Soil moisture release curve construction service
Accelerate your soil moisture release curves—without sacrificing accuracy. When your project depends on precise soil data, delays can derail progress. Traditional methods for constructing curves often take weeks—or more—wasting critical time and resources. At METER, we combine cutting-edge lab technology with decades of soil science expertise to deliver full, research-grade soil moisture release curves in just days, so you can make informed decisions faster, reduce risk, and keep your project on track.
Leave the complexity to us
Our soil scientists use METER’s tensiometers and HYPROP to collect data for the soil water characteristic curve in the wet range and the WP4C to collect data in the dry range. This automated process provides a complete soil water characteristic curve with high-resolution data in a fraction fo the time required by traditional methods.
Fast results
When ordering the soil moisture release curve service, you’ll receive the packaging to send METER about four liters of the soil you would like characterized. You also have the option of receiving sampling rings and equipment for collecting undisturbed samples. After the lab processes your samples, we’ll send you a moisture characteristic curve containing the ranges you specify, whether that’s a full range between 0 to –100 MPa, a focus on the dry or wet range, or something more specific to your project.
Reliable methods give you accurate data
After receiving your samples (at least two samples, including one undisturbed soil core), the soil core will be saturated and analyzed with our HYPROP system to obtain the wet end of the soil moisture release curve and the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. The other soil sample will be dried down to various points and sealed in cups to equilibrate. If your sample arrives in a dry condition, we’ll saturate it before we start the analysis.
When equilibration is complete, each dry sample will be run in the WP4C to obtain its water potential. Afterward, each sample will be removed and immediately weighed, dried for 24 hours at 105 °C, and then weighed again to obtain its water content. These techniques will produce a very accurate moisture release curve in the wet range and five to ten points in the dry range, so we can send you a full, high-resolution moisture release curve for your particular soil type.
Creating moisture release curves
If you want to create your own moisture release curve, METER has step-by-step instructions to walk you through creating a moisture characteristic curve for your soil. But if you don’t have the expertise or the instrumentation, METER’s service provides a reliable way to get the data you need.
Standards and protocols
Our lab services are performed in both the United States and Germany. As part of the initial consultation for service, we will help determine which office is appropriate for your project needs according to your location and any protocol or reporting standards that must be met.
For samples collected in the United States, we recommend reviewing the USDA Domestic Soil Quarantine Map.
Ready for answers?
Use this form to help us to identify the perfect service, training, or consultation for your needs. We’ll contact you shortly after submission.