Sensoterra sensors use the latest in internet of things (IoT) technology to offer hourly, precise soil moisture data, and translate the data into actionable insights.
Key features like the simple, robust design, hammerability and super long battery life, make this a practical sensor built for the field. Technology features include standard built-in LoRaWAN connectivity for a durable and long-lasting sensor.
Once a soil moisture measurement has been taken we need to get that data out of the field and make it available to you, in real time. We use the LoRaWAN radio network to send the sensor data to a LoRaWAN gateway. This is suitable for:
Using our energy efficient, patented measurement method, our sensors send uplinks every hour.
Data can get to you in two ways with Sensoterra.
We believe that our sensors are part of a bigger ‘sensor ecosystem’. We make sense of water, but there are many more parameters to be measured. And we understand that a farmer, landscaper or crop consultant does not continuously want to switch between different apps and platforms. For that reason we have built a strong and advanced API for easy integration with your own application, platform or dashboard.
Different soil types have different ‘soil moisture behavior’. Every soil type has an ‘ideal’ window (percentage range) of soil moisture – which is called ‘plant available water’. At the low end, plants will wilt. At the high end (field capacity), nutrients will wash out and less air will be available for the roots. Not many people know that these windows can vary greatly, based on variations in size of the pores in the different soils. This is why calibration is so important.
How do you interpret the measurements from your soil moisture sensor? How accurate is the data? Why can the moisture level be different from what you expect to see? And how can it be that two sensors next to each other are not showing the same moisture levels?
Understanding the measurements of your soil moisture sensors is easy. Understanding volumetric moisture content (%) and plant available water soil calibration page to see which values indicate wet and dry zones for every soil type. Use these recommended values when you define your sensor’s high and low setpoints – this will make it easier for you to make an irrigation decision.
When it comes to sensor accuracy, we are proud of our robust and reliable technology which measures soil moisture with an accuracy of within ±1.5% when used in the appropriate soil type. However, the accuracy of your data also depends on the soil characteristics in the exact spot of installation, if the sensor is in full contact with the soil and how much your soil type varies from the chosen soil calibration.
It’s likely that in a field of sensors, you may see varying soil moisture measurements. This is completely normal and can be explained by the amount of rocks and roots in the ground and the variation in soil composition across the field.
Imagine these 5 examples: You have 5 sensors installed in the exact same soil type, but they all show different measurements. The soil itself will absorb similar amounts of water in each example, but the sensors will also include the surrounding rocks, roots or air in the measurement. That’s why you can expect the measurements in each example to be slightly different.
Factors that can influence readings. Rocks, roots and air around soil might offset the reading – but the sensor will still work. But air covering the measuring pins will result in a 0% reading.
This is why we recommend you to use a system of sensors, rather than relying on a single data point. Using a system of sensors enables you to look at the overall trends of your field, taking field variations into account. Looking at the average soil moisture trends of your field, the data reliability goes up, and you will be better suited to decide when or when not to irrigate your field.
Example of field moisture variance. Soil moisture can vary across a field.
Use a system of sensors
This is the best way for you to ensure reliability of the data coming out of your field. Use the average of the different measurements to get the best general overview of soil moisture in that field.
Good installation practice is key
If you encounter hard resistance when hammering the sensor into the ground, try moving the sensor to a new spot – even if it is only 10 cm away, it can make a big difference. Seeing how different the soil can be – even at small distances – also explains why the readings can vary slightly.
Ensure that your sensor has good contact with the soil. The sensor should be sturdy in the soil, not wiggling.
Use the right calibration for your soil
Using wrong calibrations for your soil, will likely offset the data, however you should still be able to see the overall trends.
Read up on our frequently asked questions to get a better understanding about how the Sensoterra wireless soil moisture sensors.
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