Sensors aren’t about measuring everything everywhere – they’re about measuring in the right places, where uncertainty costs the most. A soilmoisture sensor on sandy soil can prevent unnecessary irrigation trips; a local weather station can give more reliable spraying windows than regional forecasts. In Agdir, sensor data is connected to weather, satellite, and tasks– so that readings turn into practical field-level recommendations, not just data to ponder.

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Sensors in Agdir – measurements that lead to action

Agdir gathers data from soil moisture, temperature, and weather sensors and combines it with forecasts and satellite imagery. The result isn’t just “soil moisture is 23%,” but “start irrigation on field A, wait with field B until the weather window improves.” Sensor data becomes decision support, not just monitoring.

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Where sensors provide the greatest value – prioritize smartly

Sandy or well-drained soil

Soil moisture sensors provide high value where the water balance iscritical and the margin for error is small.

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High-value crops

Vegetables, berries, and other high-cost crops quickly repay theinvestment in sensors.

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Weather-exposed areas

Fields prone to frost or wind benefit from local temperature andwind readings.

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Variable topography

Hilly landscapes with ridges and hollows get better irrigation andfertilization advice from strategically placed sensors.

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Sensor types and practical benefits

Soil moisture sensors

• Measure: Water content in the root zone at different depths
• Practical use: Irrigation recommendations based on actual moisture + weather forecast
• Placement: Representative area in the root zone; avoid extremes

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Temperature/humidity sensors

• Measure: Local temperature and air humidity near ground level
• Practical use: Frost warnings and improved spraying windows
• Placement: Coldest areas for frost detection; open areas for spray weather

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Compact weather station

• Measure: Wind, temperature, humidity, and local rainfall
• Practical use: Local work windows that may differ from regional forecasts
• Placement: Open, central area on the farm, protected from damage

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How sensors integrate with other Agdir data

Soil moisture + weather + ET = irrigation plan

Moisture levels combine with temperature sums and forecasts to calculate irrigation needs. Recommendations account for upcoming rain and evaporation intensity.

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Temperature + satellite = frost warning

Local temperature sensors are compared with satellite biomass maps to prioritize frost protection where damage risk is highest.

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Weather station + tasks = local work windows

Local wind and humidity data adjust spraying and fertilization timing based on actual on-farm conditions.

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Practical examples of sensor use

Irrigation on sandy soil during heatwaves

A soil moisture sensor shows decreasing values. Combined with highET forecasts, Agdir recommends short, frequent irrigation at night or evening when evaporation is lowest.

‍Frost warning for early crops

A temperature sensor detects falling night temperatures. The system alerts at 2°C and recommends frost protection for vulnerable fields.

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Local spraying window

A weather station shows calmer wind than regional forecasts. Agdir moves the spraying task to a safer local time window.

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Step-by-step sensor network setup

1.          Start selectively – One soil moisture sensor where water stress costs the most (sandy soil, high-value crop).

2.          Evaluate and learn – Track the link between sensor data, forecasts, and plant response over one season.

3.          Expand gradually – Add sensors where experience shows the greatest value – not everywhere.

4.          Integrate with routines – Let sensor data influence daily tasks and priorities.

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Avoid common sensor pitfalls – how to get real value

• Start simple: Don’t deploy sensors everywhere from day one. Build experience first.
• Combine with forecasts: Sensors alone don’t give answers – pair them with weather and satellite data.
• Document correlations: Connect sensor readings to plant response in your journal to build local knowledge.
• Maintain  and calibrate: Set up routines for maintenance and accuracy checks.

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Typical gains from targeted sensor use

• 10–30% better irrigation efficiency from moisture-based watering on sandy soil
• Fewer frost damages with local temperature monitoring and alerts
• Safer spraying windows with on-farm wind data in sheltered areas
• Reduced energy use through temperature-based heating control

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Frequently asked questions

How many sensors do we need? Start with one where the margin is greatest. Expand based on experience and proven value.

How long do sensors last? Quality sensors typically last 3–5 years with proper maintenance.

Do we need internet everywhere? No, many sensors can store data and sync when connected.

Are sensors expensive to run? Modern sensors use little power and require minimal service.

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Summary

Sensors deliver value when placed strategically and connected with other data. Start selectively where it matters most, combine readings with weather forecasts, and let Agdir turn measurements into actionable recommendations.

Consider a soil moisture sensor for sandy soil or a weather station for local work windows – and see how data turns into safer, more precise decisions.