Smart Irrigation with Soil Moisture Sensor: Real Experiences and Savings Stories
In modern agriculture, water management is of critical importance for both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. In recent years, many farmers in Turkey have achieved significant savings by switching from traditional irrigation methods to smart irrigation systems. In this article, we will share the experiences of real producers using Esular soil moisture sensors and the concrete results they have achieved.
What is a Soil Moisture Sensor and How Does It Work?
A soil moisture sensor is a smart device that determines the real-time irrigation needs of plants by precisely measuring the amount of water in the soil. Esular's wireless soil moisture sensors analyze the moisture status at each level where plant roots are located by taking gradual measurements at different depths of the soil (30-60-90-120 cm).
In traditional irrigation methods, farmers usually irrigate based on the calendar or visual estimates. This approach often leads to excessive or insufficient irrigation. However, soil moisture sensors report the actual state of the soil instantaneously, revealing exactly when and how much irrigation should be done with scientific data.
42% Water Savings in a Citrus Orchard: A Success Story from Antalya
Mehmet Bey, who owns a 25-decare citrus orchard in the Serik district of Antalya, met the Esular Advanced Package at the beginning of 2024. Mehmet Bey, who previously irrigated regularly twice a week, complained that water bills reached exorbitant levels in the summer months.
"During the first installation, the team came and placed 6 sensors at different points in the garden. I installed the mobile application and started seeing the moisture at every level of the soil in real time," says Mehmet Bey.
"I just watched for the first week. I realized that one part of the garden held much more moisture than the other. In other words, while I was giving everyone the same amount of water, some trees were drowning! Thanks to the system, I started applying different irrigation programs to each region. When I calculated at the end of the year, the gain I obtained just from water savings covered the cost of the system."
– Mehmet Y., Citrus Producer, Antalya
Technical Specifications of Esular Soil Moisture Sensors
Esular, as Turkey's leading smart irrigation technology manufacturer, has developed wireless soil moisture sensors specifically designed for the needs of farmers. Here are the prominent features of these sensors:
- LoRaWAN Wireless Communication: End the cable mess with a range of up to 5 km. You can receive data even from the sensor in the farthest corner of your land.
- Solar Powered and Battery Structure: Thanks to the integrated solar panel and 5000 mAh rechargeable battery, it does not need an electrical connection and works uninterrupted for years.
- Gradual Measurement Technology: Separate moisture measurement at 3 or 4 different depths with a single sensor. You can monitor the entire root zone.
- Moisture, EC and Temperature Measurement: It measures not only moisture but also the electrical conductivity (salinity/fertilizer level) and temperature of the soil.
- IP68 Protection Class: Durable in all kinds of field conditions with its dustproof and waterproof design.
- Mobile Application and Web Interface: Access all data from your phone or computer, wherever you are.
Yield Increase in Hazelnut Orchard: Giresun Experience
Ayşe Hanım, who practices organic hazelnut farming in Giresun, met the Esular Starter Package in 2023. Due to her organic certification, irrigation timing was critical for her – it was necessary to give water in just the right amount, neither too much nor too little.
"Everything is sensitive in organic farming. If you overwater, fungal diseases occur; if you underwater, yield decreases. Thanks to Esular sensors, I monitor the moisture at a depth of 60 cm in the soil. Hazelnut roots are usually concentrated at this level. I set an alarm from the mobile application; I get a notification when the moisture falls below a certain level."
Ayşe Hanım states that she achieved a yield increase in the first year and that her water consumption decreased. "The cost of the system was already affordable, but thanks to the yield increase and water savings I achieved, my investment paid for itself within 4 months," she says.
Precision Irrigation in Greenhouse: Antalya Greenhouse Experience
Can Bey, who operates a tomato greenhouse in Antalya, had been irrigating manually for years. "The temperature and humidity balance of greenhouses is very important. Every day I would visit the greenhouse 2-3 times, look at the soil, and decide. But I couldn't always make the right decision," he says.
After Can Bey started using the Esular greenhouse soil moisture sensor, specially designed for greenhouses, his work became much easier. "Now I see the moisture status in every corner of the greenhouse from my phone. It works integrated with the automatic irrigation system. When the soil is dry, the system irrigates automatically; when it's moist, it waits. My water consumption decreased, but more importantly, my tomato yield increased. The size and quality of the fruits became much better."
7 Important Benefits of Using Soil Moisture Sensors
- Water Savings: You can achieve water savings between 30-45% by irrigating only as much as really needed.
- Yield Increase: 20-30% more yield is obtained when plants are grown at the optimum moisture level.
- Labor Savings: Thanks to remote monitoring and automatic irrigation, you don't need to be in the field constantly.
- Energy Savings: Since pumps only run when necessary, electricity costs decrease.
- Disease Prevention: Overwatering triggers fungal diseases. This risk is minimized with correct irrigation.
- Fertilizer Efficiency: You can optimize your fertilization strategy by monitoring the distribution of fertilizer mixtures in the soil thanks to EC measurements.
- Environmental Sustainability: You contribute to the protection of water resources.
Esular Smart Irrigation Ecosystem
Soil moisture sensors are just one of the cornerstones of the Esular smart irrigation ecosystem. For a complete smart irrigation solution, you can integrate your sensors with these products:
- Wireless Smart Valve Control Unit: Manage your irrigation valves automatically.
- Agricultural Climate Station: Include weather data in your irrigation decisions.
- Wireless Well and Pump Control System: Control your pumps remotely, take advantage of the night tariff.
Installation and Use: Easier Than You Think
Many farmers think that such technological systems are complex. However, Esular's plug-and-play system is extremely simple:
- Order and Delivery: Order from the online store or by phone, and the products will arrive at your address by cargo.
- Free Remote Installation: Esular technical team provides remote installation support.
- Training: You receive training on how to use the mobile application and how to read the data.
- Commissioning: The system starts working immediately, and the first data begins to arrive.
- Technical Support: The continuous technical support line is always with you.
Mehmet Bey says about this: "I was hesitant thinking I don't understand technology at all. But the system is so simple that even my grandson can use it. I see the soil moisture from my phone, and if necessary, I turn the irrigation on or off. It's that simple."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How durable are the sensors? Is replacement required?
Esular soil moisture sensors have a dustproof and waterproof design with IP68 protection class. Thanks to the wide operating temperature range between -40°C and +85°C, they can work in all seasons. They work smoothly for 5-7 years under normal usage conditions. Additionally, there is 2-3 years of technical support and warranty.
2. Is an electrical connection required?
No! One of the biggest advantages of Esular sensors is their completely wireless structure. Thanks to the solar panel and rechargeable battery, they do not need any electrical connection.
3. Does it work in a field without internet?
Yes. Sensors work with LoRaWAN technology and create their own private network. Thanks to the SIM card that comes with the system, the data is transferred to the cloud. Even if you don't have an internet connection, the sensors can communicate among themselves and with the central unit.
4. Is technical knowledge required for installation?
No. Esular offers free installation and training in all packages. The technical team provides remote installation support. 24/7 support service is provided throughout the operation of the system.
Conclusion: Time to Switch to Smart Farming
Water resources are gradually decreasing in the world and in Turkey, and agricultural production costs are increasing. To survive in these conditions, investing in technology has become a necessity, not a choice.
Esular soil moisture sensors are the easiest and most effective way to realize this transformation. Real farmer experiences show that:
- 30-45% water savings is possible
- 20-30% yield increase can be achieved
- Investment pays for itself within 1 year
- Easy to use, free installation
- Long-lasting and durable
As Mehmet Bey said: "I wish I had switched earlier. Both my money, my time, and my water were going to waste. Now I both work less and earn more."
Contact Now
To get detailed information about Esular soil moisture sensors, request a price quote, or place an order:
- Phone: 0850 303 49 91
- WhatsApp: 0541 247 45 05
- E-mail: info@esular.com
- Online Store: store.esular.com
Important Notice: The prices stated in this article are the list prices valid as of the date of publication. For current prices and campaigns, please visit the Esular online store or contact us through the communication channels above. Prices and campaign conditions are subject to change without notice.
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