Statistical characterization of a capacitive soil moisture probe, integrated into the water balance system in agriculture in a semi-arid region

Soil water balance serves as a key indicator of moisture variability across the soil profile. Traditional instrumentation can significantly benefit from advancements in soil moisture monitoring technologies. The sensors can be integrated into precision irrigation systems. This study aimed to assess the water balance in a drainage lysimeter, integrated with a low-cost soil moisture monitoring system using the HD38 sensor. Soil moisture was tracked over a 50 cm depth using four capacitive probes. Environmental variables, including temperature and relative humidity, were monitored using a low-cost DHT11 thermo-hygrometer. Statistical analyses highlighted the dynamics of the water balance and sensor at various depths, with a particular focus on the sensor installed near the soil surface. Keywords: Arduino, irrigation, Pearson correlation, probe, soil moisture.