Plot-scale assessment of soil freeze/thaw detection and variability with impedance probes: Egbert, Ontario [Canada] raw dataset

However, due to our limited understanding of how the existing network instrumentation responds to changes in near surface soil F/T, these networks are largely ignored during the winter months. This case study describes the results of a small plot-scale (7 x7 m) study from November 2013 through April 2014 instrumented with 36 Hydra Probes.

During the study, soil temperature and real dielectric permittivity were measured every 15 minutes during two F/T transition periods at shallow soil depths (0-10 cm). Categorical soil temperature and real dielectric permittivity techniques were then used to define the soil F/T state during these periods. The study showed that both methods for detecting soil freezing showed agreement (53.3- 60.9 %) during the spring thaw.