The 530 DR Hydroprobe Moisture Depth Gauge is dangerous to use because of the nuclear radiation source. The instrument must be handled with extreme caution and is under strong government regulations. The instrument must be stored properly. The instrument is difficult to repair or to send for repairs.
A computer is required for efficient analysis of data. The process of downloading the data from the instrument requires communication software. A computer consultant may be required to assist in the initial setting up of the instrument. If a computer is not available, manual recording, manipulation, and analysis of the data is necessary. Intensive and extensive initial soil calibrations must be done. Remember, there is hydrogen in both the soil water and in the soil organic matter. This must be taken into consideration when making assumptions about soil moisture content.
An alternative soil moisture determining instrument is the Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR). The TDR does not use nuclear radiation, therefore, it is safer. However, the TDR is not as versatile as the neutron probe; and the TDR is more expensive than the neutron probe.
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