Soil moisture probes measure volumetric soil moisture at 10cm increments to a depth of 1.2 metres.
Measurements are taken weekly for use by researchers.
Why is it important?
Water availability is one of the main drivers of ecosystem productivity. Measuring soil moisture gives us an understanding of the soil hydrological processes and provides data to support identified changes to the ecosystem, for example, tree death, slow growth etc.
What is the soil like at SERF?
The soil in this area of the Pine Rivers catchment of the D'Aguilar Range consists of sandy loam for approximately 30cm then clay to a depth of 1.2m. This type of morphology and the gentle slope of the area means there is substantial run off and moisture retention is low.
What do you notice?
Look around at the flora in the area. This is an example of a dry sclerophyll forest, dominated by Eucalyptus species. These forests occur on poorer quality soils with lower rainfall.