Here's Everything You Need To Know About 'Soil Moisture Sensors'

'Soil moisture sensors' allow you to easily monitor, analyze, and control irrigation and fertigation from your mobile device. These field sensors provide accurate real-time field data on how much water is available and alerts you when it is time to water your crops, allowing you to save water and resources while increasing yields.

Knowing the soil moisture in your land is critical for optimal irrigation scheduling in precision irrigation. That is why irrigation required careful consideration, as it should not be excessive or insufficient. Soil moisture sensors are useful for determining water levels, which greatly aids farmers' efforts and reduces costs.

Soil Moisture Sensor in Precision Farming

A soil moisture sensor is a device that measures the current moisture levels in the soil. Sensors are integrated into the irrigation system and more efficient water supply and distribution such devices aid in reducing and improving irrigation for optimal plant growth.

SMS can be classified by technology in three different types:

Ground – SMS can be installed on the ground to monitor the root zone.

Aerial- Another method is to retrieve data with UAVs, which is rarely used for soil moisture mapping;

Satellite - monitoring the current situation from space. It does not interfere in the field and helps to save money by avoiding labor-intensive installations.

Read more: Modern Farming: Applying Modern Tech to Agriculture

How does the Soil Moisture Sensor function?

The soil moisture sensor operates straightforwardly.

The fork-shaped probe, which has two exposed conductors, acts as a variable resistor whose resistance varies with the amount of water in the soil.

And this resistance is inversely proportional to soil moisture: 

• More water in the soil means better conductivity, which results in lower resistance.
• Less water in the soil means poor conductivity, which leads to increased resistance.

The sensor outputs a voltage to the resistance, which we can measure to determine the moisture level.

The Benefits of a Soil Moisture Sensor

• A straightforward method of measurement.
• It provides immediate results.
• Sensors and tensiometers are inexpensive.
• Provides precise results.
• Sensors provide a wide range of moisture readings ranging from 0 to 200 CB.

Disadvantages of Soil Moisture Sensor 

• Before selecting an appropriate moisture sensor, an initial assessment of site-specific conditions is required.
• It necessitates the insertion of a probe into the soil. It takes time and effort to collect data and maintain measurement processes.
• The measured values are affected by the properties of various materials. Moisture data must be correctly interpreted and applied.
• In sandy soils, sensors provide less accuracy.
• Calibration of sensors is required for each soil type. Tensiometers must also be serviced regularly.

Read more: Protect Your Crops Smartly with 'Agrio'- Precision Agriculture