Chameleon Soil Moisture Sensor
Dr. Richard Stirzaker
Chameleon Soil Moisture Sensor is an instrument which measures water level and moisture content of soil to help farmers to know when to irrigate.
The Chameleon Field Reader and Sensor Starter Kit is a prototype sensor designed to increase water management techniques for smallholder irrigators on their farms. Applications of the Chameleon sensor include providing information on when to irrigate to avoid water stress, how to avoid water-logging, determining when the profile is susceptible to fertilizer leaching, and improving the usefulness of rainfall. This sensor can also help farmers determine where the roots are actively taking up water giving farmers insight on when to irrigate and how much water to apply. The kit includes a field reader, sensor array, connector, and battery charging cable.
Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research helps facilitate and fund this agricultural project. CSIRO oversees distribution of the product.
The kit is currently priced at $210; however, this product is still in the prototype phase and prices will be lower once commercialized.Interview with representative
Conventional tensiometers.
Goal 2: improve food security by reducing crop loss associated with improper irrigation techniques.
Farmers in resource poor settings.
