Spring time is here which means the weather, the soil, and your EarthScout should be warming up! In this blog we will discuss when to install your EarthScout unit, how to wake your EarthScout from its winter hibernation, and a quick overview of how to install your unit.

Pros:

• Access field specific soil temperatures and soil moisture which allows you to reduce risk when making planting decisions
  • Prevent planting into soils that are too cold or too wet for seed germination
  • Effectively apply fertilizers in ideal field conditions

• Know precisely what your soil moisture is to avoid running machinery over fields that are too wet, which can lead to compacted soils over time.
  • Compacted soils have negative effects on germination rates in the spring and water infiltration throughout the growing season.

• Monitor how different amounts or types of residue on the soil surface impact soil temperature and soil moisture.

Cons:

• You will need to remove your EarthScout unit right before planting and then reinstall in the field after planting.

Pros:

• You only have to install your EarthScout sensors once after planting time.

Cons:

• You will miss out on soil temperature data and risk planting into cold soil resulting in low germination rates
• You will miss out on soil moisture data leading up to planting
  • Planting into soil that is too wet can lead to seed rot, poor germination, and susceptibility to fungus and disease
  • Planting into soil that is too dry can lead to unsuccessful germination

Waking Up Your EarthScout From Winter Mode

If your EarthScout unit has been in storage for the off season there are a few things you will need to do to get your unit field ready.

• Charge the battery before placing it inside of the unit.
  • If you do not have a battery charger please contact us ASAP

• Make sure the solar panel is cleaned and in the correct fixed position (if it is adjustable)

• Connect your soil sensor cords to the ports located on the outside of the control box.

• Check that sensor cord wires are still intact and not frayed or chewed on.

• Log in to the EarthScout app and ensure the data is sending before heading out to the field.

Tools Needed
Shovel and/or auger
Tape measure
Garden trowel
Smart phone

We recommend talking with your Grow Coach to decide where to install your EarthScout sensors in the field. There are many variables that go into consideration when placing your EarthScout such as: elevation, soil type, topography, crop type etc.

Be sure to have your short term and long term goals in mind when placing the unit in the field. We are always here to make recommendations and to assist you in this process.

Once you have selected a location, bring your tools listed above and get started

1. Dig or auger out a hole to your desired depth.
2. Push the EarthScout unit and its legs into the soil near the hole.
3. Take your soil moisture sensors and remove the black caps that are on the ends of the stainless steel prongs.
4. Slide your sensors into the sidewall of the hole at the depths that you would like to monitor.
   Where to find recommended sensor depths: the manual that comes in your EarthScout box, the products pages on our website, contact your EarthScout Grow Coach.
5. Make sure to keep the sensors in a horizontal position and push them into the sidewall of the hole until the black box at the end of the prongs is flush with the hole wall.
   Do not use excessive force or other tools like hammers to get the sensors into the soil. This could damage the sensor and result in faulty data or no data collection at all.
6. Once the sensors are at the desired depths, back fill the hole with soil.
7. You can mark the filled in hole with survey stakes to help locate your sensors at time of uninstall
8. Before leaving the field, log into the EarthScout APP to make sure your unit is running and sending data.

Congrats! You have installed your EarthScout Field Sensors!

We have a plethora of helpful videos and tutorials on installation on our website and YouTube channel. Click here to watch!

Monitoring your field trends year-round, on an annual basis gives you insights into:
The rate at which the soil warms up in the spring for planting
How water moves through the soil profile after moisture events
How much water your soil can hold
How different cultural practices affect your crop this year and for years to come

To learn more about how you can take advantage of new IoT farm technologies, please contact us on our website or at (877) 443-7632.