Calibração e avaliação de sensor capacitivo para uso na agricultura irrigada

Abstract

The soil water content is one of the most important factors to consider when implementing a crop in an area, as it can either aid or hinder crop development. The objective of this study is to calibrate a low-cost capacitive sensor to accurately determine soil water content. The chosen model for soil moisture monitoring was Hw – 390 v2.0. Soil samples were collected from Dourados, Amambai, and Rosana, which have predominantly Dystrophic Red Latosol and their textural classes are sandy, loamy sand, and very clayey. A commercial substrate, Carolina Soil ®, was also used to test the sensor with this possibility. The samples were separated into five containers for type 1 and type 3 soils, and the substrate, with each container having a sensor in contact with the soil. The containers were made of PVC pipes with holes for excess water drainage. The variation in soil moisture was determined by both the direct method of drying samples in an oven at 105°C and the capacitive sensor. The results of this experiment indicate that the sensor model accurately indicates soil moisture content.