Fabrication of an electronic soil moisture sensor for efficient water management in crop production.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
This research presents the development and evaluation of an electronic soil moisture sensor designed to measure soil moisture content in a practical and accurate manner. The sensor utilizes a resistive sensing mechanism, where changes in soil moisture affect the electrical resistance between two probes, resulting in a corresponding voltage output. To ensure accuracy, the sensor was calibrated using a gravimetric method, where soil samples were weighed before and after oven drying to determine the moisture content percentage. The sensor demonstrated a linear relationship between soil moisture content and voltage output, with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability. The sensor employs a resistive sensing mechanism, where changes in soil moisture alter the electrical resistance between two embedded probes resulting in a corresponding voltage output. The sensor was constructed using two galvanized nails as the sensing probes, a 10k ohm resistor and a 5v power supply. Testing was conducted using soil samples prepared at five moisture levels that’s 0,25,50,75 and 100% moisture content by weight. Results showed that the sensor could clearly distinguish between dry soil and moist soil.
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Undergraduate research report
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Citation
Kajubi, P. (2026). Fabrication of an electronic soil moisture sensor for efficient water management in crop production. [Unpublished undergraduate report]. Busitema University.