SOIL MOISTURE SENSING
Manufacturers, growers and policymakers can all play a role in increasing soil moisture sensor adoption.
W
hen properly used, soil moisture sensors provide valuable data to improve irrigation efficiency, save water
and improve yields. However, adoption of this technology has been slow over the years. A 2013 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that only 10% of irrigated farms in the United States used soil moisture data. A new survey conducted in 2018 showed that the utilization of soil moisture sensors in making irrigation decisions increased to 12%. Nebraska was the leading state with 31% of the farms using soil moisture technology, followed by Mississippi (27%) and California (23%).
Although a few states have experienced increased adoption during previous years, the fairly slow expansion at the national level and no change for many states (as well as some declines) suggest that transfer of this technology is still facing barriers. When considering the use of soil moisture sensors to improve financial and environmental sustainability of irrigated agriculture, three main stakeholders can be considered: sensor manufacturers, growers and policymakers. There are several opportunities for each of these stakeholder groups to play a part in increasing utilization of soil moisture sensors in irrigation scheduling.
Manufacturer advancements
A solar panel of a soil moisture probe is installed in a peanut field in west- central Oklahoma. A rain gauge (black container) is also installed to measure
the amount of applied water. Photos: Saleh Taghvaeian
Sensor manufacturers have made advancements to improve sensor accuracy and reduce installation and maintenance costs and efforts. For example, several manufacturers have designed sensors and probes that can be hammered or screwed into the soil. This reduces installation time and the need for prior experience. Another manufacturer has developed a tapered probe that, while still requiring to drill a hole, does not require the use of slurry, as the tapered design ensures a snug fit. Although these advancements are exciting, further modifications in sensor
Summer 2021 | Irrigation TODAY 23
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