Question:
Which of the following statement(s) is/are true for tensiometer?
A. It measures soil water matric potential
B. It is simple in operation and very useful for scheduling irrigation
C. It can also be used for measuring soil water flux
D. Although limited to $<$ 1 bar matric potential, this range can be increased by increasing permeability of its porous cup
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Which of the following statement(s) is/are true for tensiometer?
A. It measures soil water matric potential
B. It is simple in operation and very useful for scheduling irrigation
C. It can also be used for measuring soil water flux
D. Although limited to $<$ 1 bar matric potential, this range can be increased by increasing permeability of its porous cup
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A. It measures soil water matric potential
B. It is simple in operation and very useful for scheduling irrigation
C. It can also be used for measuring soil water flux
D. Although limited to $<$ 1 bar matric potential, this range can be increased by increasing permeability of its porous cup
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Show Hint
Tensiometer = "The Root's Perspective."
It doesn't tell you "how much" water is there (moisture %), but "how hard" it is to get it (potential).
Limit: $0.8$ bar (Wet range only).
Use for: High-value crops where you want to keep the soil wet.
It doesn't tell you "how much" water is there (moisture %), but "how hard" it is to get it (potential).
Limit: $0.8$ bar (Wet range only).
Use for: High-value crops where you want to keep the soil wet.
Updated On: Aug 21, 2026
- A, B and C only
- A, B and D only
- A and D only
- A, B, C and D only
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question requires evaluating the functional and technical characteristics of a tensiometer, a key instrument for measuring soil water status.
Detailed Explanation:
• Statement A (True):
A tensiometer directly measures the matric potential (or tension) of soil water.
It consists of a water-filled tube with a porous ceramic cup at the bottom. The vacuum gauge at the top reads the tension exerted by the soil matrix to pull water out of the cup.
• Statement B (True):
Tensiometers are favored in the field because they are inexpensive, do not require complex electronics, and provide real-time readings.
They are excellent for "scheduling irrigation" because they tell the farmer exactly how hard the roots must work to get water.
• Statement C (Incorrect):
Soil water flux (the rate of water movement) is typically measured using Darcy's law and requires measuring the gradient of potential between two points, or using specific flux meters. A single tensiometer only measures potential at one spot.
• Statement D (True):
Standard tensiometers only work between $0$ and $0.85$ bars. Beyond this, water inside the tube cavitates (boils/bubbles), and the vacuum is lost.
Specially designed "osmotic" tensiometers or those with modified cup air-entry values can be used to extend the range slightly, though they are less common in standard agriculture.
Step 2: Final Answer:
Statements A, B, and D accurately describe the characteristics and limitations of the tensiometer.
The question requires evaluating the functional and technical characteristics of a tensiometer, a key instrument for measuring soil water status.
Detailed Explanation:
• Statement A (True):
A tensiometer directly measures the matric potential (or tension) of soil water.
It consists of a water-filled tube with a porous ceramic cup at the bottom. The vacuum gauge at the top reads the tension exerted by the soil matrix to pull water out of the cup.
• Statement B (True):
Tensiometers are favored in the field because they are inexpensive, do not require complex electronics, and provide real-time readings.
They are excellent for "scheduling irrigation" because they tell the farmer exactly how hard the roots must work to get water.
• Statement C (Incorrect):
Soil water flux (the rate of water movement) is typically measured using Darcy's law and requires measuring the gradient of potential between two points, or using specific flux meters. A single tensiometer only measures potential at one spot.
• Statement D (True):
Standard tensiometers only work between $0$ and $0.85$ bars. Beyond this, water inside the tube cavitates (boils/bubbles), and the vacuum is lost.
Specially designed "osmotic" tensiometers or those with modified cup air-entry values can be used to extend the range slightly, though they are less common in standard agriculture.
Step 2: Final Answer:
Statements A, B, and D accurately describe the characteristics and limitations of the tensiometer.
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