Hanna Instruments HI 83900-30 - Manual (Page 4)

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OPERATIONAL GUIDE I NSTALLATION
Location
• The selected location/plant for installing the
lysimeter should be representative of the en-
tire field.
• For better accuracy and repeatability of re-
sults, install at list 3 couples of lysimeters (see
below) per each area to be monitored.
Operation
• Place the lysimeter inside the root zone. It is
suggested to install at least two lysimeters,
one at the upper and the other in the lower
layer of the root zone.
• The recommended distance from the drip
source depends on the soil type:
sandy soil: 5 cm; medium soil: 10 cm; heavy
soil: 15 cm.
• Drill a hole in the ground at the selected
location and insert the HI 83900, while
pushing and rotating it around its axis.
After the proper depth is reached, compress
the surrounding soil, while paying attention
that the soil is tightly in contact with the ce-
ramic tip. A CTIVATION
• Fill approximately 1/3 of the lysimeter tube with the sup-
plied cleaning solution.
• Draw the syringe piston all the way back and attach the
syringe to the rubber capillary.
• Close the tube with the rubber cap, open the finger clamp
and push the syringe piston.
• Pinch the finger clamp and wait until the solution seeps
through the porous ceramic tip. Draw the rest of the solu-
tion from the sampler tube and dispose of it.
• The lysimeter is now sterile, free of air bubbles and ready
for insertion into the ground.
• Keep the ceramic tip moist until the lysimeter is inserted
into the soil. Protect it with a plastic bag.
Assemble the unit by inserting the rubber capillary in the
sampler tube and closing with the rubber cap. Check that
the rubber capillary is into the ceramic tip, then remove the
plastic bag from the ceramic part and follow the activation
procedure explained below.
Important: NEVER TOUCH THE CERAMIC SENSITIVE
PART WITH YOUR FINGER BEFORE AND DURING THE
ACTIVATION PROCESS.