Hydrology

Measuring soil hydraulic properties like hydraulic conductivity and soil water retention curves is difficult to do correctly. And if done incorrectly, you could wind up with measurements that don’t truly represent field conditions. That's why METER scientists have spent years developing lab and field instrumentation to measure soil hydraulic properties that set the standard for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use.

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Our research-grade instruments have been adopted by researchers around the world, valued for their ability to gather accurate measurements without adding unnecessary complexity—or excessive cost—to a project. With METER instrumentation, you can measure saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity in the field without transporting large amounts of water, or you can measure multiple soil parameters in the lab using just a single sample. See how our solutions can streamline your next research project.

Groundwater and vadose zone

Getting soil and water sensors into or below groundwater is already a challenge, so our scientists have collaborated with researchers to design solutions to ensure accurate, easy-to-use data once those sensors are in place.

See our groundwater measurement solutions

Leaching and contaminant transport

Understanding the influence of land management practices on drainage and solute transport requires a measurement solution capable of covering a large area with enough sensors to provide meaningful data. Our lysimeters and soil sensors are designed to provide years of accurate data at a low lifetime cost.

See our solutions for measuring solute movement in deep soil

Surface hydrology

Surface hydrology data gathered from pristine natural environments or areas with significant human development may be very different, but the instrumentation needs are not. We design solutions that are rugged and reliable enough to monitor even the most remote waterways and wells, with accurate, easy-to-use systems.

See our surface hydrology measurement solutions

Case studies

Stories that motivate our work

See how scientists, growers, and engineers have used METER solutions in the field.

Episode 29: The effect of insects on infiltration

Every 17 years cicadas emerge from the earth to mate, leaving thousands of holes peppering the landscape.

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LP-80—A different approach to stream restoration

University of Idaho graduate student, Adrianne Zuckerman, is taking a different approach to stream restoration.

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Episode 15: How land use impacts hydrology in Texas shrink-swell clays

METER research scientist, Leo Rivera, discusses the ups and downs of his hydrology research in the shrink-swell clays of Texas, why the collapse of a video store got him interested in hydrology, how he got caught on camera by google maps, the interesting development story behind the SATURO infiltrometer, and more.

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