Development of an Electronic Soil Moisture Sensor System for Irrigation Management in Vegetable Farms in Benue State

Background: Inefficient irrigation is a major constraint to vegetable farming productivity in Benue State, North Central Nigeria. Electronic soil moisture sensing offers a precise, low-cost tool for data-driven irrigation scheduling. Aim: This project developed and tested an electronic soil moisture sensor system for irrigation management in vegetable farms in Benue State. Methods: A capacitive soil moisture sensor (FC-28) was interfaced with an Arduino Nano and a 4-digit LCD display. The system was calibrated against gravimetric moisture measurements across five soil moisture levels. Field trials were conducted on tomato plots over a six-week growing period comparing sensor-guided and conventional irrigation. Results: Sensor moisture readings correlated with gravimetric measurements at r = 0.94. Sensor-guided irrigation plots received 23% less water than conventionally irrigated plots while achieving equivalent or superior tomato yield. Component cost was NGN 4,500 per unit. Conclusion: The developed soil moisture sensor system is accurate, affordable, and effective for precision irrigation management in Benue State. The study recommends integration of wireless data transmission for remote farm monitoring by extension agents. Keywords: soil moisture sensor, irrigation management, Arduino, vegetable farming, Benue State.