Moisture sensors work with irrigation.
All plants require water to grow and survive. When adequate water is not provided, the plant experiences stress that may end up killing it. Moisture sensors take the guesswork out of knowing when your plants need to be watered.
Function
A moisture sensor works by estimating the amount of water in your soil based on the dielectric constant, or the soil's ability to transmit electricity. The dielectric constant increases as the soil's water content increases, producing an estimate of how much water the soil holds.
Watering
Motion sensors are often paired with an irrigation system. Once the moisture sensor indicates sub-optimum moisture in the soil, the irrigation system turns on. The irrigation system waters the plants until the moisture sensor gets a reading that tells it the soil holds adequate moisture. The irrigation system then shuts off.
Uses
Moisture sensors are used to help irrigate large fields of crops. In greenhouses, moisture sensors may be attached to drip irrigation systems that water the plants several times a day. The sensors also work in outdoor gardens and in the landscape to help indicate when soil is dry.
Tags: irrigation system, moisture sensor, dielectric constant, Moisture sensors, soil holds, with irrigation