I recently purchased a small device for gardening that can read light levels and the PH and moisture levels in soil. Since it does not use any batteries (including no in-built battery) how does it work? Can it determine moisture content through a chemical process? The meter just has two metal probes that are stuck into the soil.
2007-05-09 00:44:29 · 3 answers · asked by DBunny 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
It uses the same principle as your classic "lemon" or "Mr Potato" battery. (Stick two nails in a lemon, connect a small light in between, and the light will turn on")
The meter just "measures" the conductivity of the solid. No water = no conductivity = no meter reading
Water helps create a small current between the two probes and then you get a measurement.
2007-05-09 04:25:38 · answer #1 · answered by TV guy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The moisture meter itself is the battery
A battery is made from an anode a cathode and an electrolyte.
two dissimilar metal immersed in acid will create a current moisture in the ground is almost always slightly acidic
2007-05-09 01:08:12 · answer #2 · answered by Easy Peasy 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Probably solar powered im guessing lol...
2007-05-09 00:57:21 · answer #3 · answered by Amanda 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋