HOMS COMPONENT

USE OF THE NEUTRON PROBE FOR SOIL MOISTURE MEASUREMENT

1.  Purpose and objectives

     A basic guide to the practical use of the neutron probe, its working principles and some of its applications, intended to help the user avoid the mistakes and frustrations commonly encountered by those new to the field.

2.  Description

     The first chapter of the guide describes the design features and working principles of neutron probes including the nature of the source, and the detector and optimal geometry. A second chapter covers the
procedures for using a neutron probe: the design, construction and installation of access tubes, soil calibration, the use of standards and the design of a network of access tubes. Procedures for processing the data including the application of quality control techniques and statistical analysis to assess precision and accuracy are described. A third chapter deals with problems of radiological safety including the monitoring of dosages and the transport and handling of sources. Reference
is made to several UK guides and standards on radiological safety. In the final chapter several applications of the neutron probe procedure are described:  the measurement of water balances, determination of the characteristics of soil water reservoirs, crop water use, and water
resource studies.

3.  Input

     None.

4.  Output

     Knowledge of the use of the neutron probe.

5.  Operational requirements and restrictions

     None.

6.  Form of presentation

     65 page report in English.

7.  Operational experience

     The report draws on many years of experience of the design, construction and use of neutron probes at the Institute of Hydrology.

8.  Originator and technical support

     Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford, UK.

9.  Availability

     From HOMS National Reference Centre for the United Kingdom.

10. Conditions on use

     Available free of charge.

Last updated: 02 NOV 83)
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