Spatial time domain reflectometry for monitoring of the hydrological water balance at a lysimeter test site in Thuringia/Germany

For monitoring of the hydrological water balance in top and subsoil during plant growth accurate knowledge of the spatial and temporal variation of soil water content is essential. In this context, a new full two port spatial time domain reflectometry (Spatial TDR) technique in combination with elongated microwave transmission line sensors were developed for advanced data acquisition and analysis. The technique is tested at a lysimeter station in Thuringia/Germany and compared with neutron moisture meter probes.