Can soil moisture sensors improve irrigation efficiency in southwest Oklahoma?

Abstract

Farmers face numerous challenges when making water management decisions, and there is a need for research that develops a more thorough understanding of these considerations. This is especially true in Oklahoma, where frequent and severe droughts can hinder crop production.

We suggest that soil moisture sensors can help farmers alleviate stress related to water management by improving irrigation precision and efficiency. Soil moisture sensors can collect data more quickly, more thoroughly, and more efficiently than traditional methods of soil moisture monitoring.

This project compiled local opinions on sensor technology and compared the performance and user interface of two commercially available sensors, CropX and Sentek Drill-n-Drop. We installed two CropX sensors and two Sentek sensors on cotton fields in early June 2021 in southwest Oklahoma. We tracked soil water content from the sensors throughout the 2021 growing season. During this time, we also interviewed farmers in the area to better understand their opinions and goals regarding water management and sensor use.

We found that the sensors provide valuable and accurate data, but poor internet connection as well as sensor user interface could make adopting sensors difficult. Because Oklahoma has the fourth highest number of farms in the United States as well as a history of detrimental drought, the state is a relevant and valuable model for research in more sustainable and efficient irrigation methods. Therefore, the results of this study can be used in a myriad of ways in Oklahoma and beyond.