To begin, place the saturated soil samples in the tensiometer sensor unit. Once each sensor unit is set up, input the sample identification present on the metal core. Then click Browse to save the file location.
After clicking Start, take the initial weight reading after two tensiometer readings have been completed. First, unplug the connection cord from the sensor unit. Place the unit on the weight scale when a dialogue box appears on the software.
Remove the sensor unit once the software indicates the weight reading has been taken and plug it back into the connection cord. Once the sample has reached the air entry point, take a final weight measurement for each sensor unit and click Stop. The measurement campaign revealed distinct tension curves for two soil samples, showcasing optimal and suboptimal results.
Soil water retention curves and hydraulic conductivity data were generated from the experiment with optimal data demonstrating clear air entry and cavitation points. The application of the van Genuchten-Mualem model to the output data provided fitted curves, which were used to derive soil properties.
