Unlocking the Power of Precision Farming with Wireless Soil Moisture Sensors
In the picturesque Western Cape province of South Africa, agriculture flourishes. The region boasts a diverse bounty, including deciduous and citrus fruits, berries, vineyards, vegetables, livestock, meat, dairy, and field crops like wheat, barley, and canola. However, the agricultural landscape here is increasingly shaped by the challenges of climate change, and precision farming is emerging as a game-changer. In a compelling article by Udette Kruger for Future Farming, the role of technology in revolutionizing agriculture in the Western Cape is vividly portrayed.
A Thirsty Land: The Rising Need for Irrigation
Water is the lifeblood of any crop, and as climate change looms, the Western Cape is expected to witness a temperature rise of 1.5°C to 3°C by 2050. While this change ushers in a growing demand for irrigation, it simultaneously casts shadows of uncertainty over the sustainability of existing water sources. In such a parched scenario, farmers must harness the power of precision farming to optimize soil management and make real-time irrigation decisions.
Precision Farming: A Ray of Hope in Arid Times
In the realm of smart farming, there are several prerequisites for effective irrigation scheduling, hinging on three fundamental requirements:
- Weather Stations: These vigilant stations forecast weather conditions up to seven days in advance, providing valuable insights into the demands of the crops.
- Flow Meters: Precise measurement of water reaching each orchard is essential to efficient irrigation.
- Soil Observations: Through soil moisture sensors or soil augers, the soil is monitored down to 80cm. This becomes especially vital during critical phenological stages of crop growth.
Keeping Water Where It Matters
Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) principles have been a guiding light, ensuring optimal soil moisture throughout different crop growth stages. The probes are closely monitored to prevent deep drainage (water penetrating beyond 80cm). Soil moisture readings, derived from soil moisture probes or physical evaluations of soil, aid in sound decision-making. By understanding available water and the actual requirements, farmers prioritize irrigation practices.
Soil Moisture Sensors: Precision Unleashed
Soil moisture sensors serve as the linchpin in the precision farming paradigm. These sensors gauge plant-available water based on soil volumetric water content. The uniqueness of each soil type, crop, and variety necessitates placing these probes in the most representative locations to harness the data they generate effectively.
Harnessing cutting-edge probe technology, farmers can allocate the exact volume of water required, ensuring resource conservation for future needs. Water management becomes an art, factoring in both present and future requirements. These sensors guide growers by addressing two pivotal questions: when to initiate irrigation and how much water to apply. The ‘when’ pertains to the soil’s initial moisture status before irrigation, aligned with the RDI principle. The ‘how much’ aspect depends on the soil’s texture and the depth to which water infiltrates when applied.
Sensoterra: Pioneering Soil Moisture Sensing
Within the domain of soil moisture sensing, Sensoterra stands as a global leader, empowering farmers, landscapers, and smart cities to make informed irrigation choices for crop management. Leveraging LoRaWAN technology, Sensoterra’s wireless sensors transmit critical soil moisture data from remote rural landscapes to bustling urban farms. As climatic conditions undergo shifts, real-time soil moisture data proves invaluable in comprehending the precise requirements of crops at their root level. Farmers are equipped to avert over-irrigation, preserve water resources, conserve energy, streamline their operations, and remotely oversee multiple fields.
In the ongoing struggle against climate change and drought, precision farming technology, anchored by soil moisture sensors, shines as a beacon of hope for Western Cape farmers. By optimizing every drop of water, they are not only safeguarding their harvests but also securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
About Sensoterra
Sensoterra is a pioneering leader in the field of wireless soil moisture sensors, offering cutting-edge IoT soil moisture sensor solutions for smart agriculture. Our state-of-the-art Sensoterra soil moisture sensors are at the forefront of agriculture IoT, providing unparalleled soil moisture monitoring capabilities.
Our commitment to precision agriculture technology allows farmers to make informed decisions, optimize their irrigation systems, and embrace sustainable farming solutions. With Sensoterra, access to real-time soil moisture data is at your fingertips, enabling precise water management and water resource management for your agricultural operations.
Sensoterra, established in 2015, with its headquarters in Houten, The Netherlands, develops water management solutions for agriculture/horticulture, smart city management, and water governance. Sensoterra has over 12,000 sensors in the ground globally, and generates hundreds of thousands of data points for smart water management, daily. Learn more at www.sensoterra.com
Contact for more information, pictures and/or interview requests:
Jessica Nuboer
Marketing & Communications
Sensoterra
Email: [email protected]
