Print PageNEON is a continental-scale research platform for analyzing and understanding the impacts of climate change, land-use change, and invasive species on ecology. NEON features sensor networks and experiments, linked by advanced cyberinfrastructure to record and archive ecological data for at least 30 years. Using standardized protocols and an open data policy, NEON will gather essential data for developing the scientific understanding and theory required to manage ecological challenges. Critical observations include long term below ground measurements of soil temperature, water and C02 gradient through the soil profiles, and heat flux. NEON has developed improved techniques to ensure consistent, accurate and reliable below-ground data that allow for minimal disturbance during installation, regular maintenance and calibration as well as the ability to update the measurement techniques as technology advancements and discoveries are made.
Results/Conclusions
We are using new innovative bore hole technology to creata access holes for the placement of in-house designed sealed sensor packages. This technology has been tested in complex soil profiles with >50% rock fraction with great success (e.g., galacial cobble till, alpine soils). Intact soil profiles can also be extracted using this process. The disturbance around the creation of the bole hole is minimal resulting fast settling time for the sensors. The instrumentation design allows sensors to be accurately placed to measure exact locations within a horizon based on extracted soil profiles. Sensor packages provides easy access to the sensors to inspect, clean and redeploy them quickly and easily. The result is a lower cost of maintenance, improved reliability and consistent long term reliable measurements. These technologies can be used for other, yet to be defined, sensing technologies. This is a new, efficient approach to transform our ability to measure the below-grond environment.
