At each moisture level, data was collected from three stationary points on a small replica track (with Keeneland track material) and data was collected while the sensor dragged across the track five times. The stationary and moving data collection was repeated with 11 different soil moisture levels ranging from about 0 to a little over 20 percent moisture content. Samples were taken from each moisture level and dried to measure the amount of moisture in each trial. Results of this testing are shown below. (Figure 1) The overall trend for both moving and stationary readings is very similar, which shows the design solution functioned as planned. However, as the moisture level increases some of the data points become difficult to differentiate. This inaccuracy is most likely the fault of the five dollar sensor and may be improved with a better sensor.

Trial Setup (after each trial has been completed)

1. Line two flat bins next to each other (end to end)
2. Place a piece of saran wrap between the two bins
3. Dump the soil from the track into the bins
4. Pour one bin of soil into the five gallon bucket
5. Add half of the water needed to get to the next moisture level
6. Mix well using a soil trowel
7. Dump the other bin of soil into the five gallon bucket
8. Add additional water to the bucket until desired moisture level is reached
9. Mix will using a soil trowel
10. Put the lid on the five gallon bucket
11. Shake the bucket up for approximately one minute

All Trials

1. Use soil trowels to dump soil into the track, ensuring not to compact the soil
2. Once the soil has reached a level just under the top of the track, use the hand broom to smooth out the soil to a consistent level
3. Place the soil sensor sled on the track at the far end of the track with the sensor in the 60 degree orientation, with string side facing the the track
4. Turn the data collection box on
5. Open Particle Console on the computer
6. Press the data collection button on the box
7. After the third flash, pull the sensor sled by the string down the track at a consistent speed.
8. Copy the data collected from the Particle Console and paste it into an appropriately named Excel document
9. Remove the sensor sled from the track
10. Use the soil trowel to flip the top layer of soil over
11. Smooth the soil out using the hand broom
12. Repeat steps 3-12 for a total of 5 trials
13. On the completion of the 5th trial, unscrew the soil sensor and remount it in the vertical orientation
14. Repeat steps 3-12 (but in the vertical sensor orientation)
15. Upon completion of the trial, use the soil trowel to scoop a large amount of soil into a plastic bag
16. Label the bag accordingly