Watering well starts with knowing what is happening on site. The forecast and the satellite say a lot; but the inside of the soil is seen most directly by a sensor. ESTRON does not require one; when fitted, it becomes part of the decision.
What does a soil moisture sensor measure?
Most sensors measure volumetric water content: what percentage of the soil is water. The value is low in dry soil and high after watering. The measurement is made at one point, in the few centimetres around the probe. The sensor describes that spot, not the whole site.
Two values matter. Field capacity: the most water the soil can hold; the rest drains away. Wilting point: the low value at which the plant can no longer draw water. Watering happens between the two, before the wilting point is reached. The values depend on the soil: sandy soil holds little and dries fast; clay holds much and dries slowly.
How is the irrigation threshold chosen?
The threshold is the line: "water below this value, skip above it." A wrong threshold hurts in two ways: too high waters every day; too low stresses the plant. The practical way is to watch for a week after fitting the sensor:
| Observation | What it means | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Value right after watering | Upper value, near field capacity | Upper bound: above this, watering is unnecessary |
| Value at the first sign of wilting | Lower bound | Threshold goes a little above this |
| Daily rate of decline | The soil's water holding and the plant's use | Sets the watering frequency |
In ESTRON the sensor is defined on its line. On a line with a sensor the rule is simple: if soil moisture is sufficient, watering is skipped.
Where, and how deep?
- A representative spot. A place that reflects the line's average: not at the foot of a sprinkler, not at the end of its throw, not in shade or a hollow. The site's "average" point.
- Root depth. 10–15 cm for lawn; deeper for shrubs and trees. The sensor must measure the layer the roots draw from.
- Cabled to the controller. The sensor connects to the valve controller; the value shows in the panel.
Wrong placement is the most common mistake: a sensor at the foot of a sprinkler always shows the site wet, and the line goes thirsty. Installation notes: points to watch during installation.
How does the AI use the sensor data?
Soil moisture sensors show whether water in the root zone is running low. If the soil is still moist, watering is postponed; when it dries out, irrigation kicks in. Unnecessary watering is prevented; water and energy are not wasted.
In ESTRON the sensor is not the only decider. The AI reads the forecast, recent rain, satellite soil moisture and the water-demand calculation together; the sensor confirms that picture from the field. If the satellite shows stress but the sensor sees the soil moist enough, the duration is not increased. If the sensor reads low but showers are expected tomorrow, watering is still postponed. All data sources: which data does the AI look at?; satellite moisture: tracking water content from space.
Together with weather data
Temperature, humidity, wind and rainfall set the plant's water demand. When it rains or the weather cools, the system reduces or pauses watering; on hot, dry days it meets the demand. Rain sensor and forecast together: rain sensor and weather-based irrigation.
Other sensors: flow, pressure, level
Flow and pressure sensors keep track of the water moving through the pipes. An unexpected leak, blockage or pressure drop is noticed right away, so faults are caught early and water waste is avoided.
- Flow sensor: shows how much water is used and catches unusual consumption.
- Pressure sensor: flags problems in the lines early.
- Water level sensor: tracks the level in a tank or well.
Leak detection from flow data: catch water leaks without going to the field.
What does it give you?
When the data from all these sensors comes together, irrigation is no longer run by guesswork but by the real state of the site. The result is less water use, healthier plants and the peace of mind of keeping the site under constant watch.
Frequently asked
Does the system work without a sensor?
Yes. The forecast, satellite data and irrigation history are enough. A sensor confirms the decision from the field; recommended, not required.
Which brand of sensor can be fitted?
Soil moisture sensors connect to the controller. Different types and brands work in the same system. The parts of the system: system components.
What if the sensor value changes suddenly?
A sudden rise after watering or rain is normal. A sudden drop in dry weather points to a cable or probe problem; the value is visible in the panel. Other questions are on the FAQ page.