Smart Irrigation

What Is a Soil Moisture Sensor?

A soil moisture sensor measures moisture conditions in the soil and can provide information to an irrigation controller.

A probe sits in root-zone soil. A dashed information line connects it to the controller, which checks a threshold before allowing or blocking watering. — Original conceptual diagram. Not to scale; actual equipment and site conditions vary.

How to Understand It

In a moisture-based irrigation system, the measurement helps permit or prevent watering at a chosen threshold. Soil readings represent the sensor location; placement matters. A sensor measures in the soil, whereas a rain sensor responds to rainfall above ground.

Related terms

Irrigation Controller
Rain Sensor
Root Zone

Learn more

Weather-Based vs. Soil-Moisture-Based Irrigation Controllers

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