Global market outlook for soil moisture sensors

According to Technavio’s market research analysts, the global market for soil moisture sensors will experience rapid growth and will post a profound CAGR of almost 15% by 2020. The extensive use of soil moisture sensors for the maintenance of sports turf will result in the impressive growth of this market over the forecast period. An important part of maintaining a sports turf is managing water content. This factor affects the performance in terms of ball roll and bounce, but it also affects the growth of the grass, break down of organic matter, the ability of nutrients to move to the roots, and build up within the soil or as a thatch, fauna and flora populations within the root zone, including pathogen populations, and trafficking of the green by club members and grounds staff. Apart from its role in monitoring soil moisture, these sensors can also focus on drainage issues, potential turf stress onset, the evenness of irrigation, or hydrophobicity development.

In terms of geography, the global market for soil moisture sensors was dominated by the Americas, which accounted for more than 55% of the total market share. The presence of a strong agriculture market in this region is a major factor necessitating the adoption of soil moisture sensors during the forecast period. Additionally, factors such as the increased use of computers, scientific soil and crop analysis, and other sophisticated machineries will also lead to the growth of this market over the next four years.

Competitive landscape and key vendors

This market is consolidated and is marked by the presence of intense competition between the existing players and the new vendors. The demand for soil moisture sensors is very high across industries like agriculture, residential and commercial landscaping, and sports turfs. The prices of soil moisture sensors that companies offer do not vary much in the overall market. However, the prices do vary only in terms of bulk offerings and quality.

Leading vendors in this market are -

• Acclima
• AquaCheck
• Decagon Devices
• Delta-T Devices
• IRROMETER
• Sentek
• Stevens Water Monitoring Systems
• The Toro

Segmentation by type and analysis of the soil moisture sensors market

• Gypsum block
• GMS
• Tensiometer
• Probes
• Capacitance sensor
• TDT

During 2015, the gypsum block segment dominated this market by accounting for more than 27% of the total market share. Gypsum blocks are porous blocks that are buried in the soil at rooting depth. The blocks have electrodes, which record the electrical conductivity of the block that is assumed to be equal to that of the soil. Its cheap cost and easy to maintain quality makes it the most popular soil moisture sensor.

Segmentation by application and analysis of the soil moisture sensors market

• Agriculture
• Residential and commercial landscape
• Sports turf

The agriculture segment was the largest revenue contributor to the global soil moisture sensor market during 2015 and is envisaged to account for more than 71% of the total revenue share by 2020. Soil moisture sensors help farmers to decide on irrigation scheduling. Irrigation scheduling helps determine the correct frequency and duration of watering. Also, it helps reduce losses on-farm from leaking pipes or equipment. Soil moisture sensors, thus, help to conserve water by guiding the grower to apply the right amount required for optimum crop growth throughout the growing season.

Key questions answered in the report include

• What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2020?
• What are the key factors driving the global soil moisture sensors market?
• What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global soil moisture sensors market?
• What are the challenges to market growth?
• Who are the key vendors in the global soil moisture sensors market?
• What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global soil moisture sensors market?
• Trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.
• What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global soil moisture sensors market?

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