Scientists have developed a soil moisture sensor to ensure fruit and vegetables are irrigated accurately, while enhancing environmentally friendly farming practices.

A collaboration between the University of Warwick and Herefordshire based McBurney Scientific has led to the development of the soil moisture sensor.

The battery-powered probe aims to simplify the task of measuring and reduce the costs of irrigation scheduling by more than £10 per hectare. It also provides a record for suppliers on the use of environmentally friendly growing practices.

Dr Terry McBurney, owner of McBurney Scientific, said: “The new moisture sensor provides essential information on the level of moisture in the soil, soil temperature and soil tension. This enables farmers to grow more intelligently and mitigate the effects of under or over watering.”