Time Domain Reflectometry at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico (1996-2005)

This file contains hourly time-domain reflectometry (TDR) soil moisture data for 1996-2005. A key factor in a spatially explicit water-balance model is a measure of moisture in the soils over time. This metric is crucial for both calibration and validation of such a model. One of the best methods of measuring soil moisture on a continuous basis is TDR. Therefore, a network of TDR soil moisture sensors was installed at all meteorological stations on the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. At two of the sites the sensors were measured on an hourly basis in conjunction with the meteorological variables. At the four other sites the sensors were measured on a much less frequent basis - about every two weeks. Sensors were installed in pits in sets of five. One sensor was installed vertically adjacent to the pit to measure the top 30 cm of soil. The other four were installed horizontally in the face of the pit at 5, 10, 20, and 40 cm. Pits were then backfilled.