Background:

Since the correct watering method directly affects the yield, the soil moisture meter has become an indispensable tool in modern agriculture. While there are many types of soil moisture monitoring detectors, modern satellite sensors are in a class of their own because they can remotely track ground moisture levels without the need for physical installation. We can use the information gathered by soil moisture meter systems to make better decisions in many areas of precision agriculture and related industries.

What is a Soil Moisture Meter?

As the name suggests, a soil moisture detector is a device used to monitor soil moisture. Integrating this tool into irrigation systems can allow for more precise watering schedules than past information or weather forecasts.

Both of these traditional methods have some disadvantages that farmers need to be aware of:

1.Reliance on historical data limits adaptation to unexpected weather changes;

2.To plan irrigation based on projected crop evapotranspiration, the agronomist must perform some calculations (often complex) for each field’s unique conditions.
In contrast, modern soil moisture measurement sensors provide more precise readings and display results in near real time. These readings allow farmers to effortlessly reduce or increase watering for optimal crop growth.

Soil moisture tension sensor

Soil water tension determines the energy expenditure of plant roots to absorb water. With less groundwater available, the planet is getting more stressed. The water tension of a saturated ground is close to zero.

However, depending on the type of soil, tension readings can be deceiving. Adjusting soil tension limits requires careful observation of crops and land. You can avoid water shortages by keeping an eye on soil pressure levels and irrigating earlier when necessary.

Soil tension is measured by the following types of equipment:

Tensiometer Soil Moisture detector. It has a porous ceramic tip that seals to the bottom of a plastic tube filled with water and is capped with a removable sealing cap. The tension is read by a vacuum gauge in the tube.
Resistive sensor. These sensors indirectly assess soil tension by monitoring the change in electrical resistance between two wire grids implanted in any block of material, keeping its moisture content in balance with the adjacent ground. Using the calibration curve provided by the manufacturer, convert the internal resistance of the block to tension measurements.

Application of soil moisture sensor in precision irrigation in precision agriculture

During the growing season, the land undergoes extensive changes. In the past, farmers would visit fields and collect samples for soil testing to understand water and ground conditions. It may then take several weeks for the lab to analyze those samples.

Fortunately, modern sensors help farmers adapt to fluctuations in field conditions. Farmers and agtech companies can respond quickly to these changes by keeping an eye on specific areas of the field with soil moisture meters. When comparing irrigation scheduling strategies based on evapotranspiration and plant response to water stress, soil moisture-based approaches are the most straightforward
. Soil moisture meter data, weather information, and crop history can all be translated into valuable insights for growers and landowners, who can then incorporate them into their precision agriculture practices.

Soil hygrometers have many applications in agriculture. But one of the most important is to track humidity levels near the roots of plants to reduce wasted water. Increase crop yields, reduce water use, and protect local watersheds from depletion. Lower energy and fertilizer costs. All this has led to higher profits for farmers. These are just a few of the many benefits of using soil moisture sensors for irrigation.

Why is soil moisture monitoring important?

Adequate water saturation is critical to plant growth, and maintaining it is a top priority for farmers. Lack of irrigation leads to wilting as plants put all their effort into using their roots to absorb the scarce water, leaving no energy left to mature and grow a good crop. Adequate moisture, however, helps plants survive regular stressful events, stay healthy, and develop well. On the other hand, overwatering can cause the roots to rot and cut off the oxygen supply, eventually destroying the plant.

It can be seen that if the moisture level is not kept stable, either way things can become unfavorable. That’s why soil moisture sensors for farming are indispensable farming tools, while online farming applications with soil moisture capabilities are efficient, reliable and relatively inexpensive.

Satellite remote sensors are a perfect deal when comparing the amount of input or effort required to use them with the amount and quality of data they are able to provide. Incorporating them into daily farming routines helps farmers more effectively manage the risks of water excess and water scarcity, thereby promoting plant growth.