A lysimeter is a device for measuring the water balance variables evaporation, precipitation and is normally combined with a quantification of the amount of leachate. The measuring principle is based on the determination of the change in weight of the soil as a result of water absorption and release. The soil under investigation is weighed in a closed container under defined conditions, which allows accurate measurement of the water balance in the soil.

Lysimeters have a wide range of applications:

• Measuring the water and nutrient balance of different soils and different plant covers
• Investigation of the influence of agricultural management practices (e.g. tillage, fertilizer use, irrigation, etc.)
• Representative statements on groundwater recharge and nutrient leaching
• Evaluation of land use changes
• Measurement of settled dew precipitation (using a high-precision weighing system)
• Monitoring of climatic phenomena such as drought and floods.
• In combination with climate chambers, the effects of artificial atmospheric conditions (e.g. climate change scenarios) on lysimeter ecosystems can be mapped and studied