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Wireless soil moisture transmitter
Knowing, with precision, if the quantity and frequency of the irrigation is optimum for each crop, is the basis of precision irrigation and the profitability of irrigated crops.
The PRX-SOIL soil moisture sensor transmitter helps us to obtain this data. It can hold up to 3 Watermark®, SDI-12 or analog probes and sends the information to the IProx Irrigation application. It connects to the cloud using the same radio network used by the PRX-VALVE valve controllers or, depending on the version, using the cell phone network thanks to its global SIM integrated in the electronics.
Reading of up to 3 soil sensors for each machine- Power supply by batteries with 3 years of autonomy or solar panel
- Communications over private meshed radio network or mobile telephone network
Reading of up to 3 soil sensors for each machine
Power supply by batteries with 3 years of autonomy or solar panel
Communications over private meshed radio network or mobile telephone networkPRX-SOIL provides the IProx Irrigation web application with precise data regarding the level of soil moisture, integrated with the rest of the information on the pumping stations, pivots, coverages, meteorology, etc.
Low operating cost thanks to its integrated solar panel and the economic long-lasting batteries.
From a sole base station connected to an IProx controller, it is possible to collect soil moisture data from up to 8km away.
EXAMPLES OF USE
- Water and energy savings due to the incorporation of the real irrigation needs of the crop in the irrigation planning process.
- Detection of water losses due to seepage.
- Precision farming through the incorporation of real soil moisture data according to the irrigation recommendations for each sector and crop.
CUSTOMISATION OPTIONS
Depending on the model, PRX-SOIL can incorporate:
- GPS receiver for automatic assignment to the irrigation sector or pivot in which it is installed.
- Soil temperature sensor to improve the accuracy of measurements.
- Advanced sensors (humidity, salinity, temperature) with SDI-12 communications.
- Rain gauge
- High gain external antenna
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR USE
Models with ISM radio communications (868MHz / 900MHz depending on markets) require a radio network generated by IProx controllers/gateways with a PRX-Wireless Port base station (includes high gain external antenna and has capacity for approximately 30 remotes). In many cases, if the location is suitable, the pumping IProx controller itself can incorporate the base station. In order to improve radio communications redundancy, it is recommended to install a minimum of two base station sets in each project.
Models with cell phone network-based communications technology require 2G/3G , LTE Cat-M1 or NB-IoT coverage from any operator in the installation area. These versions, due to their higher power consumption, are supplied with solar power only.
PRODUCT SHEET
Download the product sheet here.
FAQ’s
Q: How often are the soil moisture sensors read?
The user can configure the frequency of the readings. Since, with the exception of sandy soils, the filtration, evaporation and consumption of water by the crops are slow processes, in the majority of cases 1 or 2 readings per day is enough to obtain the information necessary to optimise the quantity and frequency of the irrigation. Moreover, a greater frequency of readings generates charts with more points, which are easier to interpret. A reasonable frequency could be a reading every 4 hours (=6 readings a day).
Q: Can the soil moisture data be taken into account in the irrigation programmes set in IProx Irrigation so that they stop if the moisture level exceeds a configurable threshold (due to a storm, for example)?
Yes. The irrigation will pause for those sectors in which it has rained in the same way as it stops when the reservoir water level is lower than the established minimum. Yet another measure that helps to stop waste.
Q: Are probes included with PRX-SOIL kits?
No. Watermark® moisture probes are purchased separately and in numbers that do not necessarily match the number of PRX-SOIL units.
Q: Is it compatible with all irrigation systems?
Yes, through connection to the Iprox controller, you can measure the soil moisture and water level of any automatic irrigation system (cover, drip or pivot).
Q: How often do the batteries need to be changed and what type are they?
They are 7.2V non-rechargeable lithium batteries. They can last 3 years (or more) if you take the precaution of turning off the equipment (using its switch) at the end of each campaign.
The solar version incorporates rechargeable batteries with a life of more than 5 years.
Q: How many devices can be connected to the same radio base station?
The technical limit is around 30-50 PRX-VALVE or PRX-SOIL units per base station, which is rarely reached on the same plot with a single pump and IProx controller. It is recommended to install at least two base stations for redundancy.
