Lysimeter

A lysimeter is a metal cylinder open at the top and closed at the bottom. It is used to measure evapotranspiration in a column of soil on which natural vegetation or agricultural crops are growing. In addition to the evapotranspiration, parameters such as the amount of seepage or interactions and mass transfer between the soil, vegetation and atmosphere can be analyzed.

Overview of system features of the lysimeter stations

Number of lysimeters

6 structurally similar parallel monoliths

Put into service
 
Standort
Rustow
Nominal measuring life
> 15 years
 
 

Technical Data

 
Surface area
1m²
Ground column depth
1,50 m
External diameter
1,65 m
Total height
1,85 m
Weight
ca. 3,4 t
Measurement accuracy
100 g
 
 

Additional instrumentation

 
Automated weather measurement station
 
Eddy Covariance measuring instrument
 

Schematic of a lysimeter station
On the left a lysimeter cylinder with a built-in soil monolith and measuring equipment (e.g., temperature and moisture probes). On the right a service well with control electronics, measuring devices, collection containers, and a bidirectional pump.
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