Knowing exactly when your crops need water is the key to efficient irrigation. Soil moisture sensors provide real-time data that takes the guesswork out of irrigation scheduling.
Understanding Soil Moisture
Different crops require different moisture levels at various growth stages. Over-watering can lead to root diseases and nutrient leaching, while under-watering stresses plants and reduces yields.
How Sensors Help
Soil moisture sensors measure the water content in the root zone and send data to your smartphone. This allows you to irrigate only when needed, saving water and improving crop health.
Installation and Placement
Sensors should be installed at root zone depth (typically 6-12 inches) in representative areas of your field. Multiple sensors provide better coverage for large farms.
Integration with Irrigation Systems
When connected to smart irrigation controllers, soil moisture sensors can automate the entire irrigation process, turning systems on/off based on actual soil conditions.
Benefits
- 30-50% reduction in water usage
- Improved crop quality and yields
- Prevention of over-watering issues
- Better fertilizer efficiency
- Historical data for season planning
