technology spotlight: automated irrigation w/sensors

By Dave Oberting, Questr Automation LLC, [email protected], 202.568.0852

Automated irrigation using soil‑moisture sensors is one of the most practical “smart farm” tools on the market. Traditional timer‑controlled systems water on a fixed schedule, often at the height of the growing season. As a result, they may irrigate even when soil is still moist, leading to up to 50 % of water being wasted.

By contrast, soil‑moisture sensors bury probes in the root zone and measure volumetric water content. When the soil reaches a preset “dry” threshold, the controller opens valves to apply water; when the soil moisture is adequate, scheduled irrigation is delayed. This closed‑loop control can be added to existing systems or integrated into new drip, sprinkler or subsurface lines.

The benefits are tangible. The U.S. EPA’s WaterSense program found that replacing a clock‑based controller with a certified soil‑moisture sensor can save the average home landscape more than 15,000 gallons of water each year. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program reviewed multiple studies and reported water‑use reductions between 15 % and 40 %, with research trials averaging about 30 %. In some pilot projects, properly set‑up systems achieved savings closer to 50 %. Less water pumped means less energy consumed; commercial case studies have shown that cutting irrigation volumes by 40 % translates into thousands of dollars in utility savings. Reduced pumping hours also lower maintenance costs and extend equipment life.

For Hardy County farmers, the labour savings may be just as valuable. Moving pipe, checking soil moisture by hand and adjusting timers can consume several hours per week during the growing season. Automating those tasks through soil‑moisture sensors and remote‑controlled valves can free up hundreds of hours per year—time that can be re‑invested in herd management, crop marketing or simply spent with family. Better scheduling also prevents overwatering, which reduces nutrient leaching and improves crop quality.

At Questr Automation LLC we’re focused on helping family farms in Hardy County, WV become more productive, profitable and sustainable. Soil‑moisture‑based irrigation is a proven component of our portfolio of 200‑plus automation solutions. In addition to labour savings and yield improvements, water‑use reductions can strengthen eligibility for USDA‑funded conservation programs and state cost‑share grants. Through our Hardy County Farm Automation Pilot, ROOST, we’re actively working with WVU, WVU‑Extension, USDA and the Hardy County Commission to make technologies like these available to farmers, while keeping decision‑making firmly in farmers’ hands.

For more information on ROOST, visit http://questr.us/roost