Soil moisture sensor for irrigation system

Soil Moisture Sensor

Soil Moisture Sensor Product Overview

The soil moisture sensor is a highly accurate instrument for measuring the moisture content of soil. It measures the moisture content of the soil by transmitting electromagnetic pulses, which are transmitted via a coaxial cable to a probe and then into the soil medium. The sensor measures the apparent dielectric constant of the soil, a parameter that is closely related to the true moisture content of the soil. Therefore, by measuring the apparent dielectric constant, the sensor is able to accurately calculate the moisture content of the soil.

 NBL-S-THR Soil Temperature and Moisture Sensor Features

1. Working Principle:

   - Electromagnetic wave technology: The sensor works by transmitting electromagnetic wave pulses which are affected by soil moisture as they travel through the soil. The pulses received by the probe are converted into an electrical signal, which is transmitted via a coaxial cable to the signal processing unit.

   - Apparent dielectric constant: The signal processing unit calculates the apparent dielectric constant of the soil based on the strength and propagation time of the signal, which in turn infers the true moisture content of the soil.

2. characteristics:

   - High precision and sensitivity: ensure the accuracy of the measurement results.

   - Fast and accurate: real-time monitoring of soil moisture changes, providing immediate data support.

   - Stable and Reliable: Provide stable data under various soil conditions, unaffected by fertilizers and metal ions in the soil.

   - Anti-interference: stable sensor performance, accurate and reliable measurement data, free from interference by external environmental factors.

   - Wide applicability: It is applicable to many fields such as soil moisture monitoring, water-saving irrigation, greenhouse greenhouse, grass pasture, and soil quick test.

 Application of soil temperature and moisture sensor in irrigation system

 1. Automatic control of irrigation

Soil temperature and humidity sensors such as NBL-S-THR can be integrated with irrigation systems to realize automatic irrigation. The sensor continuously monitors the soil moisture and automatically starts the irrigation system when the soil moisture is below a preset threshold; when the moisture reaches a suitable level, it is automatically turned off to avoid over-irrigation and water waste.

 2. Data transmission and analysis

Sensors are usually equipped with wireless or wired communication modules, which can transmit data in real time to the control system or cloud platform. Users can monitor the soil moisture status remotely through cell phone applications, computer software, etc., and adjust the irrigation strategy according to the data analysis results.

 3. Tools for use

- Data collector: Used to receive sensor data, may be built in the irrigation controller.

- Irrigation controller: Automatically control the valve switch based on sensor data.

- Wireless communication device (if the sensor supports wireless communication): to ensure that data is transmitted from the field to the control center.

- Power supply: to power the sensors and control system, may be solar panels, batteries or connected to the grid.

- Software system: for setting thresholds, analyzing data and remote control, may be customized agricultural management system software.

 Soil temperature and moisture sensor and irrigation system integration steps in brief

1. Install the soil temperature and moisture sensor:

   - Choose the right location: according to the crop root depth and soil type, set the depth of the sensor probe correctly to ensure that the measurement is the moisture condition of the crop root zone.

   - Avoid interference: Avoid placing the sensor near drainage ditches or irrigation outlets to avoid data distortion.

   - Waterproof treatment: the connection must be waterproofed to prevent water from entering and causing damage to the circuit.

2. Connection system:

   - Wiring: For wired connections, use high quality cables and follow the manufacturer's wiring guidelines to avoid signal interference and short circuits.

   - Communication protocol: Make sure the communication protocol between the sensor and the irrigation controller matches, e.g. RS485, lorawan, etc.

3. Setting thresholds:

   - Scientific setting: according to the water demand curve of the crop, scientifically set the moisture content threshold for irrigation start and stop in order to realize precise irrigation.

4. Test and Adjustment:

   - Initial Test: Conduct initial test and adjust thresholds and irrigation strategies based on actual feedback.

   - Calibration and verification: Newly installed or periodically calibrate the sensor to ensure the accuracy of measurement. Verify the reliability of sensor readings through comparison tests before actual application.

5. Monitoring and Optimization:

   - Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor system operation and adjust parameters according to seasonal changes and crop growth cycles to achieve optimal irrigation results.

 How the irrigation system automatically adjusts to the soil moisture level

1. Soil moisture monitoring:

   - Sensor Deployment: Soil moisture sensors are installed at key locations on the farm, these sensors monitor soil moisture conditions in real time.

   - Data collection: Sensors collect soil moisture data at regular intervals (e.g. hourly or daily).

2. Data transmission:

   - Transmission: the data collected by the sensors are transmitted to the irrigation control unit by wired (e.g. cable) or wireless (e.g. Wi-Fi, lorawan, etc.) means.

3. Data processing and analysis:

   - CONTROL UNIT: The irrigation control unit receives the sensor data and analyzes the soil moisture level using built-in algorithms or preset parameters.

   - Threshold Setting: Upper and lower thresholds for soil moisture are preset in the control unit. These thresholds can be adjusted according to crop type, growth stage, soil type and climatic conditions.

4. Decision making:

   - Comparative analysis: the control unit compares the soil moisture monitored in real time with the preset thresholds.

   - Decision making logic: the control unit will decide to start irrigation if the soil moisture is lower than the preset lower threshold, and will decide to stop irrigation if the soil moisture is higher than the upper threshold.

5. Irrigation execution:

   - Initiate irrigation: when the control unit decides that irrigation is needed, it will send a signal to the actuator (e.g. solenoid valve, pump, etc.) to start the irrigation system.

   - Adjusting water volume: The control unit can also adjust the irrigation water volume according to the soil moisture level, e.g. by adjusting the valve opening or the pump running time.

6. irrigation monitoring:

   - PROCESS MONITORING: During the irrigation process, the system continues to monitor soil moisture to ensure that appropriate moisture levels are achieved.

   - Feedback Adjustment: If soil moisture reaches or exceeds the upper threshold during irrigation, the control unit will automatically shut down the irrigation system.

7. Recording and Reporting:

   - Data logging: The irrigation control unit records the time, duration and soil moisture changes of each irrigation.

   - Report generation: The system can generate irrigation reports for farm managers to analyze irrigation efficiency and crop water demand patterns.

 Key elements of automatic regulation

1. Sensor accuracy: Highly accurate sensors can provide accurate data, which is the basis of automatic adjustment.

2. control logic: the logic algorithm of the control unit needs to be able to adjust flexibly according to the actual situation.

3. system reliability: the irrigation system needs to be highly reliable to avoid over or under irrigation due to faults.

4. User interface: A user-friendly interface allows the farm manager to easily set and adjust parameters.

 Precautions

1. Compatibility check: Ensure that there is good communication compatibility between the sensor and the irrigation controller.

2. Correct wiring: For wired connections, correct wiring is essential to avoid signal interference and short circuits.

3. Waterproof treatment: Since the sensor is installed outdoors in the soil, the connection must be waterproofed to prevent moisture from entering and causing damage to the circuit.

4. Probe Depth and Position: According to the crop root depth and soil type, set the depth of the sensor probe correctly to ensure that the measurement is the moisture condition of the crop root zone.

5. Setting Thresholds: According to the crop's water demand curve, scientifically set the moisture content thresholds for irrigation start and stop.

6. Calibration and verification: new installation or regular calibration of the sensor to ensure the accuracy of the measurement.

7. Environmental adaptability: Consider the impact of temperature changes on sensor readings, some sensors may require temperature compensation features.

8. Power Management: Ensure that the power supply to the sensor and controller is stable, especially for wireless sensors, which may require periodic checks of battery status or ensuring that the solar charging system is working properly.

9. Remote monitoring and management: If the system supports remote operation, make sure the network connection is stable to facilitate real-time monitoring and adjustment of irrigation strategies.

10. Regular Maintenance: Clean the soil and impurities on the sensor regularly to avoid affecting the measurement accuracy, and check whether the connection is firm to avoid loosening.

In this way, the soil temperature and moisture sensor not only improves irrigation efficiency and reduces the waste of water, but also promotes the healthy growth of crops, which is an indispensable part of modern precision agriculture.

Soil moisture sensor datasheet:

1.NBL-S-THR Soil Temperature Moisture Sensor datasheet

NBL-S-THR-Soil-temperature-and-moisture-sensors-Instruction-Manual-V4.0.pdf

2. NBL-S-TMC Soil Temperature Moisture EC Sensor datasheet

NBL-S-TMC-Soil-temperature-and-moisture-conductivity-sensor.pdf

3. NBL-S-TM Soil Temperature Moisture Sensor datasheet

NBL-S-TM-Soil-temperature-and-moisture-sensor-Instruction-Manual-4.0.pdf

4. NBL-S-TMCS Soil Temperature, Moisture, Conductivity and Salinity Integrated Sensor

NBL-S-TMCS-Soil-Temperature-Humidity-Conductivity-and-Salinity-Sensor.pdf

5. NBL-S-TMCS-7 Soil Temperature, Moisture, NPK, Conductivity and pH Integrated Sensor

7-in-1-Soil-Composite-Sensor-Manual.pdf

4. NBL-S-TMCS-8 Soil Temperature, Moisture, NPK, pH, Conductivity and Salinity Integrated Sensor

8-in-1-Soil-Composite-Sensor-Manual.pdf