Researchers from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and Aeres Hogeschool Dronten started a comparison test of nine different soil moisture sensors for the National Experimental Garden Precision Agriculture (NPPL) on 3 May. The tests are carried out on two potato plots with sandy and clay soil
Soil moisture sensors can measure the moisture content on field. Growers use that information, for example, to estimate the moisture of the soil that is being used. The data is used as a basis for advice for irrigation and is therefore important for precision agriculture.
Nine suppliers
More than nine well-known suppliers have now registered for the study. These are Dacom, Sensoterra, Agrometius, RMA, Aquafeed, Farm21, Estede, AgroExact and Quantified. Each supplier supplies a sensor from his arrangement – in their opinion – best suited to the conditions of the test. The supplied sensors can all be used immediately for practice.
Prices and options vary
“Growers often have doubts about which type on field moisture sensor is best for their company,” explains WUR researcher Jits Riepma. “Some cost € 100 each, while others go towards € 1,800. Growers want to know what they are getting for their money and what these differences are based on. This trial gives them more tools to determine which soil moisture sensor is suitable. For example, one grower wants to know the exact moisture percentage, while another only looks at trends. ”
Two trial plots
Two trial plots have been designated for the test. One sandy soil plot from UniFarm in Wageningen and one plot from Aeres Dronten with clay soil. A normal situation is simulated on both plots. In the trial, which began on May 3 and is expected to be completed at the end of August in order to measure the widest possible spectrum of weather conditions, researchers are looking at the accuracy of various moisture sensors. This is done on the basis of moisture determination based on soil samples that are used as reference value. Both the moisture percentage and the suction pressure are measured and compared.
Take several samples
In the final report, the researchers describe, among other things, the differences between the moisture sensors, which are all compared with the values from the moisture determination of soil samples. The samples are taken weekly from week 1 at three depths varying from 10 to 50 centimeters. In addition to the comparison between various measurements with the reference values of soil samples, matters such as ease of use, differences in measurement method, communication and platform use are also mapped out. This gives growers various relevant insights into the different options
