Product type · Precision soil sensors and telemetry
Tensiometers
What is a tensiometers?
Tensiometers measure how tightly soil holds water through a water-filled porous ceramic cup, giving a direct reading of soil-water tension. Mechanical versions need no battery or soil calibration, but they must be refilled and work only in moist-to-moderate soil.
Organic collection: Soil-water readings help avoid over-watering and nutrient leaching from organic fertilisers. Supporting practice only — sustainability benefit, not an organic input.
Documented specification examples
Examples from commercial datasheets and independent sources reviewed by SeedMatch on 26 October 2026 (source records held on file). They are not universal ranges, guarantees or offers; confirm every value in the supplier's quotation.
| Gauge range (example) | 0–100 kPa |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature (example) | about 0.5–65 °C |
| Gauge accuracy (example) | ASME Grade B gauge |
Typical applications: Irrigation scheduling, greenhouse substrates, research.
Indicative price: not published — no current, comparable sourced price was found. Prices come only from reviewed quotations.
Evidenced sourcing countries: United States, Germany (not a market ranking).
Advantages
- Direct tension measurement
- No calibration to soil type
- Mechanical versions need no power
Limitations and risks
- Needs refilling and servicing
- Limited range in dry soil
- Point measurement at one depth
Maintenance
- Refill and de-air
- Service ceramic cups
- Protect from frost
Sustainability and compliance
Very low energy; simple to read in the field.
Distinguish matric tension from water content when comparing with other sensors.
Questions to ask in your RFQ
- What depths should be monitored?
- Is a logging or manual gauge version needed?
- How often must it be refilled in your climate?
Components it depends on and projects that use it
Used in project kits: Export sweet cherry orchard, Organic soil-grown greenhouse vegetables
Compare with related types
| Type | Maturity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tensiometers | Mature | Irrigation scheduling, greenhouse substrates, research. |
| Capacitance (FDR) soil moisture probes | Mature | Irrigation scheduling in orchards, vegetables and substrates. |
| Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) soil moisture systems | Mature | Irrigation research, high-value orchards, trials. |
| Soil EC and salinity sensors | Established | Salinity and leaching management, fertigated crops. |
| Wireless and LoRaWAN field telemetry | Established | Remote soil, weather and water monitoring. |
Questions buyers ask
Tensiometers measure how tightly soil holds water through a water-filled porous ceramic cup, giving a direct reading of soil-water tension. Mechanical versions need no battery or soil calibration, but they must be refilled and work only in moist-to-moderate soil.
Refill and de-air. Service ceramic cups. Protect from frost.
Needs refilling and servicing. Limited range in dry soil. Point measurement at one depth.
Distinguish matric tension from water content when comparing with other sensors.
Add it to your shortlist with quantities and notes, then generate an RFQ. Our team reviews every request and coordinates suppliers; buyers and suppliers are not put in direct contact. Projects are qualified from USD 250,000.
Request tensiometers through SeedMatch
Requests go through SeedMatch Group. Our team reviews each request and coordinates supplier contact; buyers and suppliers are not put in direct contact. The buyer service is free, and projects are qualified from USD 250,000.
SeedMatch does not manufacture, sell or certify equipment and has no contracts implied with any manufacturer. Suppliers remain responsible for product compliance and export requirements.
Availability and the ability to trade depend on the law of each origin, destination and transit country and on the relevant permits and approvals. SeedMatch Group is not a manufacturer, importer, exporter, seller or regulatory approver; requests are reviewed by our team before any commercial introduction. Each participant is responsible for the requirements of its own role under applicable law: suppliers for their products in the origin and destination countries, buyers for their own import permissions and due diligence. We do not guarantee any supplier's compliance. Participant responsibilities · Regulation & restricted items