Seasonal Monitoring of Soil Water Content and Infiltration Using Soil Temperature Measurements

We use high precision Pt 100 sensors and apply numerical models of convective and conductive heat transfer to temperature experimental data recorded versus depth and time along a vertical soil profile. After having determined the thermal diffusivity and the convective flux rate it is possible to calculate the water content and the Darcy’s velocity using empirical soil properties models. The results obtained at Boissy-le Châtel site between April 16, 2009 and March 8 2010 are presented here. The ten day period results are reliable in accordance with local rain and potential evapotranspiration data.