Find tips from UF/IFAS on installing and using citrus soil moisture sensors for accurate water management.
Accurate water management is “critical for citrus growers,” according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week, especially “during Florida’s rainy and hurricane season. The article advised that “Soil moisture sensors (SMSs) can be used as a baseline tool for making informed irrigation decisions,” but that they are only useful if they are used correctly. See tips from the article on installing and using citrus soil moisture sensors, below.
Tips for Installing Citrus Soil Moisture Sensors
The article shared that “proper SMS placement is essential.” Tips for installing citrus soil moisture sensors included:
- “Choose a spot representing average soil and irrigation conditions, ideally as close to the tree root zone as possible but outside areas with rocks, or at the beginning/end of the irrigation line.”
- “For drip irrigation, install the sensor near the wet area of the dripper.”
- “For microsprinkler systems, locate a spot that’s consistently wet but not right next to the microsprinkler.”
- “Objects such as rocks, large roots and air gaps inside the sensor’s “sensing volume” can disrupt the sensor’s electrical flow. Always check and prepare the site before installation to ensure enough soil coverage around the sensor.”
- “For wired telemetry units, plan cable routes and bury cables to avoid damage from farming equipment or animals.”
Tips for Using Soil Moisture Sensors in Citrus
The article maintained that “While most SMSs come pre-calibrated, field calibration can improve accuracy, especially in Florida’s variable sandy soils.” They shared the following tips concerning calibrating citrus soil moisture sensors:
- “Installing a sensor when the soil has become saturated following a rain event is beneficial.”
- “Tracking the readings over a week after installation will allow the identification of high water-availability thresholds.”
- “Soil samples for gravimetric measurement can help verify sensor data as well.”
- “Contact UF/IFAS Extension or your sensor manufacturer for necessary calibration support.”
The article also shared these tips for using the readings from soil moisture sensors for citrus:
- “Modern SMS systems can transmit data to your phone or computer, making it easy to adjust field management in response to storms or changing weather. Regularly reviewing sensor readings, graphical soil moisture trends and weather data makes it possible to track the water status of the field.”
- “Water movement across the soil can be identified using two or more soil moisture sensors, such as when probes are installed.”
- “Growers may effectively manage water during Florida’s rainy season by using site-specific information from the thoughtful selection and installation of soil moisture sensors. Modern systems can integrate projected water requirements, rainfall and other meteorological data.”
- “For further information or practical help managing sensors and data, contact your local UF/IFAS citrus agent.”
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