Root Layer Precision Irrigation Technology: A Variable Water Supply System Based on Soil Moisture Monitoring

Root Layer Precision Irrigation Technology: A Variable Water Supply System Based on Soil Moisture Monitoring

Root layer precision irrigation technology is an intelligent irrigation method that supplies water on demand and in a variable manner based on the actual moisture level of the soil around the crop roots. Its core lies in real-time monitoring of soil moisture and automatically controlling the irrigation system accordingly to precisely and efficiently deliver water to the areas and depths where the crop roots need it most, minimizing wasted water use.

The foundation of this system is a soil moisture monitoring network deployed in the field. Soil moisture sensors are buried at different depths and in different areas where the crop roots are mainly distributed. These sensors, acting as "scouts," continuously measure the soil moisture content and wirelessly transmit the data to a central controller or cloud platform. Through this sensing network, managers can clearly and intuitively see a three-dimensional distribution map of soil moisture across the entire field, accurately identifying where water is scarce and where it is plentiful, rather than relying on guesswork or uniform irrigation for the entire field.

The core of the system is intelligent decision-making and variable water supply based on monitoring data. The central controller is set with appropriate soil moisture ranges for different growth stages of the crop. When sensors in a certain area indicate that the soil moisture content is below a set lower limit, the controller automatically sends a command to the corresponding irrigation valve in that area to initiate irrigation; when the moisture returns to the ideal range, it automatically shuts off. In this way, irrigation is no longer fixed in time and amount, but rather "irrigate only when needed, supplementing only what is lacking." More advanced systems can achieve zoned variable control, meaning that within the same field, different irrigation amounts are applied to different areas based on real-time soil moisture data, achieving unprecedented precision water management.

This technology elevates irrigation from "extensive flood irrigation" to a new stage of "precision drip irrigation." It directly supplies water according to the needs of the crop root system, avoiding the water waste, nutrient loss, and potential root diseases caused by excessive irrigation in traditional methods. By ensuring the efficient use of water and fertilizer in the root zone, it not only significantly conserves precious water resources but also creates a more stable and healthier growing environment for crops, making it a key technological path to achieving water-saving and yield-increasing development and sustainable agricultural development.