An automated monitoring system for efficient irrigation management
Measuring Principle
The measuring principle of the SWM 5000 is based on the latest FDR technology (Frequent Domain Reflectometry). It enables fast and precise determination of soil moisture. Temperature is measured by an internal NTC sensor. The central hardware component is a robust stainless steel measuring probe, which is hydraulically or manually pressed into the ground. Measuring sensors are located in the probe tip during manual measurement.
Application of SMW 5000
The SWM 5000 soil moisture lance has been designed as a compact mounted unit for the front linkage of a tractor. It measures soil moisture while the tractor is driving across the field and pulling out a drum sprinkler at the same time. The SWM 5000 system is conveniently controlled via smartphone app from the driver‘s cab. Alternatively, the system is also available as stand-alone unit (handheld meter and measuring probe) and replaces all previous mobile soil moisture measuring systems.
Evaluation and Irrigation Management
After measuring the soil moisture in different places, the readings are evaluated through an app and a recommendation of the required irrigation amount is issued. The sampled fields can be created as a GPS card and stored with specific properties (relief maps, in homogeneous floor sections, etc.). These properties are then taken in account during calculation of the area specific irrigation quantities.The app „SWM Companion“ is available for both iOS and Android. It can be downloaded for free in the App Store and installed on the smartphone. Data transfer is wireless via Bluetooth.
