Soil Moisture Sensor Networks

Soil moisture sensor networks deploy LoRaWAN or NB-IoT probes at multiple depths to capture volumetric water content, salinity, and temperature, transmitting data to cloud dashboards and edge-based irrigation controllers. Algorithms interpret soil tension curves and evapotranspiration forecasts, then open valves or pulse drip lines only where water deficits exist, enabling true variable-rate irrigation.

Large-scale orchards, vineyards, and outdoor cannabis farms rely on these networks to comply with water regulations, optimize energy use, and document stewardship for certification schemes. Vendors such as Sentek, AquaSpy, and Arable integrate moisture telemetry with pump automation, allowing growers to shave peak electrical loads and reduce runoff.

Emerging systems will fuse moisture data with satellite SAR imagery and predictive weather models to orchestrate irrigation cooperatives across entire watersheds. Remaining hurdles include sensor calibration across diverse soil textures, vandalism in rented fields, and the labor required to install dense probe networks. As ruggedized plug-and-play nodes emerge, moisture telemetry will become a default layer in precision irrigation stacks.