The new Charles Sturt University (CSU) Rhizolysimeter is the largest root-growth research facility in the world. The complex contains 72 intact soil monoliths encased in steel tubes. The encased soil monoliths are arranged in rows of 18 in two underground rhizolysimeter laboratories (2 rows in each lab) that allow access to the side of the soil cores beneath the soil surface. The design of the facility allows for nondestructive, in situ, and high temporal resolution measurements of integrative root growth and soil water dynamics. The soil monoliths can be fitted with a wide range of sensors. Campbell Scientific Australia are installing a total of 576 TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) sensors, 8 in each soil monolith. The CS610 3-rod TDR sensors are connected to a network of multiplexers controlled by a CR1000 data logger.
View of the Rhizolysimeter site, the smaller old site can be seen to the left of the picture.
Inserting the CS610 probes into the drilled holes.
Crane over Lab 2 lifting the cores to provide access for drilling and installation of CS610 TDR probes.
Lifting the cores with a crane to provide access for drilling and inserting the top four CS610 probes.
Drilling holes in the lab for installing the CS610 TDR probes
More drilling!
Wiring up in Lab 1
Lab 1 with most of the enclosures installed.
Rain shades for sliding over the cores
Underneath
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