Soil Moisture Sensors Market

Soil Moisture Sensors Market Size:

The global soil moisture sensors market size reached US$ 245.4 Million in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 678.8 Million by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6% during 2024-2032. The market is experiencing robust growth, driven by advancements in sensor technology, the increasing adoption of precision agriculture, a heightened focus on water conservation, the rising demand for high-quality crops, and the growing impact of climate change on agriculture

Soil Moisture Sensors Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The market is driven by the widespread adoption of precision agriculture techniques to enhance crop yield and optimize water use, the growing global demand for food and the necessity to improve agricultural productivity. Moreover, the development of more accurate, durable, and cost-effective soil moisture sensors is favoring the market growth.
• Key Market Trends: Based on the soil moisture sensors market analysis, the ongoing shift towards wireless connectivity in soil moisture sensors that leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for real-time data monitoring and analysis, is supporting the market growth.
• Geographical Trends: According to the soil moisture sensor market outlook, North America is leading the market due to the expansion of agriculture and a strong focus on water conservation. Moreover, other regions are witnessing substantial growth in the market, fueled by advanced agricultural practices and strong governmental policies on sustainability and technological innovation in farming.
• Competitive Landscape: As per the soil moisture sensors market overview, some of the major market players include Acclima Inc., Campbell Scientific Inc., Delta-T Devices, E.S.I. Environmental Sensors (SUCO), Imko Micromodultechnik (Endress+Hauser), Irrometer Company, Sentek (Scientific Digital Imaging Plc), Spectrum Technologies (Transcat), Stevens Water Monitoring Systems and The Toro Company, among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: According to the soil moisture sensor market statistics, the industry faces numerous challenges, such as the high initial cost and complexity of installation for some systems, particularly for small-scale farmers and in developing countries. However, the rising opportunities for the development of more cost-effective and user-friendly solutions is enhancing the market growth.
   

Soil Moisture Sensors Market Trends:

Growing Emphasis on Precision Agriculture

The heightened emphasis on precision agriculture is a key driver for the soil moisture sensors market growth. The precision agriculture industry is growing at a rate of 9.9% annually and is estimated to reach US$ 20.2 Billion by 2032. Soil moisture sensors are crucial in precision agriculture as they provide accurate and timely information about the moisture content of the soil. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) have provided almost $200 million for precision agriculture research and development (R&D) funding in fiscal years 2017 to 2021, boosting the growth of soil moisture sensor market in 2021. The move towards precision agriculture is driven by the need to increase efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector amidst growing global food demand and concerns over resource conservation. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report recorded that between 691 and 783 million people faced hunger in 2022, accounting for an increase of 122 million people compared to 2019. The report also highlighted that 2.4 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity, and 900 million people faced severe food insecurity.

Increasing Awareness about Water Conservation

According to the soil moisture sensors market recent developments, the rising global concerns over water scarcity and the burgeoning need for conservation have led to a heightened awareness of the importance of efficient water use. According to the report published by UNESCO, 3.6 billion lack access to safely managed sanitation, and 2 bn people do not have safe drinking water. Soil moisture sensors contribute significantly to water conservation efforts by ensuring that irrigation is optimized to meet the plants' needs without wastage. Moreover, governments and environmental organizations worldwide are promoting the use of sustainable water management practices to conserve water. The Indian government has been promoting the adoption of micro-irrigation systems, allowing water to embed directly into the roots of plants to minimize wastage. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) focuses on expanding micro-irrigation techniques to cover more than one crore hectare of land. It improves water use efficiency, boosts crop yield, and significantly conserves water resources.

Rapid Advancements in Sensor Technology

According to the soil moisture sensor market recent developments, rapid technological advancements in sensor technology have led to the creation of more accurate, durable, and cost-effective soil moisture sensors. The introduction of microwave remote sensing and wireless sensor networks that make use of low-cost soil moisture sensors have increased the availability of soil moisture information to a large degree. In addition, new soil-moisture-monitoring techniques, such as cosmic-ray neutron sensors, provide constant noninvasive and contactless measurements of soil moisture dynamics from the field to the catchment scale. These improvements have expanded the applications of soil moisture sensors beyond agriculture to landscaping, sports turf management, and environmental monitoring, boosting the soil moisture sensors market share. The integration of sensors with IoT (Internet of Things) technology has further enhanced their utility by enabling remote monitoring and data analysis in real time. The development of narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) communication technology has enhanced the real-time measurement of soil moisture.

Soil Moisture Sensors Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on type, sensor, connectivity, and application.

Breakup by Type:

• Volumetric Soil Moisture Sensors
• Soil Water Potential Sensors
   

Volumetric soil moisture sensors account for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes volumetric soil moisture sensors and soil water potential sensors. According to the report, volumetric soil moisture sensors represented the largest segment.

According to the soil moisture sensors market statistics, volumetric soil moisture sensors accounted for the largest market share as they are designed to measure the volume of water contained within a soil sample, providing data as a percentage of the soil's total volume. They utilize technologies such as time domain reflectometry (TDR), capacitance, and dielectric constant measurement to assess the water content. Moreover, volumetric soil moisture sensors are lauded for their accuracy and ease of use, boosting their application in agriculture, research studies, and environmental monitoring to assess soil health and water conservation practices. 

Breakup by Sensor:

• Gypsum Blocks
• Granular Matrix Sensors
• Tensiometers
• Probes
• Capacitance Sensors
• TDT (Time Domain Transmissiometry) Sensors
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the sensor have also been provided in the report. This includes gypsum blocks, granular matrix sensors, tensiometers, probes, capacitance sensors, and TDT (Time Domain Transmissiometry) sensors.

According to the soil moisture sensors market trends, gypsum blocks operate on the principle that the electrical resistance of gypsum changes with moisture content. They are buried in the soil, and their resistance is measured to estimate the soil moisture level. Gypsum block sensors are cost-effective and durable, making them suitable for long-term moisture monitoring in agriculture and research.

Granular matrix sensors measure soil moisture by absorbing water from the soil and using a solid-state electrical resistance technique to determine moisture levels. They are known for their durability and the ability to provide consistent long-term data without being affected by soil salinity levels. Granular matrix sensors are useful in situations where minimal maintenance and long-term deployment are desired, such as in environmental monitoring and forestry applications.

As per the soil moisture sensors market outlook, tensiometers directly measure the soil water potential or tension, which indicates how hard plants must work to extract water from the soil. They consist of a water-filled tube sealed with a porous ceramic cup and a vacuum gauge on either end. Tensiometers are most effective in wet soils and are widely used in irrigation management to prevent over- or under-watering of crops.

Soil moisture probes are inserted in the soil to measure moisture at various depths. They utilize various technologies, including capacitance, to evaluate soil moisture based on its dielectric properties. The versatility and ease of installation of probes make them popular for agricultural and scientific applications, allowing for precise irrigation management and environmental monitoring.

Capacitance sensors are known to measure the dielectric permittivity of the soil, which changes with moisture content. They are lauded for their accuracy, rapid response time, and minimal soil disturbance. Capacitance sensors provide real-time, continuous data, making them ideal for precision agriculture applications to optimize irrigation schedules, conserve water, and improve crop yields.

TDT sensors, using time domain transmissiometry technology, are among the most advanced and precise methods for measuring soil moisture content. They send a pulse through the soil and measure the time it takes for the pulse to return. The speed of this pulse varies with the soil's moisture content. TDT sensors are highly accurate, can measure moisture across a range of soil types, and are less affected by soil salinity and temperature variations.

Breakup by Connectivity:

• Wired
• Wireless
   

Wired holds the largest share of the industry 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the connectivity. This includes wired and wireless. According to the report, wired accounted for the largest market share.

Wired soil moisture sensors dominated the market share due to their reliability, low maintenance requirements, and the ability to provide continuous, real-time data without the need for battery replacements. Moreover, rapid advancements in sensor technology and data analytics, enabling precise and consistent soil moisture monitoring that is critical for agriculture, horticulture, and environmental management, are favoring the soil moisture sensors market demand. Additionally, wired systems are preferred in large-scale agricultural operations and research facilities where the installation of permanent monitoring stations is feasible. Besides this, the robustness and accuracy of wired sensors, combined with their capacity for integration into existing agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation control systems, make them invaluable tools for optimizing water usage and enhancing crop yield.

Breakup by Application:

• Residential
• Agriculture
• Landscaping and Ground Care
• Sports Turf
• Weather Forecasting
• Forestry
• Construction and Mining
• Others
   

Agriculture exhibits a clear dominance in the market 

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application have also been provided in the report. This includes residential, agriculture, landscaping and ground care, sports turf, weather forecasting, forestry, construction and mining, and others. According to the report, agriculture accounted for the largest market share.

According to the soil moisture sensor market outlook, agriculture represented the largest segment due to the critical importance of soil moisture monitoring in optimizing irrigation, improving crop yields, and reducing water waste. They are pivotal for precision farming practices, enabling farmers to apply the right amount of water at the right time to crops, thus conserving water resources and enhancing crop health. Moreover, the rising demand for soil moisture sensors in agriculture, driven by the growing need for sustainable agricultural practices amid increasing water scarcity and climate change challenges, is fueling the market growth. Additionally, the introduction of advanced sensors integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies that allow for real-time monitoring and data analysis is positively influencing the soil moisture sensor market opportunities.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest soil moisture sensors market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for soil moisture sensors.

According to research that analyses who is the largest region in the soil moisture sensor market, North America emerged as the dominating region, with a strong focus on precision agriculture and smart landscaping solutions. Moreover, the advanced agricultural technology ecosystem, coupled with the need to address water scarcity issues, is fueling the market growth. Additionally, the presence of leading technology providers and research institutions that support the development of innovative soil moisture monitoring solutions, is contributing to the soil moisture sensors market growth opportunities.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the soil moisture sensors industry include Acclima Inc., Campbell Scientific Inc., Delta-T Devices, E.S.I. Environmental Sensors (SUCO), Imko Micromodultechnik (Endress+Hauser), Irrometer Company, Sentek (Scientific Digital Imaging Plc), Spectrum Technologies (Transcat), Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, The Toro Company, etc.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• Recent reports analyzing how big the soil moisture sensor market is highlighted that major players in the soil moisture sensor market are engaged in research and development (R&D) to innovate and improve the accuracy, durability, and functionality of their products. They are leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) technology and wireless communication to offer more sophisticated, user-friendly solutions that can be integrated into smart farming systems. Additionally, market leaders are expanding their global footprint through strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions to broaden their product portfolios and expand in various sectors, including agriculture, landscaping, and environmental monitoring. For instance, in 2020, the Toro Company acquired Venture Products (US) to grow in the professional market with an expanded product line that includes landscape, turf, and snow and ice maintenance categories, thereby positively influencing the soil moisture sensors market revenue.

Soil Moisture Sensors Market News:

• In December 2020, Spectrum Technologies announced the release of FieldScout TDR 250 Economy Soil Moisture Meter. It enhances the well-adopted TDR product line, which sets the industry standard for portable soil moisture measurement for optimizing irrigation scheduling.
• In March 2022, Toro Company partnered with Sentosa Golf Club with a 10-year agreement that includes Toro golf course maintenance products and irrigation products, landscaping tools, training, and service. Toro Company aims to partner with respected and major Asia clubs and help them achieve their carbon neutrality goals.
• In October 2021, Sentek launched Sentek Drill & Drop Connect (iOS) and Sentek Connect (Android) applications that are capable of functioning with the company's Drill & Drop Bluetooth Probes. These applications help users configure, test, and retrieve probe sensor data.

Soil Moisture Sensors Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global soil moisture sensors market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global soil moisture sensors market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global soil moisture sensors market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive soil moisture sensors market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the type?
• Which is the most attractive type in the soil moisture sensors market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the sensor?
• Which is the most attractive sensor in the soil moisture sensors market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on connectivity?
• Which is the most attractive connectivity in the soil moisture sensors market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the application?
• Which is the most attractive application in the soil moisture sensors market?
• What is the competitive structure of the market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global soil moisture sensors market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the soil moisture sensors market from 2018-2032.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global soil moisture sensors market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the soil moisture sensors industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.