9 Best Soil Moisture Sensors for Agriculture (November 2026)
The best soil moisture sensors for crop fields include the XLUX Long Probe Plant Soil Moisture Meter for deep spot checks, the Gain Express Soil PH Meter for moisture and pH checks, and the ECOWITT WH0291 Soil Moisture Tester Plant Soil for calibrated digital checks.
On this page (3 sections)
The best soil moisture sensors for agriculture include manual meters for spot checks and connected probes for remote readings. The ECOWITT WH51L reaches deeper soil and supports connected data with compatible equipment.
Agricultural soil moisture sensors help you decide when and where to water, but each reading represents the probe's location and depth. Consider how many points you need to monitor, whether you can visit them, and what equipment you already use.
Soil texture, crop root depth and watering method all shape what a useful reading looks like. A deep check suits a crop that draws water from lower layers, while a shallower check may suit seedlings or containers.
For a basic overview of measurement methods, start with what a soil moisture sensor measures. If your field plan depends on networked readings, compare the best wireless soil moisture sensor options as well.
Manual tools suit growers who walk the field and record results by hand. Connected probes suit larger areas where a gateway or console can collect readings from several points.
Before you buy, check probe depth, readout type and required accessories. A sensor without a compatible console or hub may only show a local reading, even if it is marketed as wireless.
Choose a reading style you will actually use each week. A simple dial or LCD can be quicker for a single bed, while an app view helps when points are spread across a site.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for deep spot checksXLUX Long Probe Plant Soil Moisture Meter
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for calibrated digital checksECOWITT WH0291 Soil Moisture Tester Plant Soil
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itRAINPOINT Smart Digital Wireless Plant Moisture Meter
Best for app-based checks - 5
Check itECOWITT WH51L Soil Moisture Sensor with 1m/3.28ft
Best for deeper remote monitoring - 6
Check itSonghe Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor Module Corrosion
Best for DIY sensor projects - 7
Check itAmbient Weather WH31SM Soil Moisture Sensor
Best for Ambient Weather stations - 8
Best for simple leave-in indicatorsCheck it - 9
Best for connected grow systemsCheck it
Which soil moisture sensors for agriculture fit different jobs?
These soil moisture sensors for agriculture cover manual checks, deeper probes and connected readings. They are ordered by score, with each option matched to a different use.
Start with the job you need done, not the longest feature list. Spot checks, soil depth, soil type and existing equipment should narrow the field quickly.
Each write-up explains who the tool suits, what the specifications mean in daily use and where the trade-offs sit. That should make it easier to compare a handheld meter with a leave-in probe or a connected sensor.
XLUX Long Probe Plant Soil Moisture Meter: Best for deep spot checks
- Long probe for deeper soil
- Immediate dial reading
- Three zones with ten scales
A self-contained meter for checking soil moisture at depth without a console or app. The dial shows dry, moist or wet zones.
Pros
- No battery needed
- Longer probe reaches deeper in large pots
- Single probe causes less root disturbance
Cons
- Not designed for very hard soil or liquids
- Probe should be wiped after use and not left in soil
The XLUX meter gives an immediate reading at depth without a display console or phone app. Its probe is 5.5 inches longer than regular styles, and the large dial shows dry, moist and wet zones.
The single probe is designed to cause less root disturbance than double or multiple probes. Insert it into standard potting soil, read the dial, then remove and wipe the probe.
The large dial has three zones with ten scales, so the result is easy to read at a glance. That plain readout can suit growers who prefer checking a few pots or beds without setting up software.
This meter suits larger and deeper flower pots where a short probe may only test the top layer. It can also suit nursery benches and raised areas where staff need quick answers during a watering round.
This is a manual meter, so it won't collect readings across several plots or send data to a dashboard. Avoid very hard soil and loose media where the probe may not contact moisture-holding particles well.
Choose it for occasional depth checks in standard potting soil. Don't leave the probe in soil for more than 5 minutes because the metal tip can gradually corrode.
Wipe the probe clean after use and store it dry, away from liquids. Do not use it to test very hard soil or water, as both can affect the reading and the probe.
For loose or airy media, firm the material around the probe so it touches moisture-holding particles. That step can help where pure perlite, pumice, pine bark or orchid mix would otherwise leave gaps.
Gain Express Soil PH Meter: Best for moisture and pH checks
- Measures soil moisture and pH
- 295 mm electrode
- No batteries required
This self-powered meter combines soil moisture and pH checks, with a slender electrode for deeper penetration. It suits growers who want both readings from a manual tool.
Pros
- Moisture and pH in one meter
- Long electrode
- No batteries required
Cons
- Periodic calibration is recommended
- No remote monitoring
Gain Express combines moisture and pH readings in a self-powered meter with a 295 mm electrode. Its intended settings include vineyards, orchards, field production and lawn maintenance.
The slender electrode allows deeper penetration into soil. The meter also checks pH, making it an option when both readings inform your soil management routine.
Combining moisture and pH can suit growers who want a fuller soil picture during one visit. It may help separate a watering issue from a soil condition issue before you change a routine.
The design suits commercial and home settings, from field production to planters and lawn maintenance. A handheld tool like this works best when someone can visit each point and note the result.
The meter does not provide wireless tracking or a remote console. Periodic calibration is recommended, and its operating temperature range is 5 to 50 °C.
Choose it if a field worker can visit measurement points and wants moisture and pH checks in one handheld tool. For remote measurements, use a connected sensor system instead.
Because there is no battery to replace, it can be kept in a toolkit for seasonal checks. Keep the electrode clean, follow the stated temperature range and calibrate it as directed to maintain accuracy.
Use it for spot checks rather than continuous tracking across a large field. If you need trends over time, a connected sensor with a console or app will record the pattern for you.
ECOWITT WH0291 Soil Moisture Tester Plant Soil: Best for calibrated digital checks
- Digital LCD display
- Custom low and high calibration
- Indoor and outdoor use
The WH0291 shows soil moisture on an LCD and allows manual low and high calibration for different soil types. It works for spot checks across garden, lawn and potted settings.
Pros
- Custom moisture calibration
- Digital readout
- Waterproof sensor
Cons
- Requires 2 AA batteries
- Manual checks rather than remote field monitoring
The ECOWITT WH0291 gives a digital moisture readout and lets you set custom low and high values for different soil types. It measures soil moisture within 72 seconds, then shows the result with a flower pot icon.
That calibration option is useful when you want to set reference points for the soil being monitored. The sensor can be used indoors or outdoors and is waterproof.
The custom mode uses 0%AD and 100%AD settings to adjust the low and high moisture values. That can help when one soil type holds water differently from another in the same garden or greenhouse.
A digital LCD is easy to read without interpreting a needle position. The flower pot icon adds a quick visual cue, which can help when several people check readings on a regular round.
The display and sensor each need an AA battery, for 2 total, and the batteries are not included. This is a spot-check tool rather than a multi-point remote monitoring system.
Choose it for repeated manual checks where a clear LCD and custom calibration matter. For temperature readings alongside moisture, compare the best soil moisture and temperature sensors.
Keep spare batteries to hand if you use it often, and place the sensor consistently for comparable results. Wipe it after use and store it dry when it is not in soil.
It suits potted plants, lawn and garden checks where a person visits the soil directly. For hands-free records across many points, look at a connected sensor that sends data to a gateway or console.
RAINPOINT Smart Digital Wireless Plant Moisture Meter: Best for app-based checks
- Automatic readings every 3 minutes
- LCD readout
- Remote monitoring with compatible WiFi hub
The meters refresh automatically and show readings on their LCDs. Remote monitoring requires a compatible RAINPOINT WiFi hub, sold separately.
Pros
- Automatic moisture readings
- Manual reading available by button
- Capacitive probe
Cons
- Remote app access requires a separate compatible hub
- Plant-focused design may not suit broad field deployment
RAINPOINT's smart digital meter takes an automatic reading every 3 minutes and keeps the result visible on its LCD. The two-pack uses capacitive probes, and a button also triggers a manual reading.
For remote viewing through the RAINPOINT Home app, you need a compatible 2.4 GHz WiFi hub, sold separately. That requirement matters if you plan to place sensors across a greenhouse or several growing areas.
The automatic cycle can suit growers who want readings without pressing a button each time. A short press also gives a manual reading within seconds when you want a fresh check during a walkthrough.
The capacitive probe design avoids the resistive style that can be prone to rust and reduced accuracy. That can suit longer leave-in use in soil where a probe stays in place for daily monitoring.
The meters have IPX5 waterproof protection and are described for indoor and outdoor use. Their plant-focused design may suit smaller monitored zones better than a broad field network.
Choose this pair when automatic readings and an app option are useful, and confirm hub compatibility before buying. For a broader look at probe styles, see our guide to capacitive soil moisture sensors.
The set includes two smart meters, pH test strips and a Phillips screwdriver. That two-pack format can help when you want to compare two pots, beds or zones side by side.
Check the hub models HWG023, HWG023WBRF or HWG040 before planning app use. Without that hub, the LCD still shows readings, but remote monitoring through the app will not work.
ECOWITT WH51L Soil Moisture Sensor with 1m/3.28ft: Best for deeper remote monitoring
- 1 m wire probe
- LCD real-time reading
- Compatible Ecowitt gateway or console required for remote data
The WH51L pairs a wire probe with an on-sensor LCD and can send data through a compatible Ecowitt gateway or console. Its longer reach makes it a fit for monitoring deeper soil layers.
Pros
- Long wire probe
- LCD shows real-time data
- Supports up to 8 channels with compatible equipment
Cons
- Gateway or console is sold separately
- Body placement and pairing affect transmission
The ECOWITT WH51L is a fit for monitoring deeper soil remotely. Its 1 m wire probe can measure deeper soil up to almost 80 cm, and the sensor body has an LCD for real-time readings.
A compatible ECOWITT gateway can send data to the app after WiFi setup, while supported consoles can display readings and upload them online. The system supports up to 8 WH51L channels.
The on-sensor LCD helps during installation and calibration, because you can see a local value without opening the app. The wire probe gives flexibility to place the body away from the buried sensor section.
The WH51L has an IP68 waterproof rating for the probe, which is higher than the IP66 rating listed for the WH51. That can suit wetter soil and deeper placement where moisture contact is constant.
The gateway or console is sold separately, so this sensor needs compatible equipment for connected data. Keep the sensor body at least 20 cm above the soil surface to support RF transmission.
Channel names can be edited in the app when a gateway is in use. That can help when labels need to match beds, rows or zones for clear records.
Choose it for deeper readings and multiple measurement points when you can use compatible ECOWITT equipment. If a Zigbee network is part of your farm setup, read how to choose a soil moisture sensor with Zigbee, since compatibility differs by system.
Calibration uses AD values that change with humidity level, so follow the manual for your soil type. Consistent placement and calibration matter more when you compare readings across several channels.
Songhe Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor Module Corrosion: Best for DIY sensor projects
- Capacitive sensing
- Analog output
- 3.3 to 5.5 VDC operating voltage
These capacitive modules are intended for moisture detection and DIY control setups. They output an analog signal, so you'll need compatible electronics to read and use it.
Pros
- Five modules in the set
- Capacitive rather than resistive sensing
- Works with 3.3 to 5.5 VDC
Cons
- Requires compatible electronics
- No standalone display or remote service
Songhe's five capacitive modules are for DIY moisture detection, not standalone field monitoring. Each module outputs an analog signal and runs on 3.3 to 5.5 VDC, so it needs compatible electronics to read and use the signal.
These modules may suit growers building their own controller or experimenting with sensor placement. They use capacitive sensing rather than resistive sensing, and the set includes 5 pieces.
Capacitive sensing can suit longer soil contact because it measures moisture without the resistive style of sensing. The corrosion resistant material is also intended to support a longer service life in soil.
The output voltage range is 0 to 3.0 VDC, and the module includes an on-board voltage regulator. That wide input range can suit different small electronics boards, but the signal still needs a compatible input to be useful.
There is no built-in display, wireless connection or irrigation controller. Plan for the electronics, wiring, power and software needed to read the output before using the modules across a growing area.
Choose this set if you already have compatible DIY electronics and want sensor modules to integrate into them. For a ready-to-read tool, pick a meter with its own display.
The 3-pin Gravity interface can connect directly to a Gravity I/O expansion shield. That detail matters if your project already uses that type of connection.
Use the set to test placement in a few pots or beds before scaling up. Accuracy is listed as plus or minus 15 percent, so treat the output as a guide within your own system rather than a finished reading.
Ambient Weather WH31SM Soil Moisture Sensor: Best for Ambient Weather stations
- Wireless 915 MHz sensor
- Compatible with WS-2000 and WS-5000 consoles
- 71-second refresh rate
The WH31SM sends soil moisture data to compatible Ambient Weather consoles and supports up to 8 channels. It can also work with AmbientWeather.net for dashboard access and alerts.
Pros
- Wireless readings at 71-second intervals
- Supports up to 8 sensors
- Two-point soil type calibration in console software
Cons
- Requires compatible Ambient Weather equipment
- Calibrate before installation, at no more than 4 in deep
The Ambient Weather WH31SM sends soil moisture data to compatible consoles, including WS-2000 and WS-5000. It refreshes every 71 seconds and supports up to 8 channels.
Its wireless range is up to 300 ft line of sight and about 100 ft in most conditions. Data can also reach AmbientWeather.net for dashboard access, alerts and integrations through Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT.
The ceramic cap acts like a breathing filter for exchanging soil moisture with the internal sensor. That design can make the sensor less sensitive to soil density across clay, sand, soil and potting soil.
It uses one AA battery, not included, and requires compatible equipment for console or cloud viewing. Calibrate before installation and keep the sensor no more than 4 in deep.
Choose it if you already have a compatible Ambient Weather setup. If you use an Orbit B-hyve controller, check whether an Orbit B-hyve can use a soil moisture sensor before planning a link between the systems.
The IP66 waterproof design suits outdoor placement, but range will vary with soil, structures and distance. Two-point calibration in the console software can help readings reflect the soil type in use.
IPPINKA Sustee Aquameter: Best for simple leave-in indicators
- Leave-in moisture indicator
- Color changes from white to blue
- Set of 4 with refillable cores
The slim sticks stay in soil and use a color change to indicate moisture for small pots. They are intended for soils with good water retention.
Pros
- Continuous leave-in indicator
- No batteries needed
- Refillable cores
Cons
- Designed for small pots
- Core replacement is suggested after about 6 to 9 months
Sustee is a leave-in indicator for small pots, where a visible signal can reduce the need to insert and remove a probe. The stick changes from white when watering is needed to blue when the soil has enough water.
The small size is intended for pot sizes 2, 2.5 and 3, and the set includes 4 sticks with refillable cores. It needs no batteries and is intended for soils with good water retention.
The slim design can blend into a pot and suit homes, nurseries and greenhouse benches where a simple glance is enough. A color change is easy to read for anyone helping with watering.
This is not a field sensor for collecting numerical readings or managing several irrigation zones. Each stick's core lasts about 6 to 9 months, so mark the replacement date to keep the color trustworthy.
Choose it for small potted plants near a greenhouse workspace or nursery bench, rather than crop rows. Use one stick per small pot and check the color before watering.
Spider Farmer GGS 3 in 1 Soil: Best for connected grow systems
- Measures soil temperature, moisture and EC
- Connects to GGS controller or power strip
- Supports up to 6 sensors
The sensor combines three soil readings with app charts when connected to a GGS controller or power strip. Automatic irrigation needs the compatible power strip and drip system.
Pros
- Three soil measurements
- Historical charts in the app
- Supports multiple sensors
Cons
- Requires compatible GGS equipment
- Designed for an indoor garden system
The Spider Farmer GGS sensor reads soil temperature, moisture and EC, then connects to a GGS controller or power strip over an RJ12 cable. The app can show real-time data and historical charts.
The Pro version supports up to 6 soil sensors and offers substrate choices for yellow clay, peat soil and coconut coir. Automatic irrigation requires a GGS power strip and drip irrigation system.
Three readings in one sensor can suit growers who track nutrient levels alongside water. EC can add context when feeding strength changes, while temperature can help explain slow drying in a controlled space.
The sealed 304 stainless steel probes resist water, chemicals and corrosion for long-term buried monitoring. For best results, insert the sensor horizontally so all three probes are fully embedded in the soil.
This sensor is designed for an indoor garden system, making it a specialized choice compared with a standalone field probe. Its three measurements may suit controlled growing spaces where the GGS equipment is already in use.
Choose it when you want moisture alongside soil temperature and EC in a connected grow setup. It needs compatible GGS components for use.
The app charts let you review trends by custom date range. That can help you see how moisture, temperature and EC move together after feeding or watering changes.
Up to 12 programmable irrigation cycles are available with the power strip and drip system. Set the moisture trigger carefully, then check the charts to confirm the schedule fits the crop.
How should you choose an agricultural soil moisture sensor?
Choose a soil moisture sensor for agriculture by matching its measurement depth, readout and connectivity to the decisions you need to make. A one-time manual reading and a remote irrigation trigger call for different equipment.
Which probe depth matches the crop?
Place a sensor at a depth that represents the crop's active root zone, and consider more than one depth if you need to understand water movement. Follow the sensor's stated installation limit.
The ECOWITT WH51L uses a long wire probe and measures deeper soil up to almost 80 cm. The Ambient Weather WH31SM should be calibrated before installation at no more than 4 in deep.
Root depth changes as a crop grows, so placement may change during the season. Seedlings may need a shallower check, while established plants may benefit from a deeper reading.
A local display or dial is enough when someone can visit the point and record the result. Remote readings help when sensors are spread across beds, rows or zones that are not walked every day.
Connected options depend on gateways, consoles or hubs, and signal range can limit where a sensor works well. Check the required equipment before you buy.
Soil type can change how a probe reads moisture, especially where contact between probe and soil is poor. Use calibration options where they are available, and keep placement consistent for fair comparisons.
In loose or airy media, firm the material around a probe so it contacts moisture-holding particles. In hard soil, avoid forcing a probe, as damage can affect both the tool and the roots.
For irrigation control, confirm that the sensor, controller and watering hardware work together. Match depth, readout and connectivity to the decision you make most often.
Do you need a local display or remote readings?
A local dial or LCD is enough when someone can visit the measurement point and record results. Remote monitoring can help when sensors sit across multiple areas, but it depends on supported equipment and signal range.
The XLUX and Gain Express meters suit manual checks. The WH51L needs an ECOWITT gateway or console for connected data, and the WH31SM needs compatible Ambient Weather equipment.
How will soil type affect readings?
Use the sensor's calibration options when readings need to reflect a specific soil type. Soil contact and texture can affect measurements, so place probes consistently and follow instructions for calibration and installation.
The WH0291 has custom low and high values, while Ambient Weather console software supports two-point calibration by soil type. In loose or airy media, make sure a probe contacts moisture-holding material.
Can the sensor connect to irrigation?
A sensor can inform watering decisions without controlling irrigation equipment. For automatic watering, check that the sensor, controller, network and irrigation hardware work together.
The Spider Farmer GGS sensor supports automatic irrigation when paired with a compatible GGS power strip and drip irrigation system. An Orbit B-hyve setup may require a different approach, so confirm compatibility before buying a sensor for control.
Which soil moisture sensor is the right fit for your field?
Choose the ECOWITT WH51L if you need deeper remote readings and can add a compatible gateway or console. Pick the Ambient Weather WH31SM for a supported Ambient Weather system, or the XLUX for simple manual checks without batteries.
For app access, choose RAINPOINT if its separate compatible hub suits your setup. For crop management that needs more than moisture, the Spider Farmer GGS combines moisture, temperature and EC readings within its connected system.
If you only need occasional spot checks, a manual meter may be the simplest fit. The XLUX gives a dial reading at depth, while Gain Express adds a pH check for soil routines that track both values.
Use the ECOWITT WH0291 when custom low and high calibration matters for different soil types. Its LCD readout and 72-second measurement can suit repeated manual checks in gardens, lawns and pots.
For DIY projects, the Songhe modules offer capacitive sensing in a five-pack. They need compatible electronics, so they fit builders who already have a board, wiring and software plan.
The Sustee Aquameter suits small pots where a color change is enough. It is a leave-in indicator, not a field system for numerical records or irrigation zones.
Before you decide, list your points, soil types and preferred readout style. Then check depth limits, calibration steps and the exact gateway, console or hub required for connected data.
That short list should point you to the right fit for your field. Choose the sensor you can install correctly, read clearly and use for watering decisions each week.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for deep spot checks
XLUX Long Probe Plant Soil Moisture Meter
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for calibrated digital checks
ECOWITT WH0291 Soil Moisture Tester Plant Soil
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What should an agricultural soil moisture sensor measure?
Choose a sensor that measures moisture at the depth where crop roots draw water. A single shallow reading may miss a drier layer below, so compare probe depth with the crop and soil profile.
For field management, also check whether you need a local readout, a console, or remote data.
Are wireless soil moisture sensors for agriculture useful?
Wireless sensors can help you review readings without visiting each measurement point, but they depend on compatible gateways, consoles or hubs. The ECOWITT WH51L needs a compatible Ecowitt gateway or console for connected data, while the Ambient Weather WH31SM pairs with supported consoles.
Check the required equipment and expected range before planning a field layout.
Can a soil moisture meter work in different soil types?
Readings can vary with soil type and contact between the probe and soil. The ECOWITT WH0291 offers custom low and high calibration, and Ambient Weather console software supports two-point soil type calibration for the WH31SM.
Calibrate according to the sensor instructions and compare readings with the same placement method.
How deep should I place a soil moisture sensor?
Place the sensor at a depth that represents the crop's active root zone, then consider a second depth if you need to track water movement through the profile. The ECOWITT WH51L wire probe can measure deeper soil, while the Ambient Weather WH31SM should be installed no more than 4 in deep.
Follow each sensor's depth and calibration instructions.
Can a soil moisture sensor control irrigation?
Some connected systems can use moisture readings to guide watering, but the sensor alone may not switch valves or pumps. Spider Farmer's GGS soil sensor can support automatic irrigation when paired with a GGS power strip and drip irrigation system.
Confirm that the controller, sensor and irrigation hardware work together before building an automated setup.
