On Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:50:44 +0000 (UTC), "SteveB"
wrote:

I'm looking for a soil moisture sensor for my sprinkler system, but I
haven't found anything that does what I want.

My goal is to set the system to run every day, then have the sensor block
it if the soil is already moist enough. Ideally, it would hook to the same
terminals as the rain and freeze sensors.

I've found nothing but units designed for commercial/agricultural use,
though I keep looking. All of those are installed in the last zone and
wired back to the controller. That's OK, and I guess I can run a wire
around three sides of my house if I have to, but I'd rather have a
wireless system. Also, the commercial systems are very expensive.

Can anybody recommend anything?

Our water authority gives rebates (up to $200.00) for installing...."
irrigation controller that automatically adjusts its watering
schedule..."

"These "smart" irrigation controllers automatically adjust watering
schedules based upon weather conditions."

IOW, the controller will not run during a rain shower and skips to the
next scheduled run time.

Must be better than running wires, digging, etc. They mention a "rain
sensor", this must a different device. (snwa.com)

hth.