8-in-1 Soil Moisture sensor USB type-c

NiuBoL 8-in-1 Soil Multi-Parameter Monitor with USB Type-C Interface Soil Moisture Sensor

In the field of agricultural technology, NiuBoL's 8-in-1 Soil Multi-Parameter Monitor stands out with its convenient USB Type-C interface design. This soil moisture sensor is compatible with Android and HarmonyOS phones, allowing direct plug-in data reading. It supports measurement of multiple key parameters including soil temperature, moisture, EC (electrical conductivity), salinity, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and pH value. Equipped with a free APP for data storage, Excel export, and historical curve viewing. It adopts the FDR (Frequency Domain Reflectometry) principle, epoxy resin sealing, and 316L stainless steel probes, ensuring IP68 waterproof rating. Suitable for water-saving irrigation, greenhouse planting, and environmental monitoring scenarios.

The NiuBoL 8-in-1 Soil Multi-Parameter Monitor is an innovative portable soil testing device specifically designed for modern agriculture and environmental monitoring. Through its USB Type-C interface, it easily connects to smartphones running Android or HarmonyOS systems, achieving true plug-and-play functionality. No complicated equipment setup is required—simply download the free companion APP to monitor eight core soil parameters in real time: soil temperature, soil moisture, soil EC (electrical conductivity), soil salinity, soil available nitrogen (alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen), soil available phosphorus (effective phosphorus), soil available potassium (effective potassium), and soil pH value.

This sensor uses the FDR (Frequency Domain Reflectometry) principle for soil moisture measurement, ensuring data accuracy and stability. FDR technology calculates soil moisture content by emitting electromagnetic waves and analyzing their reflection speed in the soil. This method is minimally affected by soil type and salinity, responds quickly, and is suitable for various soil environments. Meanwhile, the sensor body is sealed with epoxy resin, and the probe uses 316L stainless steel material, providing an IP68 waterproof rating for reliable operation even in humid or rainy conditions.

The product is suitable for a wide range of application scenarios, including water-saving agricultural irrigation, meteorological monitoring, greenhouse management, flower and vegetable planting, grassland and pasture maintenance, rapid soil testing, plant cultivation, and scientific experiments. It helps users quickly obtain soil data, supports decision optimization, and improves crop yield and resource utilization efficiency.

Key Technologies and Design Highlights of 8-in-1 Soil Moisture Sensor USB Type-C

Advantages of USB Type-C Interface

The USB Type-C interface is one of the core design highlights of this soil sensor. As a universal standard, Type-C supports reversible insertion, fast transmission speed, and strong compatibility. Users simply plug the sensor directly into the phone's Type-C port to start data reading—no additional adapters or battery power required. This design greatly simplifies the operation process, especially suitable for mobile field monitoring. Compared to traditional sensors that require connection to computers or dedicated devices, NiuBoL's Type-C interface makes soil testing as simple and convenient as charging your phone.

Application of FDR Frequency Domain Reflectometry Principle

Soil moisture measurement adopts FDR frequency domain reflectometry technology, a non-destructive soil moisture detection method. The sensor emits high-frequency electromagnetic pulses and precisely calculates volumetric water content (m³/m³) by analyzing the propagation and reflection time difference of the pulses in the soil. The advantages of the FDR principle include a wide measurement range (0–100%), high accuracy (±2%), and minimal influence from soil texture, temperature, or mild salinity. Compared to time domain reflectometry (TDR) methods, FDR is more suitable for portable devices, providing more stable readings to help users accurately assess soil moisture status and avoid over- or under-irrigation.

Functions of the Free APP Software

The free companion mobile APP is a powerful extension tool for this sensor, supporting Android and HarmonyOS systems. After installation, users can perform parameter settings, data correction, real-time storage, and Excel file export. The APP also provides historical data viewing, data curve charts, Chinese/English language switching, and ensures data is associated with geographic locations for easy map analysis. When a software version update is available, the APP automatically upgrades upon launch to maintain optimized functionality.

Through the APP, users can customize calibration parameters—for example, adjusting NPK reading factors according to local soil types to improve data applicability. The data curve function allows visualization of monitoring trends, helping identify soil change patterns such as moisture fluctuations or pH drift.

Durable Materials and Waterproof Design

The sensor housing adopts epoxy resin sealing, providing excellent corrosion resistance and insulation performance. The probe uses 316L stainless steel, a medical-grade material that is acid-alkali resistant and rust-proof, ensuring no rusting during long-term use. The IP68 waterproof rating means the sensor can be fully submerged in water without damage, suitable for rainy field or hydroponic environments. This design extends equipment lifespan and reduces maintenance needs.

Detailed Explanation of Measurement Parameters, Their Roles, and Value

The NiuBoL 8-in-1 Soil Multi-Parameter Monitor covers eight key soil indicators, each with clear range, accuracy, and resolution. The following provides a detailed introduction to the measurement principles, roles, and practical value of these parameters to help users understand their importance in agricultural practice.

Soil Temperature
- Range: -40～80℃
- Accuracy: ±0.3℃
- Resolution: 0.1℃
Soil temperature directly affects crop root activity, microbial metabolism, and nutrient uptake. For example, low temperatures slow plant growth; high temperatures may cause root scorching. Monitoring soil temperature allows users to optimize sowing timing, adjust irrigation strategies, or install insulation measures to enhance crop stress resistance and yield. In greenhouse management, real-time temperature data helps maintain ideal growing conditions and reduce energy waste.

Soil Moisture
- Range: 0～100% (m³/m³)
- Accuracy: ±2%
- Resolution: 0.1% (m³/m³)
Soil moisture is a core factor in crop growth—too dry causes drought stress, too wet easily leads to root rot. Using the FDR principle ensures data reflects true water content. Its value lies in guiding precise irrigation, saving water resources by 20–50%. In water-saving agriculture, this parameter helps farmers achieve "on-demand water supply," improving water use efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Soil EC (Electrical Conductivity)
- Range: 0～20000μS/cm
- Accuracy: ±3%
- Resolution: 1μS/cm
Soil EC reflects the overall concentration of soluble salt ions in soil. High EC may indicate salinization issues. Monitoring EC helps assess soil fertility, avoid salt accumulation affecting crop root osmotic pressure. In environmental monitoring, EC data tracks pollution sources, such as excessive fertilizer application. Its value is in preventing soil degradation, guiding fertilizer adjustments, and maintaining sustainable cultivation.

Soil Salinity
- Range: 0～20000mg/L
- Accuracy: ±3%
- Resolution: 1mg/L
Soil salinity is closely related to EC; high salinity inhibits plant water uptake, leading to yield decline. The sensor calculates salinity through EC conversion, providing reference values. Its role is in identifying saline-alkali land risks, guiding soil improvement such as leaching or organic matter application. Its value lies in improving land utilization rate, especially in arid regions, helping farmers restore soil productivity.

Soil Available Nitrogen (Alkali-Hydrolyzable Nitrogen)
- Range: 0～1999mg/kg
- Accuracy: ±3%
- Resolution: 1mg/kg
Available nitrogen is an important form of short-term absorbable nitrogen for plants, estimated based on soil EC multiplied by empirical factors (not precise measurement). Nitrogen deficiency causes leaf yellowing; excess pollutes water bodies. Monitoring value lies in optimizing nitrogen fertilizer application, reducing waste and environmental load. In scientific experiments, this parameter supports nutrient balance research and promotes efficient agriculture.

Soil Available Phosphorus (Effective Phosphorus)
- Range: 0～1999mg/kg
- Accuracy: ±3%
- Resolution: 1mg/kg
Effective phosphorus influences root development, flowering/fruiting, and energy metabolism, estimated based on EC empirical conversion. Phosphorus deficiency easily causes purple leaf symptoms. Its role is in guiding phosphorus fertilizer supplementation and avoiding soil phosphorus fixation. Its value lies in improving crop quality (e.g., increasing fruit sweetness) and reducing phosphorus loss leading to eutrophication in water bodies.

Soil Available Potassium (Effective Potassium)
- Range: 0～1999mg/kg
- Accuracy: ±3%
- Resolution: 1mg/kg
Effective potassium regulates plant stress resistance and water utilization, estimated based on EC. Potassium deficiency causes weak stems. Monitoring helps balance NPK ratios and enhance crop drought tolerance. Its value is in improving yield stability, especially in potassium-deficient soils, supporting sustainable fertilizer management.

Soil pH Value
- Range: 3～10
- Accuracy: ±0.2
- Resolution: 0.01
pH is measured using the electrode method, calculating acidity/alkalinity through the potential difference generated by the zinc probe reacting with hydrogen ions. Acidic soil (pH<7) affects nutrient availability; alkaline soil causes micronutrient deficiency. Its role is in guiding lime or sulfur application to optimize soil pH. Its value lies in improving nutrient absorption efficiency, reducing fertilizer input, and promoting healthy growth.

Note: NPK parameters are empirical theoretical values based on EC conversion and are affected by soil type; pH measurement relies on electrode contact—ensure the probe is clean when inserting into soil.

Application Scenarios Introduction for 8-in-1 Soil Multi-Parameter Monitor

The NiuBoL 8-in-1 Soil Multi-Parameter Monitor plays a role in various scenarios, helping users achieve data-driven decision-making.

In water-saving agricultural irrigation, combining moisture, temperature, and EC data allows users to build smart irrigation systems, adjust water volume in real time, save resources, and improve crop yield.

In meteorological monitoring, the sensor supports field data collection for climate change research or disaster early warning.

In greenhouse and flower/vegetable planting, multi-parameter monitoring helps maintain micro-environment balance, such as adjusting pH to optimize nutrient solutions or monitoring NPK for customized fertilizer formulas.

In grassland and pasture maintenance, salinity and moisture data guide rotational grazing to prevent soil degradation.

In plant cultivation and scientific experiments, the APP's historical curve function facilitates experiment recording and variable influence analysis, supporting academic research.

Additionally, in environmental monitoring projects, it is used for soil pollution assessment, such as tracking the impact of industrial wastewater on EC and pH.

Usage Guide and Precautions for 8-in-1 Soil Moisture Sensor USB Type-C

Before use, download the official NiuBoL APP and connect the sensor. When inserting into soil, ensure probe depth of 10–20cm and avoid rock interference.

Note: The sensor is not a laboratory-grade device; NPK values are empirical estimates—combine with professional lab testing when necessary. Clean the probe before storage.

FAQ

Q1. Which phone systems does this sensor support?
A: Compatible with Android and HarmonyOS systems, supporting smartphones with Type-C interfaces.

Q2. How to export data?
A: Through the APP, select historical data and export in Excel format, supporting sharing via email or cloud storage.

Q3. What does the IP68 waterproof rating mean?
A: IP68 means complete dust protection and can be continuously immersed in water at 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, suitable for outdoor use.

Q4. How accurate is NPK measurement?
A: NPK is based on EC empirical conversion, providing reference values affected by soil variation. Recommended for trend monitoring, not absolute quantification.

Q5. Is the APP paid?
A: The APP is completely free, including all features and updates.

Summary

The NiuBoL 8-in-1 Soil Multi-Parameter Monitor, with its USB Type-C interface, FDR principle, and free APP as core features, provides a convenient and efficient soil testing solution. It covers eight key parameters and, through durable design and multi-scenario applications, helps users optimize agricultural practices and improve resource efficiency. Whether you are a farmer, researcher, or gardening enthusiast, this sensor can become a reliable partner, driving sustainable development and precision management. Choose NiuBoL to embark on your smart soil monitoring journey.

8-in-1 Soil Sensor Portable Type-C/USB Soil Multi-Parameter Tester & Analyzer Data Sheet

8-in-1 Soil Sensor Portable Type-C/USB Soil Multi-Parameter Tester & Analyzer.pdf