Decagon EC-5 Moisture

A low cost sensor for measuring volumetric water content Factory calibrations are included for mineral soils, potting
of soil soils, rockwool, and perlite.

The EC-5 is used to measure volumetric moisture content of Easy Installation

soils and other material for scientific research and
agricultural applications. The EC-5 measures volumetric
water content via the dielectric constant of the soil using
capacitance technology. The sensor uses a 70 MHz
frequency, which minimises salinity and textural effects,
making it an ideal sensor in agricultural and standard
scientific projects.
The EC-5 has a small area of influence. The sensor is 5cm
in length and can measure a small volume of soil, ideal in
situations such as glasshouse pots or localised areas of soil
moisture (for example, soil for small herbs).
Just 5 cm long with a 0.3 L measurement volume, this
handy little sensor is easy to install in the field and can also
be used in nursery pots. The EC-5´s robust design makes it
easy to push directly into undisturbed soil to ensure good
accuracy.
Integrate with CSI Data Loggers
The EC-5´s analogue signal means no-hassle integration
with systems manufactured by other companies, such as
Campbell Scientific.

High resolution allows daily or hourly tracking of Reasons to pick the EC-5:
water use
Voltage output proportional to water content
Low-cost dielectric water content sensor
Very low power requirement
Utilising the EC-5 sensor in a custom IoT (Internet of Things)
package
If volumetric water content is the only measurement
you need.
If you are on a tight budget.
If you want a basic, all-purpose sensor with
excellent accuracy.
If you are interested in a small volume of influence
(eg. field spatial variability, lab column studies, or
greenhouse research).

The SNiP-EC5 is a ‘Sensor Node Integrated Package’ for

LoRaWAN communication of real-time soil moisture
measurement for continuous soil monitoring.

The base SNiP-EC5 integrates an AD-NODE and 1 METER

Group EC5 Moisture Sensor to a site’s unique network,
communication and power requirements.

Lowest Cost Individual Sensors for Large Sensor Networks

Looking for a basic, no-frills soil moisture sensor? Look no

further than the EC-5, a sensor that accurately measures
water content in any soil or soilless media with minimal
salinity and textural effects.

The EC-5 delivers research-grade accuracy at a price that

makes large sensor networks economically practical. You
can adequately characterise your site with sensors at
multiple depths and locations, even if you’re on a tight
budget.

Engineered for Accuracy

The EC-5 determines volumetric water content (VWC) by

measuring the dielectric constant of the media using
capacitance/frequency domain technology. Its 70 MHz
frequency minimises salinity and textural effects, making
this sensor accurate in almost any soil or soilless media.

Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.
www.ictinternational.com : sales@ictinternational.com.au : +612 6772 6770
Decagon EC-5 Moisture

Specifications
Measurement

Measurements taken Volumetric water content

Range 0-60% VWC

Accuracy VWC: Using Standard calibration: ±5% typical on mineral

soils, ±1-2% with soil site specific calibration

Time 10 ms (milliseconds)

Power

Power Requirements 2.5-5V DC @ 10mA

Stable excitation voltage required

Operating Conditions

Operating Temperature 0°C to +50°C

Interface

Frequency 70MHz

Output Range 375 mV (dry soil) to 1000 mV (saturated)

Mechanical

Connector Types 3.5 mm “stereo” plug or stripped and tinned lead wires

Cable Length 5m standard

Dimensions Dimensions 8.9 x 1.8 x 0.7 cm

SENSOR COMPARISON TABLE

ANALOG SENSORS DIGITAL SENSORS

SENSOR EC-5 10HS 5TM 5TE GS3 MPS-2
MEASURES volumetric volumetric volumetric volumetric volumetric water
water water water water water potential,
content, content, content, content, content, temperatur
dielectric dielectric dielectric dielectric dielectric e
permittivity permittivity permittivity, permittivity, permittivity,
temperature temperatur temperatur
e, electrical e, electrical
conductivity conductivity
VOLUME 0.3 L 1L 0.3 L 0.3 L 0.3 L N/A
OF
INFLUENCE
DATA Em5b, Em5b, Em50, Em50, Em50, Em50,
LOGGER C Em50, Em50, Em50R, Em50R, Em50R, Em50R,
OMPATIBIL Em50R, Em50R, Em50G, Em50G, Em50G, Em50G,

Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.
www.ictinternational.com : sales@ictinternational.com.au : +612 6772 6770
Decagon EC-5 Moisture

ITY Em50G, Em50G, ProCheck, ProCheck, ProCheck, ProCheck,

ProCheck, ProCheck, Campbell SDI-12 SDI-12 SDI-12
ECH2O ECH2O Scientific*, capable capable capable
Check, Check, SDI-12
Campbell Campbell capable
Scientific* Scientific*
MEASURE 0 to 100% 0 to 57% 0 to 100% 0 to 100% 0 to 100% -10 to -500
MENT VWC VWC VWC VWC VWC kPa (pF 2 –
RANGE pF 3.71)
-40 to 50°C -40 to 50°C -40 to 80°C
-40 to 50°C
0 to 23 0 to 23
dS/m dS/m
BEST IF VWC is all You want a You have You are You are You want to
that you large high managing measuring compare
need.You’re volume of temperatur salts in your water soil
establishing influence. e variability system.You content of moisture at
a large in your want to use soilless different
sensor soils. SDI-12. substrates. research
network. sites.
You are You need
monitoring high You want to
shallow or accuracy determine
desert soils EC. water
where data available
must be You need to for plant
corrected measure at growth.
for high temper
temperatur atures You are
e effects. monitoring
deficit
You need to irrigation.
monitor soil
temperatur You want to
e for measure
biological water
activities. potential.

You want to
use SDI-12.
BUT NOT IF You cannot You are N/A You want to You are You want to

Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.
www.ictinternational.com : sales@ictinternational.com.au : +612 6772 6770
Decagon EC-5 Moisture

apply a measuring monitor doing monitor

regulated in nursery soiless downhole soils at or
voltage pots.You substrates installations near
(only are or potting . saturation.
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Decagon
data
loggers).

Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.
www.ictinternational.com : sales@ictinternational.com.au : +612 6772 6770
 Decagon EC-5 Moisture

Accessories

SMM3 Soil Moisture Meter

Soil Moisture Meter - Configured for Decagon's EC-5 sensor. 10 sensor capacity;
IP68 rated enclosure; stand-alone logging capability to 2GB MicroSD Card;
Windows software; breakout board; user manual.

DataTrac 3 Software
DataTrac 3 Software for organising and analysing data

EM50 Data Logger

EM50G Data Logger

ProCheck Handheld Reader

Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.
www.ictinternational.com : sales@ictinternational.com.au : +612 6772 6770

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