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We used to frequently have problems with the electric fences on our farm for this same reason. Once every few weeks I pour a 5 gallon pail of water over the gro
by balabaster 7y ago
We used to frequently have problems with the electric fences on our farm for this same reason. Once every few weeks I pour a 5 gallon pail of water over the grounding rod to keep the fence at 7,000V. Works like a charm. This is particularly problematic where soil is a shale/gravel mix and drains quickly leaving little moisture. Grounding requires moisture for maximum conductivity. Good grounding is also required to complete the electrical circuit when you touch the fence.
- Scoundreller 7y agoSalty water (or acidic, or basic water) would be even more conductive, no? And the salt would reduce evaporation (and remain until it rains) until next time. Would probably kill any crops, which will help retain even more moisture.
- balabaster 7y agoI hadn't considered this, but yes, now that you mention it, given that salt water is more conductive, it would perhaps be more effective. My fences appear to provide maximum output (on a standard livestock electric fence tester) with our regular well water, so it hadn't occurred to me to give this any further thought.
- coryrc 7y agoThere are already sufficients ions in the soil to conduct well.
- Scoundreller 7y agoThe question is, does it conduct well enough? And that depends on soil type and moisture level. When it doesn't, even 0.1% salt in the soil moisture has 1/10th the resistance: https://www.newark.com/pdfs/techarticles/megger/Tech_Tips.pdf https://www.newark.com/pdfs/techarticles/megger/Tech_Tips.pd... (top-right). Over time, whatever ions are in the soil will get washed away, so you need to keep re-adding, even if you started off with ion rich soil (e.g. from backfilling).