SparkFun Soil Moisture Sensor (with Screw Terminals)

The SparkFun Soil Moisture Sensor is a user-friendly breakout designed to gauge the moisture levels in soil and similar materials. This sensor operates by using two large, exposed pads as probes, which act as a variable resistor. The conductivity between these pads increases with the moisture content in the soil, leading to a lower resistance and a higher SIG out. This particular model comes with a pre-soldered 3-pin screw pin terminal on the board for easy wiring and setup.

Operating the SparkFun Soil Moisture Sensor is as easy as connecting the VCC and GND pins to your Arduino-based device or a compatible development board. The SIG out you receive will vary depending on the water content in the soil. One common problem with soil moisture sensors is their limited lifespan when exposed to moisture. To counteract this, SparkFun has gold-coated the PCB (ENIG, or Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold).

Note: For assembly and weatherproofing instructions, as well as a simple example project, refer to the Hookup Guide provided by SparkFun.

Documents:

Schematic

Eagle Files

Hookup Guide

GitHub

A unique feature of the SparkFun Soil Moisture Sensor is its gold coating. This not only enhances its durability but also improves its performance in moist environments. Whether you're a hobbyist looking to make your plant watering system more efficient, or a professional seeking precise soil moisture readings for agricultural purposes, this sensor is an excellent choice.

Not only does the SparkFun Soil Moisture Sensor offer precise readings, but it's also easy to set up and use. Even if you're new to Arduino-based devices or development boards, you'll find the process straightforward. Plus, the gold coating ensures your sensor will last longer, even in the most challenging conditions.