Irrigation decision support systems (IDSS) are integrated solutions that combine and interpret real-time meteorological, soil moisture and crop water stress data to help growers make more efficient irrigation decisions.
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WildEye 4G IoT + Sentek Drill & Drop
The Sentek Drill & Drop Probe is capable of measuring soil temperature, soil moisture, and salinity. It is available in sizes ranging from 12in to 48in.
Hub Highlights:
The Sentek Drill & Drop Probe is capable of measuring soil temperature, soil moisture, and salinity. It is available in sizes ranging from 12in to 48in.
Installation is performed by WildEye.
Without built-in telemetry, the Sentek Drill & Drop Probe relies on WildEye 4G IoT to upload data to the cloud.
618.75/year for each drill and drop probe. Set evaluated included: 3 drill and drop probes, 3 data loggers, 3 Watermark sensors, mounting bracket, antenna, extension cables, labor, and annual subscription charges for a total of $7472.45 annually, or 6572.45 subtracting the Watermark sensors
Last Edited on: December 2025
Manufacturer
WildEye
Sensor(s) Evaluated
Soil Moisture
Data Resolution
Hourly reporting
Canopy/Field Coverage
Dependent on the crop, topography, and goals of the farmer. The standard recommendation is one device per management zone.
Type of Telemetry
Minimum 4G
Sensor Height/depth
24 inches probe; 6 sensors installed at 4 inch interval within the probe
Soil Based
Data unavailable
Last Edited on: December 2025
Sample Size
3
Intersensor Variaibility
5.1±3.6%
Correlation with Research Grade Instrumentation
0.86
Annual operating power of sensor - 30 acre farm (kWh/ha)
self-contained solar
Annual operating power of sensor - 300 acre farm (kWh/ha)
self-contained solar
Annual operating power of sensor - 3000 acre farm (kWh/ha)
self-contained solar
Potential energy savings from reduced irrigation water pumping due to more accurate water consumption usage data
12%
Calculated potential energy savings by water source: Surface water (kWh/ha)
11
Calculated potential energy savings by water source: Shallow groundwater - 8 m well (kWh/ha)
45
Calculated potential energy savings by water source: Deep groundwater - 50 m well (kWh/ha)
192
COMET estimate of power savings (kWh/ha)
14.4
DNDC model N2O emission reductions (kg N/ha/yr)
0.14
DNDC model CH4 emission reductions (kg C/ha/yr)
no appreciable differences based on model
Last Edited on: December 2025
Data Collection
Product evaluators at the UC Davis California Lighting Technology Center identified and assessed system characteristics related to user experience.
Sample Size
3
Usability and Performance
How does the IDSS appear in the grower's field and how often can/should the user interface with the IDSS?
The Sentek Drill and Drop probe is installed belowground by WildEye with a small cap visible at the surface and its installation depth has flexibility (we evaluated 48"). Users can access probe outputs instantaneously via smartphone apps and should monitor at the scale of Irrigation scheduling (daily-weekly)
Installation
How long does installation take and who does installation?
The company installs the sensors and coordinates with the grower on the best day/time for sensor installation. Installation takes a couple of hours.
Installation/Removal
Can this remain in place around planting, harvest activities?
In annual crops like processing tomato, installation and removal occur around planting and harvest processes. In perennial crops like almond or pistachio, the Sentek Drill and Drop probe can remain in row and can be helpful also during the winter months to observe the soil moisture profile filling with winter precipitation.
Maintenance
What types of in-season maintenance are required?
Minimal maintenance is required, but because the probes are buried, very clear signage is needed in annual systems to ensure that they do not get damaged.
