Bauer presents Cosmofield – contactless soil moisture measurement
15/10/2026
A new system for managing field irrigation without a physical sensor in the soil has been recognised as a three-star Agromek Stars Danish News.
Röhren- und Pumpenwerk Bauer Gesellschaft m.b.H. presents Cosmofield, a system for measuring soil moisture without physical contact with the soil. The system uses Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing (CRNS) technology, whereby the sensor measures incoming neutrons from the atmosphere and the number of neutrons reflected from the soil surface. The more moist the soil is, the fewer neutrons are reflected back.
The sensor is installed 1.5-2 metres above the ground and therefore requires neither burial nor any other physical contact with the soil surface. According to Bauer, a single sensor can cover an area of up to 10 hectares. Farmers can monitor soil moisture digitally and use the measurements to assess when irrigation is required.
Cosmofield can be integrated with the control system of Bauer’s centre pivot irrigators. The user sets a lower and upper threshold for soil moisture, after which the system can regulate water application based on the measured values. The aim is to supply the required amount of water without either under-irrigation or over-irrigation, while at the same time reducing unnecessary consumption of water and energy.
Three-star Danish News
The Agromek judging panel has awarded Cosmofield three stars and classified the solution as a Denmark innovation. In its final assessment, the panel particularly highlights the ability to measure the field’s water deficit without a physical sensor in the soil and to use the data directly for irrigation control:
“The Cosmofield system measures soil moisture without physical contact with or installation in the soil surface. The system can indicate the water deficit across the area and can be integrated with the control system of Bauer’s centre pivot irrigators, enabling water application to be managed according to predefined soil moisture thresholds.”
The judges’ assessment also highlights the economic value of applying the optimal amount of irrigation water and thereby reducing losses that may arise from both insufficient and excessive watering.
Further information
Röhren- und Pumpenwerk Bauer Gesellschaft m.b.H.
Manufacturer: Bauer
Kowaldstrasse 2
5870 Voitsberg
Austria
www.bauer-at.com