Agricultural soil sensors

Agricultural soil sensors are sensors that are used to monitor soil parameters and provide farmers with information such as soil moisture, temperature, salinity and pH. The following are common agricultural soil sensors:

When it comes to agricultural soil sensors, here is a more detailed description of each:

Soil Moisture Sensors: soil moisture sensors are used to measure the moisture content in the soil. They usually use the resistive or capacitive sensor principle. Resistive sensors determine soil moisture by measuring electrical resistance, while capacitive sensors measure moisture based on the soil's dielectric constant. These sensors provide real-time soil moisture data to help farmers keep track of soil moisture conditions so they can adjust their irrigation strategies and conserve water to avoid over- or under-irrigation.

Soil temperature sensors: Soil temperature sensors are used to measure the temperature of the soil. They are often based on the thermistor principle, which determines soil temperature by measuring the change in resistance value. Knowledge of soil temperature is essential for proper crop growth and management. Crop growth and development are affected by temperature, so knowing soil temperature helps farmers make management decisions accordingly. For example, selecting the right temperature range at sowing, adjusting the timing of fertiliser application according to soil temperature, etc.

Soil Salt Sensors: Soil salt sensors are used to measure the salt content in the soil and generally work through the principle of conductivity measurement. They measure the conductivity in the soil and thus indirectly estimate the soil salinity level. High salinity levels can negatively affect plant growth and development, so timely monitoring and regulation of soil salinity can help maintain soil health and crop growth. Accurate monitoring of soil salinity helps farmers take timely action to adjust irrigation and fertiliser application rates.

Soil pH Sensors: Soil pH sensors, also known as soil pH sensors, are used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. They can directly measure the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil to determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Different crops require different adaptations to soil pH, and knowing soil pH helps farmers to regulate soil pH and provide a suitable growing environment.

These agricultural soil sensors are usually connected to data collectors or agricultural IoT platforms via wireless or wired means for data collection, transmission and analysis. Farmers can access the sensor data via smartphones, computers or other terminal devices and make soil management decisions based on the data, such as rationally controlling the amount of irrigation, the amount of fertiliser applied and improving the quality of the soil, in order to optimise the growing environment of crops and increase yields. This makes effective use of soil resources, improves crop yield and quality, and enables precision agriculture management.