SparkFun Qwiic Soil Moisture Sensor

The SparkFun Qwiic Soil Moisture Sensor is an efficient and user-friendly solution for measuring soil moisture, designed with simplicity in mind. This breakout board uses two large exposed pads as probes, working as a variable resistor. More water in the soil enhances conductivity, resulting in lower resistance and a higher analog signal output, providing precise soil hydration data.

Ideal for both beginners and seasoned developers, this sensor offers a plug-and-play I2C connection, eliminating the need for soldering. Its integrated Qwiic connector, powered by an onboard ATtiny85 MCU, acts as an I2C gateway, ensuring a seamless connection to your development ecosystem. For those not yet using the Qwiic system or wanting to reprogram the MCU, the board’s programming pins are fully accessible for standard I2C or SPI interfacing.

For projects requiring multiple Qwiic devices on the same bus, the board features an easily accessible I2C jumper on the back. This can be cut with a hobby knife to disable the pull-up resistors, offering flexibility in your setup.

The sensor's durability is enhanced by an Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG) finish, which protects against corrosion in wet environments. This gold plating extends the lifespan of the sensor, making it ideal for automated gardens, smart greenhouses, or desk planters, outlasting standard tin-plated boards.