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Rooted in nature — problem guide

Water

Good irrigation decisions start with what is actually happening in the root zone. These guides help you check first, adjust with evidence, and bring in an installer or local adviser when a fault or drainage problem persists.

Starting points to discuss, not a diagnosis. Confirm causes on your farm with a local adviser before acting.

  1. 1. Dry root zone or wilting plants
  2. 2. Soil stays wet or over-irrigation
  3. 3. Uneven watering or leaks
01

Dry root zone or wilting plants

What you may notice

Plants droop in the afternoon, leaves curl or dull, or growth slows in part of a field.

Possible causes

Low root-zone moisture is one possibility, but heat, root damage, disease, compaction, or salinity can also cause wilting. Wilting alone is not proof of drought.

Hypothesis, not diagnosis: Treat 'too dry' as a hypothesis until moisture readings support it.

What to do

  1. Check moisture at representative root-zone depths in both affected and healthy areas, by hand probe or sensor.
  2. Compare readings with crop stage, recent rain, and soil type before deciding the crop needs water.
  3. Adjust irrigation in measured amounts, then recheck moisture and plant response over the next days.

Read the explanation

University of Minnesota Extension: Soil moisture sensors for irrigation scheduling (opens in new tab)Oregon State University Extension: Soil moisture monitoring to support irrigation scheduling (EM 9868) (opens in new tab)

Technology to explore

Multi-depth soil moisture sensors show how water moves through the root zone over time.

See technology options below
02

Soil stays wet or over-irrigation

What you may notice

Standing water, soggy soil days after irrigation, yellowing lower leaves, or algae on the surface.

Possible causes

Irrigation may be running too often or too long, or drainage, a compacted layer, or a low spot may hold water.

Hypothesis, not diagnosis: Wet-soil symptoms overlap with root disease; confirm before assuming schedule alone is the cause.

What to do

  1. Measure root-zone moisture before the next scheduled irrigation instead of watering by the clock.
  2. Review run times and frequency against readings, and walk the field for drainage problems or low spots.
  3. If waterlogging persists after schedule changes, ask local Extension or a drainage professional to assess the site.

Local expert note: Persistent waterlogging often needs a site-specific drainage assessment.

Read the explanation

University of Minnesota Extension: Soil moisture sensors for irrigation scheduling (opens in new tab)Oregon State University Extension: Soil moisture monitoring to support irrigation scheduling (EM 9868) (opens in new tab)

Technology to explore

Sensor readings or a monitored controller can show when the root zone is already wet enough to skip a cycle.

See technology options below
03

Uneven watering or leaks

What you may notice

Dry and wet strips, wet spots along lines, pressure drops, or zones that behave differently.

Possible causes

Leaks, clogged filters or emitters, pressure problems, or a design mismatch between zones.

Hypothesis, not diagnosis: One wet spot is a clue, not a system diagnosis; compare zones before replacing parts.

What to do

  1. Compare zones side by side and record flow and pressure readings where your system allows.
  2. Inspect visible leaks, filters, and emitters following the manufacturer's maintenance procedure.
  3. Involve your installer for faults you cannot safely fix, then recheck uniformity after repairs.

Read the explanation

Oregon State University Extension: Soil moisture monitoring to support irrigation scheduling (EM 9868) (opens in new tab)University of Minnesota Extension: Soil moisture sensors for irrigation scheduling (opens in new tab)

Technology to explore

Irrigation monitoring and control platforms can flag flow or pressure changes between zones.

See technology options below

Curated external options • Checked September 28, 2026

Technology and products to explore

External product information. Ask the supplier for current pricing and confirm fit for your farm.

Established product

CropX Apex sensor

CropX

Addresses: Dry root zone and over-irrigation

How it helps: Measures soil moisture, temperature, and electrical conductivity (EC) at multiple depths and reports them to the CropX platform.

Getting started

  1. Choose representative locations per management zone
  2. Install per manufacturer guidance and confirm readings
  3. Review trends before each irrigation decision

Check before buying

  • Crop, soil type, and acreage fit
  • Cellular or network connectivity at the site
  • Calibration and placement support
  • Ongoing fees, service coverage, and warranty terms
  • Ask supplier for current pricing
Product details / request a quote (opens in new tab)
Established product

Netafim GrowSphere

Netafim

Addresses: Uneven watering and scheduling

How it helps: Digital irrigation and fertigation monitoring and control for compatible systems.

Getting started

  1. Confirm compatibility with existing valves and controllers
  2. Plan setup with a Netafim dealer or installer
  3. Use monitoring alerts alongside field inspections

Check before buying

  • Compatibility with your irrigation hardware
  • Connectivity and power at control points
  • Installer availability and training
  • Ongoing fees, service coverage, and warranty terms
  • Ask supplier for current pricing
Product details / request a quote (opens in new tab)

Find manufacturers on Alibaba

Alibaba lists manufacturers and trading companies. Check the company profile and factory assessment to confirm who makes the product. These marketplace links are separate from the official manufacturer pages above. Confirm seller identity and any claimed brand authorization with the supplier.

Buying note: how to compare suppliers
  • Specifications: confirm model, materials, ratings, and compatibility in writing.
  • MOQ: check the minimum order quantity and sample options.
  • Total landed cost: include shipping, duties, taxes, and customs brokerage.
  • Warranty and local service: ask who handles repairs, spare parts, and support where you farm.

No purchases or supplier messages happen on this site.

Concept demo prepared by Geuzane Castro for Doug’s feedback. No purchases happen on this site.