Optimising Irrigation Scheduling with Real-Time Soil Moisture Data
- tass peters
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Efficient irrigation is critical for broadacre farm operators managing large, remote paddocks. Without accurate information on soil moisture and environmental conditions, growers risk overwatering or underwatering crops, leading to wasted resources and reduced yields. Real-time data on soil moisture can transform irrigation scheduling, helping farmers apply water precisely when and where it is needed. This post explores how integrating LoRaWAN soil moisture sensors and cloud-based monitoring platforms can improve irrigation efficiency, reduce water use, and support better crop decisions.
Challenges in Broadacre Irrigation Management
Broadacre farms cover extensive areas, often with varying soil types and microclimates. This variability makes it difficult to know exactly when and how much to irrigate. Traditional methods rely on scheduled watering or manual field inspections, which can be time-consuming and imprecise. Overwatering wastes water and energy, while underwatering stresses crops and reduces yields.
Farm operators need:
Accurate, real-time soil moisture data across multiple zones
Environmental data such as temperature and humidity to understand evapotranspiration
Remote access to monitoring tools to reduce frequent site visits
A system that integrates data into actionable insights for irrigation scheduling
Without these, irrigation decisions are often based on guesswork or outdated information.
How LoRaWAN Sensors and Cloud Platforms Provide Solutions
LoRaWAN technology offers long-range, low-power wireless communication ideal for large farms. ProSense deployed LoRaWAN soil moisture and environmental sensors across broadacre paddocks. These sensors continuously measure soil moisture at different depths and track environmental conditions.
The data is transmitted via long-range gateways to the ProSight cloud platform. This platform provides real-time dashboards accessible from any device with internet access. Growers can monitor soil moisture and environmental data across multiple zones without physically visiting each site.
Key benefits of this system include:
Continuous, real-time monitoring of soil moisture and environmental factors
Remote access to data dashboards for quick decision-making
Zone-specific insights allowing targeted irrigation scheduling
Reduced labor by minimizing manual field inspections
This technology helps farmers apply water only when necessary, improving irrigation efficiency and crop health.
Real-World Outcomes from Using Real-Time Soil Moisture Data
Farmers using the ProSense system reported significant improvements in irrigation management:
Improved irrigation efficiency across broadacre fields by applying water based on actual soil moisture levels
Reduced water consumption leading to lower operating costs and conservation of resources
Better crop decision-making supported by accurate, timely data rather than guesswork
Less reliance on manual inspections, freeing up time for other farm operations
One farm operations manager in New South Wales shared:
“The ProSense irrigation monitoring system gave us clear visibility into soil conditions across our paddocks. Having real-time data has helped us apply water more efficiently and make better crop decisions.”
These outcomes demonstrate how technology can support sustainable farming practices while maintaining or improving crop performance.
Practical Tips for Implementing Soil Moisture Monitoring
Farmers interested in adopting real-time soil moisture monitoring can consider the following steps:
Assess farm zones to identify areas with different soil types or irrigation needs
Install sensors at multiple depths and locations within each zone for accurate data
Set up gateways to ensure reliable data transmission across the farm
Use cloud platforms that provide easy-to-understand dashboards and alerts
Train staff on interpreting data and adjusting irrigation schedules accordingly
Regularly maintain sensors and gateways to ensure consistent performance
Starting with a pilot area can help farmers understand the benefits before scaling up across the entire farm.
The Future of Irrigation Scheduling
As water resources become scarcer and climate variability increases, precise irrigation scheduling will be essential for sustainable agriculture. Real-time soil moisture data combined with environmental monitoring offers a practical way to improve water use efficiency and crop outcomes.
Technology like LoRaWAN sensors and cloud platforms will continue to evolve, providing more detailed insights and automation options. Integrating these tools into farm management can help growers respond quickly to changing conditions and make informed decisions that benefit both their crops and the environment.
