RS485 Soil pH, Moisture, and Temperature Monitoring Sensor in Soil-less Cultivation (Anti-corrosion, 5-30V) WITH RS485 Shield for Arduino

This RS485 soil temperature, humidity, and pH sensor supports a broad voltage power supply range (5-30V) and communicates data through the reliable MODBUS-RTU protocol, allowing for seamless integration into existing automated irrigation systems. It can be paired with an Arduino UNO and a TTL to RS485 expansion board for easy setup. By ensuring optimal pH, moisture, and temperature levels, this Anti-corrosion soil sensor helps prevent over- or under-watering and maintains nutrient balance for hydroponics and soil-less cultivation

The protection level of the soil sensor is IP68, and it is vacuum-filled and sealed with black flame-retardant epoxy resin. The probe material is made of 316 stainless steel, which is rust-proof, waterproof, anti-corrosion, salt-alkali corrosion resistance, and long-term electrolysis resistance. It is more affected by the soil salt content. It is small, can be buried in the soil for a long time, and is suitable for various soil types.

Wiring Diagram of soil sensor and Arduino Uno

Probe Material – 316 Stainless Steel

Soil sensors are widely used in agricultural irrigation, greenhouses, flowers and vegetables, grassland and pastures, soil rapid testing, plant cultivation, scientific experiments, grain storage and the measurement of moisture content and temperature of various particulate matter.

Soil temperature has a direct impact on plant growth. Proper soil temperatures help promote plant root growth and the ability to absorb nutrients. Generally speaking, higher soil temperature is helpful for plant growth because it can increase plant metabolism, promote nutrient absorption and transport, and increase plant microbial synthesis capabilities, thereby promoting plant growth rate and yield.

In addition, appropriate soil moisture helps plant roots absorb water and nutrients and maintains water balance within plant cells. If the soil moisture is too low, plant roots will be limited in absorbing water, which can lead to plant dehydration, stagnant growth, or even death. Excessive soil moisture may cause hypoxia in plant roots, hinder normal respiration and nutrient absorption of roots, and thus affect plant growth and development.

Soil pH, also known as “soil reaction”. It is an acid-base reaction of the soil solution, which mainly depends on the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil solution, expressed by the pH value. A solution with a pH value equal to 7 is a neutral solution; a solution with a pH value less than 7 is an acidic reaction; a solution with a pH value greater than 7 is an alkaline reaction. Soil pH can generally be divided into the following levels:

pH value Soil acidity and alkalinity

＜4.5 Extremely acidic

4.5-5.5 Strongly acidic

5.5-6.5 acidic

6.5-7.5 Neutral

7.5-8.5 alkaline

8.5-9.5 Strongly alkaline

>9.5 Extremely alkaline

How to install and use the soil sensor

For more detailed insights on selecting the most suitable sensor, refer to the guide on [How to Select the Best Soil Moisture Sensors for Agriculture and Research Lab].