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Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor (CRNS): From Cosmic Rays to Soil Moisture

This video explains how the galactic cosmic ray can be utilized for monitoring landscape soil moisture to improve agricultural water-management. The scale of measurement of the cosmic ray neutron sensor (CRNS) which is up to tens of hectares fills the gap between the small-scale information provided by point soil moisture sensors and the large-scale data provided by remote sensing. The advantage of this method is that it is not invasive and does not disturb agricultural field operations. Its large horizontal footprint and penetration depth of tens of centimeters enough to reach typical rooting depth is an advantage over remote sensing estimate. The CRNS is therefore a valuable tool for climate-smart agriculture.

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