Hookup Guide
SchematicProduct Overview
Keeping your plants perfectly watered shouldn't require a complex setup. The SparkFun Soil Moisture Sensor is a straightforward, easy-to-use breakout board designed to measure soil moisture and similar materials. It operates on a simple principle: the two large exposed pads act as probes, functioning together as a variable resistor. The more water present in the soil, the better the conductivity between the pads. This results in a lower resistance and a higher analog signal (SIG) output, giving you accurate data for your soil's hydration.
Ready to Wire
For anyone who wants to skip soldering extra parts and get straight to planting, this version of the Soil Moisture Sensor comes with a 3-pin screw terminal pre-soldered directly to the board. Getting this sensor up and running is as simple as stripping your wires (or using jumper wires), inserting them into the terminal, and tightening them down with a screwdriver. Just route the VCC, GND, and SIG connections to your Arduino or compatible development board, and you are ready to start moisture data!
ENIG Finish
A notoriously common issue with traditional contact-based soil sensors is their short lifespan in continuously wet, muddy environments. To combat this corrosion and significantly extend the board's life, we have coated the PCB with a high-quality Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG) finish. This gold plating provides a robust layer of protection against the elements, ensuring your automated garden, smart greenhouse, or desk planter stays monitored for much longer than standard tin-plated boards.
Be sure to check out our Hookup Guide for our tips on weatherproofing your sensor's electronics and a simple starter project to get you growing right away!
