Low-cost technology can help small farms improve irrigation management.
A recent study presented at the EGU General Assembly 2026 explored the use of affordable soil moisture sensors in small farms in Piedmont, Italy, as part of the GUARDIANS Project.
The project tested low-cost sensors that measure soil moisture (VWC) and send data remotely, helping farmers better understand when and how much to irrigate. This is especially important as climate change is reducing summer water availability.
The study showed that:
• Sensors reacted well to rainfall and irrigation events
• Similar trends were observed between sensors
• However, differences in absolute moisture values were found between devices
Researchers identified important operational challenges, including:
• Sensor calibration
• Installation in the field
• Long-term data transmission
• Sensor reliability and drift over time
Even with these challenges, the results suggest that low-cost monitoring systems can support more efficient water use and make precision irrigation more accessible for small farmers.
The research was developed by the Polytechnic University of Turin together with partners from Italy, within the framework of the Horizon Europe funded GUARDIANS project.
Citation: Gallia, L. et al. (2026). Low-cost soil moisture monitoring: experiences from a technology transfer project for small farms. EGU General Assembly 2026.