John Deere Field Connect

Moisture probes have sensors that detect moisture levels in the soil. They come in different lengths to match a crop's root length: .5 meters, 1.0m, and 1.5m with 4, 5, and 6 sensors respectively. Probe readings are reliable for an entire field, up to approximately 160 acres. Different variables can affect the reliability of moisture level readings, including soil type and differences in irrigation. New models can support up to 8 probes wirelessly for each field connect unit. Up to 8 probes can connect wirelessly within 1 mile LOS from the Gateway, or up to 2 probes can connect by a wire to the gateway. The probes use a "capacitance-based" soil moisture sensing system with low soil disruption to get very accurate measurements even nearing the extremes.

The Gateway is the green box pictured above that powers the system and sends out a probe's sensor readings so you can access them from the internet. It uses both a cellular and satellite connection to ensure connectivity. The readings are transferred wirelessly (no USB sticks), so there is no hassle with data on the grower's end. Results are immediately available 24/7 online. Soil moisture is recorded every 30 minutes, and updated on the internet every 2 hours. You can see your sensor readings by going to the Field Connect App or website. The Gateway is powered by a solar panel and battery. The Gateway also has a Service Advisor diagnostic port for easy servicing.

Moisture levels are shown in an intuitive graphic display. Colored blue and red horizontal lines at the top and bottom of the graph show optimal soil moisture ranges tailored to the specific crop (above left). You can also see a graph with moisture levels for each of the multiple sensors in the probe (above right). The above pictures show relatively healthy crops with efficient irrigation. You'd be surprised how much different the graphs can look!