In agriculture, knowing exactly when to water can make or break a harvest.
Felipe Rodríguez, an experienced farmer and SoilSense distributor for Chile, Peru, Colombia and Mexico, has tried many soil probes over the years, most of which felt overcomplicated and incomplete. Then he discovered SoilSense.
“Farmers are looking for simple, easy-to-understand solutions that can operate in the field. SoilSense points in that direction,” explains Rodríguez.
In this interview, Felipe shares why he sees SoilSense as the most cost-efficient and accurate tool for smarter irrigation, helping farmers across South America grow healthier crops.
Felipe Rodríguez, an experienced farmer and SoilSense distributor for Chile, Peru, Colombia and Mexico, has tried many soil probes over the years, most of which felt overcomplicated and incomplete. Then he discovered SoilSense.
“Farmers are looking for simple, easy-to-understand solutions that can operate in the field. SoilSense points in that direction,” explains Rodríguez.
In this interview, Felipe shares why he sees SoilSense as the most cost-efficient and accurate tool for smarter irrigation, helping farmers across South America grow healthier crops.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your work in agriculture?
I am Felipe Rodríguez, General Manager of Agricola Santa Inés de Chile. I am a farmer. I started the plantations in 2009 with walnut trees, followed by avocados and strawberries.
Why did you choose SoilSense?
I’ve been working with soil moisture probes for more than 10 years.
The first ones I installed were extremely complicated. I always felt that using these probes required a high level of training, and not everyone could interpret the data easily.
That's what drew me to SoilSense. The system is incredibly easy to use, making it simple to determine exactly when to irrigate. Everything is now on my phone, and my entire team receives irrigation alerts through WhatsApp.
That's what drew me to SoilSense. The system is incredibly easy to use, making it simple to determine exactly when to irrigate. Everything is now on my phone, and my entire team receives irrigation alerts through WhatsApp.
What irrigation-related challenges do your customers face?
Walnuts are very susceptible to root fungus, and poor irrigation can lead to tree loss. During the fruit growth period, we also can’t fall short on water, or the fruit won’t reach the desired size.
Agriculture is a business of timing and opportunity, and tools like this help make the right decisions at the right time.
Agriculture is a business of timing and opportunity, and tools like this help make the right decisions at the right time.
From your experience, what are the long-term benefits of using SoilSense?
With rising energy costs and water scarcity, monitoring irrigation has become essential. SoilSense is much more affordable than other options, yet the results are just as good.
The more monitoring points you have, the better you can manage water use and reduce energy costs, which are a significant part of production costs in Chile.
The more monitoring points you have, the better you can manage water use and reduce energy costs, which are a significant part of production costs in Chile.
Compared to other irrigation solutions you’ve worked with, what are the biggest advantages of SoilSense?
I see 3 great advantages:
- It is easy to understand how much and when to water.
- It is very simple to install by yourself, with no special tools or expertise required, perfect for relocating with seasonal crops like strawberries.
- It has low implementation costs, as no special networks or additional equipment are needed for the system to function. Just turn on the datalogger, and you are online.
How does SoilSense compare to other technologies available?
There is no solution similar to SoilSense in Chile.
In general, irrigation probe suppliers work together with companies that provide the connectivity and software to operate them. SoilSense is an integrated solution—probes, datalogger, software, and irrigation recommendations. You can’t find this on the market.
In general, irrigation probe suppliers work together with companies that provide the connectivity and software to operate them. SoilSense is an integrated solution—probes, datalogger, software, and irrigation recommendations. You can’t find this on the market.
Discover How SoilSense Can Optimize Your Irrigation Management
By providing an all-in-one solution that's both affordable and user-friendly, SoilSense has helped Felipe and many other farmers across South America make better irrigation decisions, save water, and grow healthier crops.
Interested in learning how it can work for your operation?
Get in touch at 📞 +45 31672669 or 📧 giuseppe@soilsense.io to get started, or reach out to Felipe at 📧 feliperodriguezbonilla@gmail.com.
Interested in learning how it can work for your operation?
Get in touch at 📞 +45 31672669 or 📧 giuseppe@soilsense.io to get started, or reach out to Felipe at 📧 feliperodriguezbonilla@gmail.com.