by Nick Emanuel, CropX Lead Marketing Agronomist
In today’s agricultural landscape, efficient water management is crucial for maximizing yields and ensuring sustainability. The CropX Evato (Direct ET sensor) provides growers with actionable insights that enhance irrigation decisions, even in challenging economic conditions. This white paper outlines the unique benefits of the CropX Evato, addresses common concerns, and explains how it complements existing soil moisture sensors.
1. Why Do Growers Need an ET Sensor?
Enhanced Accuracy for Better Irrigation Decisions
The CropX Evato accurately measures evapotranspiration (ETa), which reflects the water the crop is using above ground. Unlike traditional ETo-based estimations, which rely on environmental models, ETa provides precise, real-time data that directly correlates to plant water use. This improved accuracy leads to better-informed irrigation decisions.
Proven ROI and Value
The CropX Evato sensor has demonstrated tangible benefits across multiple customer case studies. Growers have reported:
- Improved Yields: More precise irrigation has led to healthier crops and increased output.
- Water Savings: Accurate data minimizes over-irrigation, reducing water waste and pumping costs.
- Reduced Labor: The sensor requires minimal maintenance once installed, unlike traditional probes that demand seasonal installation and removal.
Customer Testimonials
A Kansas corn grower using the CropX Evato on unmanaged acres reported a 15% reduction in water usage while achieving improved yields. Another farmer in Nebraska praised the sensor’s simplicity and its contribution to higher revenue per acre.
2. Why Is the CropX Evato Sensor a Must-Have Even in a Down Market?
Unique Value and Quantifiable ROI
In challenging economic conditions, maximizing efficiency is critical. The CropX Evato is:
- Simple to Install: Mounted at the pivot point, it eliminates labor-intensive seasonal setup.
- Low Maintenance: No recalibration or field adjustments required.
- Cost-Effective: For growers with multiple pivots, the one-time installation provides full-farm coverage, offering unmatched scalability.
Even with reduced investment capacity, the ability to conserve resources, reduce costs, and improve yields makes the CropX Evato sensor a strategic purchase with lasting benefits.
3. Why Do I Need an ET Sensor If I Already Have a Soil Moisture Probe?
Complementary, Not Redundant
Soil moisture probes measure the water content available in the soil but provide limited insight into actual crop water use. The CropX Evato sensor bridges this gap by measuring what the crop is actively consuming above ground. Combining the two provides a comprehensive view of:
- Soil Water Availability (Probe Data)
- Crop Water Use (ET Sensor Data)
This integrated approach enhances irrigation scheduling by ensuring that water is applied only when needed, improving efficiency and crop health.
Complete Farm Coverage
Many growers only deploy soil moisture probes on select pivots. The CropX Evato offers a scalable solution for filling coverage gaps on unmanaged acres, ensuring consistent data across the entire operation.
Conclusion
The CropX Evato is a powerful tool that provides growers with precise, actionable insights to optimize irrigation decisions. By complementing soil moisture probes, simplifying installation, and delivering a compelling ROI, the CropX Evato is a smart investment for any row crop producer seeking improved efficiency, reduced costs, and increased yields.
Want to learn more about the CropX Evato? Get in touch with us here!
