Southern Idaho farmers turn to soil sensors to conserve water

BURLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — As drought conditions and water shortages continue to impact southern Idaho, some farmers are turning to new technology to help stretch every drop of water.

Producers in the Mini-Cassia region are using soil moisture sensors that provide real-time data about moisture levels underground, helping them make more informed irrigation decisions.

The project, now in its third year, involves farmers in the East Cassia, Minidoka and West Cassia soil and water conservation districts.

According to the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission, several farmers using the sensors discovered they had been overwatering their crops and were able to reduce sprinkler rotations after monitoring soil conditions more closely.

"It's been really insightful to see what the soil moisture conditions are," East Cassia farmer Jason Webb said. "It's been a good tool for us."

The sensors, made by Soiltech, are buried several inches below the surface and measure soil moisture, humidity and temperature in the plant root zone. Farmers can track the information through an app on their smartphones or computers.

The technology comes at a critical time for many producers facing reduced water supplies. An AT&T-Soiltech case study found irrigators using soil moisture sensors reduced water use by about 10%, according to the conservation commission newsletter.

University of Idaho Extension Irrigation Specialist Emily Bedwell said the sensors can help producers better understand how much water is available in the root zone, where crops absorb moisture. Different crops also have different water needs throughout the growing season.

The Mini-Cassia moisture monitoring project began in 2024 when local conservation districts partnered with growers to test whether the technology could improve irrigation management. Twelve farmers signed up for the project and 52 sensors were purchased. At the conclusion of the three-year project, participating growers will keep the equipment.

Officials say conserving water is becoming increasingly important as drought conditions continue and water supplies remain tight across parts of southern Idaho.