Soil Penetrating Probe and System for Measuring Electrical Properties to Determine Soil Water Content

A method of making a probe to measure electrical properties of soil or medium, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a tubular first electrode including an interior surface defining a first electrode central opening extending through first electrode;
• providing a second electrode including a convex portion configured for insertion into the soil;
• providing an electrode insulator configured to be placed between the first and second electrodes and inside the first electrode central opening;
• inserting the electrode insulator into to the central opening of the first electrode such that the electrode insulator and first electrode are connected;
• connecting the second electrode to the electrode insulator;
• providing a coaxial cable with one end including an inner conductive core, a conductive shield, and a core insulator therebetween;
• inserting the one end of the coaxial cable through the first electrode central opening;
• connecting the inner conductive core of the one end of coaxial cable to the second electrode such that the inner conductive core and the second electrode are electrically connected;
• and
• connecting the conductive shield of the one end of coaxial cable to the first electrode such that the conductive shield and the first electrode are electrically connected.

A method of measuring electrical properties of soil or medium, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a probe tip including a first electrode connected to a second electrode including a convex portion, the probe tip including an electrode insulator disposed between the first and second electrode and a coaxial cable with one end connected to the first and second electrodes and a distal end connected to an electrical circuit;
• inserting a probe tip into the soil or medium;
• and
• transmitting electrical signals from the probe tip, via the coaxial cable, to the electrical circuit.