UGT Ready-To-Go Lysimeter
UGT Ready-To-Go Lysimeter
Advantages at a glance
- cost-effective
- small, manageable without large machines and exportable
- can be installed by the user himself
- Ready-To-Go Lysimeter with 500 mm diameter can be combined with the UGT EcoLab Flex (use of the same monolith in the field and in the laboratory possible)
UGT Ready-To-Go Lysimeter
Compact Design with Advanced Measurement Technology
To enhance our product lineup, we are excited to introduce a smaller, more cost-effective solution for field studies alongside our larger PE-HD lysimeter stations. The Ready-To-Go Lysimeters are compact, weighable lysimeter stations designed for monoliths with diameters of 300, 500, 800, or 1130 mm and lengths of 300, 600, or 900 mm.
All Ready-To-Go Lysimeters (RTG) are compatible with both disturbed (hand-filled) and undisturbed soil monoliths (using specialized sampling techniques). The entire RTG lysimeter station can be easily set up and operated without the need for special tools or trained UGT personnel.
Comprehensive Standard System
The standard RTG system includes:
- A stainless steel lysimeter vessel
- A precision weighing system
- A leachate tank with tipping trough
- A complete set of high-precision soil hydrological sensors
- An integrated control station
With UGT sensors such as tensiometers, water content probes, temperature probes, and suction probes, you can effectively study ecosystem functions and their impacts. The RTG system can also be expanded with a pore water harvesting system and the UGT weather station module equipped with climate sensors.
Accurate Water Balance Measurement
When combined with precipitation measurements, the weighable Ready-To-Go Lysimeter allows for direct and reliable determination of site evapotranspiration through weight changes. Our highly specialized weighing system leverages our extensive experience in lysimeter technology, enabling precise water balance investigations with a resolution of 0.01 mm. This technology can detect dew, snow, and small amounts of evapotranspiration effortlessly.
Pore water can be collected manually or automatically using the UGT suction probe system at up to three depths within the lysimeter. With a free outlet at the bottom of the monolith and an automatic submersible pump, Ready-To-Go Lysimeters facilitate both quantitative (tipping bucket) and qualitative analysis of leachate. The RTG system also allows for switching from a free outlet with an open leachate valve to controlled lower boundary conditions where the safety water valve is closed.
In-Depth Insights into Soil Dynamics
In addition to weighing capabilities, our Ready-To-Go Lysimeters feature high-resolution tensiometer measurement technology. Tensiometer or suction stress measurements are essential for understanding an ecosystem's water balance since tension drives soil water movement. Our patented Full Range Tensiometer is specifically designed for RTG technology and covers the entire suction stress range relevant to plants—up to 1500 kPa (pF 4.2)—without requiring filling. This ensures reliable measurements even in challenging media such as saline soils in arid regions when properly calibrated. Additionally, the Full Range Tensiometer provides soil temperature readings as an extra variable.
Controlled conditions at the bottom
Lysimeters and evaporimeters are normally isolated from the deeper soil layers and also from groundwater. Nonetheless, interactions in these layers and with the saturated zone can be crucial for the water balance. With the Ready-To-Go Lysimeters of depths 600 and 800 mm, you can transfer natural conditions to the soil in the lysimeter using the lower boundary condition (LBC), a voltage- and time-controlled pumping system with reference sensors and ceramic suction tubes. It can be used to simulate the natural conditions, as well as different scenarios of flooding or drainage.
Streamlined Control and Data Acquisition
All control operations and data acquisition are managed through the control station, which also consolidates power supply and digital connections for all sensors and actuators. Collected data can be transferred online via the SVADSS data management system.
Bridging Field and Laboratory Research
The Ready-To-Go Lysimeter with a diameter of 500 mm is designed to integrate seamlessly with our EcoLab Flex system—a measurement platform for studying ecosystem functions within the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum in laboratory settings. Monoliths can first be utilized under field conditions in the Ready-To-Go Lysimeter before transitioning to laboratory studies.
Tailored Customer Service
We provide comprehensive support for the installation and maintenance of your measuring station, offering scientifically sound service tailored to your specific needs.