Optimal Freshwater Use: Enhancing Agriculture with Sensoterra Soil Sensors
Growers face mounting pressure from buyers demanding lower prices and higher quality, and governments seeking greater influence and oversight. Meanwhile, rising costs of fuel, energy, inputs, and labor, coupled with dwindling natural resources, add to the challenges.
Agriculture and horticulture account for 70% of the global use of freshwater, with up to 40% wasted due to over-irrigation or leakages. Efficient water management is paramount in addressing this issue.
Drought-induced under-irrigation is a well-known problem, often resulting in hydrophobic soil unable to retain water. Less recognized but equally significant is the problem of over-irrigation, which not only wastes resources but also leads to nutrient and pesticide runoff, soil depletion, increased input costs, and potential freshwater contamination.
Wireless soil moisture sensors are the solution to increasing yields and conserving water, fuel, energy, and manpower. Sensoterra sensors play a crucial role in irrigation optimization, whether automated or manual, monitoring water infiltration, dynamic plant interactions, and overall soil condition.
With applications in Precision Agriculture, Sensoterra soil sensors are utilized in various irrigation methods, including drip, sprinkler, subsurface, and hose-reel irrigation.