Small-scale measurement of soil water content using a fiber optic sensor

Many water flow and solute transport studies require accurate measurement of water content within small soil volumes. We have examined the feasibility of using fiber optic mini-probes (FOMPs) for in situ measurement of water content in relatively small soil volumes ( 0.98) between the soil light reflectivity and the water content. Calibration of the FOMP depends on the individual probe, soil type (largely due to texture), and bulk density. The FOMP system may be ideal in situations where water content is dynamic and changing at small spatial scales, especially where these changes have a large impact on other processes.