Method for detecting moisture in soils using secondary cosmic radiation
First Claim
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1. A method for providing a relative measurement of moisture contained in a layer of soil, comprising:
- a) providing radiation sensitive detectors at known distances below a surface of said soil;
b.) measuring a flux of secondary cosmic rays with said radiation sensitive detectors to provide a baseline flux measurement, wherein said flux is attenuated by said soil; and
c.) measuring a change in said baseline flux measurement as a quantity of water is applied onto an area of said soil surface above said radiation sensitive detectors, said change providing a flux difference proportional to said quantity of water applied to said soil.
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Abstract
Water content in a soil is determined by measuring the attenuation of secondary background cosmic radiation as this radiation propagates through a layer of soil and water. By measuring the attenuation of secondary cosmic radiation in the range of 5 MeV-15 MeV it is possible to obtain a relative measure of the water content in a soil layer above a suitable radiation detector and thus establish when and how much irrigation is needed. The electronic circuitry is designed so that a battery pack can be used to supply power.
21 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method for providing a relative measurement of moisture contained in a layer of soil, comprising:
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a) providing radiation sensitive detectors at known distances below a surface of said soil;
b.) measuring a flux of secondary cosmic rays with said radiation sensitive detectors to provide a baseline flux measurement, wherein said flux is attenuated by said soil; and
c.) measuring a change in said baseline flux measurement as a quantity of water is applied onto an area of said soil surface above said radiation sensitive detectors, said change providing a flux difference proportional to said quantity of water applied to said soil. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for monitoring irrigation in a cultivated field to prevent water waste, comprising:
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a) a radiation detector for continuously measuring an attenuated flux of secondary cosmic rays, said radiation detector located at a known distance below a surface of said cultivated field, b) signal means in electrical communication with said radiation detector and an actuator means, said signal means for sending an electronic signal to set an actuator ON state when said attenuated flux raises above a preset level and to set an actuator OFF state when said attenuated flux falls below a preset level c.) actuator means in communication with a water pump;
d.) means for providing power to said detector to said signal means, said actuator means and said water pump.
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Specification