measured with a gamma-ray transmission technique that compensated for temperature changes. A spectrum stabilizer was needed for the nuclear counting equipment, and a knowledge of the relationship between peak count-rate and the temperature of the gamma-ray detector probe was required. Equipment and procedures to make field measurements of water content in 1-cm-thick soil layers are described. When the detector probe temperature varied 23C and gravimetric water content ranged from 0.021 to 0.186 gg^-1 over a measurement period, the average deviation of measured versus calculated values of water content was 0.009 gg^-1.

¹ Contribution from the Soil & Water Conserv. Res. Div., ARS, USDA.

² Research Soil Scientist and Research Physicist, respectively, US Water Conserv. Lab., Phoenix, Ariz. 85040.

Received for publication January 26, 1971. Accepted for publication March 22, 1971.