In a time when resource efficiency is key to agricultural sustainability, iControlSoil emerges as a precise, accessible, and highly adaptable solution for monitoring soil moisture and optimizing irrigation.
The core of the iControlSoil system lies in its ability to measure moisture at three depths, typically 20, 40, and 60 centimeters. This setup is no coincidence: it enables farmers to determine whether irrigation is effectively reaching the roots or if water is being lost through deep percolation, which wastes resources and potentially contaminates the groundwater. These levels are customizable to suit the needs of different crops and soil types.
Beyond the immediate benefits of saving water, energy, and fertilizers, using sensors like iControlSoil empowers growers to make decisions based on real-time soil data. This leads to more precise farming, lower environmental impact, and higher profitability. Knowing when and how much to irrigate is no longer guesswork, it’s data-driven.
iControlSoil should be installed in a representative area of the field, where soil conditions reflect the broader cultivated area. For center pivots, placement is recommended within the last three-quarters of the pivot’s length. In the case of sector pivots, sensors should be strategically distributed across areas with different soils or crops for more accurate and relevant data.
The system operates wirelessly through a gateway that transmits data to the cloud via a SIM card, a local network cable, or Starlink. Measurements can be taken every 4, 6, or 8 hours, depending on user needs and soil conditions. Everything is managed through the iControlRemote platform, where farmers can view graphs, receive alerts, and access recommendations.
One of iControlSoil’s major strengths is its energy autonomy: the internal battery can last up to three years, eliminating the need for constant maintenance. Users can receive notifications via email, SMS, and soon through WhatsApp or Telegram.
Combined with NDVI, NDMI imagery, or weather station data, iControlSoil becomes even more powerful, able to cross-reference information and offer a comprehensive picture of crop water status and vegetative health.
As with any technology, certain conditions must be met: the gateway requires signal coverage, and the installation must be done in good moist soil to ensure sensor contact. In any way, iControlSoil is more than just a sensor, it’s a gateway to a new way of understanding irrigation.
