Projects
Encouraging adoption of cost efficient, accurate moisture monitoring in the irrigated farming system.
The project aimed to encourage the adoption of cost-efficient and accurate moisture monitoring in irrigated farming systems. The project assessed various soil moisture monitoring options, including tensiometers, gypsum blocks, and granular matrix sensors, both linked and unlinked to real-time monitoring systems. These technologies were evaluated for their cost, ease of installation, ease of use, accuracy, reliability, and practicality for phone/computer monitoring.
The project installed several moisture monitoring units which highlighted the importance of understanding soil variability to maximize the investment in moisture monitoring technologies.
Once installed, the probes collected data, which could be retrieved via dedicated apps or web-based systems. The project noted that wireless units had higher upfront costs but no ongoing fees, while sim card units incurred monthly data fees.
The project also evaluated the accuracy and reliability of the data collected, finding that all probes delivered accurate data at 10cm intervals. The practicality of phone/computer monitoring was also assessed, with most farmers preferring phone apps for data observation. The project concluded that all systems stood up well to the elements and recommended removing probes and telemetry systems before harvest.
Overall, the project successfully demonstrated the use of various moisture monitoring technologies, providing valuable insights into their cost, installation, use, accuracy, and practicality for irrigated farming systems.
The project installed several moisture monitoring units which highlighted the importance of understanding soil variability to maximize the investment in moisture monitoring technologies.
Once installed, the probes collected data, which could be retrieved via dedicated apps or web-based systems. The project noted that wireless units had higher upfront costs but no ongoing fees, while sim card units incurred monthly data fees.
The project also evaluated the accuracy and reliability of the data collected, finding that all probes delivered accurate data at 10cm intervals. The practicality of phone/computer monitoring was also assessed, with most farmers preferring phone apps for data observation. The project concluded that all systems stood up well to the elements and recommended removing probes and telemetry systems before harvest.
Overall, the project successfully demonstrated the use of various moisture monitoring technologies, providing valuable insights into their cost, installation, use, accuracy, and practicality for irrigated farming systems.
