YES. After several years of research at the University of Maryland and other research sites, we have found that soil moisture sensor technology is a reliable grower management tool. We have been able to demonstrate that sensors can reduce water use and runoff compared with subjective grower decisions.

Soil moisture sensors are already being used to control irrigation in multiple nurseries and greenhouses.  The moisture sensors can be linked wirelessly to a central controller and data can be accessed over the internet.

Our past research collaborating with multiple researchers can be found at http://www.smart-farms.net. This research is continuing as part of the Clean WateR³ project.

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