Patent ID: 6976386

Claim:
A method of collecting data regarding a matric potential of a media, comprising: providing a tensiometer including a porous membrane comprising stainless steel, a reservoir, a first fluid conduit which couples the reservoir in fluid flowing relation relative to the porous membrane, and a tensiometer casing having a base portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion being removable and replaceable; providing a valve member defining the reservoir, the valve member including an outer annular surface, wherein the membrane includes an inner annular surface selectively slidingly received over the outer annular surface of the valve member, wherein the tip portion is selectively threadedly connected to the valve member, and wherein the membrane is held in place between the tip portion and the valve member when the tip portion is threaded to the valve member body; providing an insertion tube comprising a plurality of probe casings which have been selectively coupled at casing joints, the casing joints including a seal which functions as a substantial barrier to contaminants, the insertion tube having an instrument receiving end, a surface end, and an insertion tube wall which together define a center cavity; selectively coupling the instrument receiving end of the insertion tube with the base portion of the tensiometer casing at a base connection joint, the base connection joint including a base connection seal which functions as a substantial barrier to contaminants; inserting the insertion tube and the tensiometer into a media, so that the porous membrane is in contact with the media; providing the reservoir with a fluid, wherein the fluid is in contact with the porous membrane, and wherein the fluid is exposed to a matric potential the media exerts on the fluid through the porous membrane; sealing the tensiometer using a plurality of valves, which act as a substantial barrier to contaminants; and measuring the matric potential the media exerts on the fluid.