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.
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.
Integration & Weatherproofing Information
Getting this sensor up and running is almost as simple as reading its analog voltage. Just connect the VCC, GND, and SIG pins to your Arduino or compatible development board by soldering a connector to the three available standard through-holes. That being said, we highly recommend soldering on a 3-pin screw terminal or a 3-pin jumper wire assembly for a secure, long-lasting connection. 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!
