technology
soil moisture sensors
Based on technology pioneered in 2005 at the University of Arizona, Hydro Sphere builds space-age sensors using cosmic rays to measure soil moisture.
How Does It Work?
- Cosmic Rays strike Earth all the time, liberating fast neutrons from upper atmosphere.
- Released Neutrons collide with water in soil. - Uses natural background radiation -Worldwide phenomenon - No additional radiation is used!
- Hydro Sphere measures this natural radiation, deducing moisture in the soil.
Hydro Sphere Systems measure soil moisture for irrigation stewardship.
- Optimize crop production
- Eliminate overwatering disease
- Save water – reduce irrigation costs
High precision, high reliability:
- Decades mean time between failures
- +/- 2% VSM
- -40 to 150° F
- Soil penetration up to 60 cm
- Wide area measurements -> Radial footprints to 150 m
- Stationary systems with 30-min resolution 24/7/365
- Rovers (vehicle mounted systems) provide higher spatial resolution soil moisture mapping
- Satellite/Cellular/WiFi/wired-IP/radio communications for worldwide data collection
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case study
Using Hydro Sphere Systems, LA Golf Improved Its Water Placement
Water-placement adjustments remedied localized over-watering, achieved uniform soil moisture. Reduced Water Use!
- Avoid Over Watering
- Avoid Under Watering
- Avoid Wilt, Rot, and Turf Disease
- Achieve Conservation Goals
Daily Irrigation Volume as Percent in Evapotranspiration Control Formula
| Hole |
Before Hydro Sphere: August 1, 2021 |
After Hydro Sphere: October 12, 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% | 90% |
| 2 | 100% | 85% |
| 5 | 100% | 85% |
| 6 | 100% | 75% |
| 9 | 100% | 90% |