Soil Moisture Sensors

Lincoln Zotarelli, Michael D. Dukes, andMarcelo Paranhos

Rafael Muñoz-Carpena, Yuncong Li, and Teresa Olczyk

Lincoln Zotarelli, Michael D. Dukes, and Kelly T. Morgan

Rafael Muñoz-Carpena

Tara Bongiovanni, Pang-Wei Liu, Daniel Preston, Johanna Montanez, Courtnay Cardozo, Steven Feagle, and Jasmeet Judge

Eric Herrera, Sandra M. Guzmán, and Eduart Murcia

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Farm Economics, entrepreneurship, and management

Rafael Muñoz-Carpena, Michael D. Dukes, and Bernard Cardenas

Improving irrigation efficiency can contribute greatly to reducing production costs of vegetables, making the industry more competitive and sustainable. This publication is intended to help growers to conserve water through the use of soil moisture sensors. Written by Rafael Muñoz-Carpena, Michael D. Dukes, and Bernard Cardenas, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, revised August 2024.

Michael D. Dukes
Other Contacts: Bernardo Cardenas-Laihacar

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Sandra M. Guzmán andDaniel Palacios-Linares

This publication provides guidance on using electrical conductivity (EC) data from field-installed soil moisture sensors. A case study from a citrus demonstration trial at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center (UF/IFAS IRREC) presents how sensors track nutrient movement after irrigation and rainfall. This information helps irrigation managers, especially those using soil moisture sensors and irrigation dashboards, adjust fertilizer and irrigation practices to improve nutrient placement in the crop root zone. Written by Sandra M. Guzmán and Daniel Palacios-Linares, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, October 2026.

Akshara Athelly, Sandra M. Guzmán, Yvette Goodiel, andYilin Zhuang

This publication provides an overview of the soil moisture sensor-related cost-share programs available in Florida, summarizing eligibility, timelines, application steps, and relative benefits to help growers navigate available financial support efficiently. Written by Akshara Athelly, Sandra M. Guzmán, Yvette Goodiel, and Yilin Zhuang, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, December 2025.