The horizontal orientation of the sensor
ensures the measurement is made at a
particular soil depth. The entire sensor can be placed vertically, but because soil
moisture often varies by depth, this is not usually the desired orientation. To position
the sensor, use a thin implement such as a trenching shovel to make a pilot hole in
the soil. Place the sensor into the hole, making sure the entire length of the sensor is
covered. Press down on the soil along either side of the sensor with your fingers.
Continue to compact the soil around the sensor by pressing down on the soil with
your fingers until you have made at least five passes along the sensor. This step is
important, as the soil adjacent to the sensor surface has the strongest influence on the
sensor reading.