Smart Irrigation Sensor Program Helps Farmers Conserve Water

By Rachel Sells

Agricultural producers in Milam and Burleson counties have access to a new tool in their water-conservation toolbelts: low-cost to no-cost smart irrigation and soil-moisture sensors. This new irrigation program is provided by the Post Oak Savannah Conservation District (POSGCD) and implemented by the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI). 

The program gives farmers an opportunity to use soil moisture sensors and smart irrigation technology resulting in reduced costs, increased crop yield and water conservation.  

“They are not losing anything by adapting this, because they are getting the equipment free with a five-year subscription already paid,” said TWRI Program Specialist Saboor Rahmany. “Landowners and farmers can use these sensors and produced datasets for decision making, and they are not required to report to someone. It's a tool for their ease and decision making.”