Our project

To address California’s chronic drought and extreme heat, a team of student inventors partnered with the Plant Manager at Jordan High School to develop a smart soil moisture sensor designed to promote efficient water usage. This innovative device detects the moisture level in soil and automatically shuts off sprinklers once an optimal level is reached—customized to the specific needs of different plant types, such as grass, trees, or vegetables. By tailoring irrigation to actual plant requirements, the invention reduces water waste while supporting healthy plant growth. The team aims to distribute the device locally, including to nearby community gardens like Mudtown Farms and surrounding schools, empowering groundskeepers, homeowners, and farmers alike to conserve water and better adapt to California’s changing climate.

Our inspiration

The students invented the AM Blue Sensor alongside their school's Plant Manager, an individual responsible for managing all of the grounds crew members that tend to the landscaping and maintenance of the property. This individual expressed, “It’s hard to know how long to keep the sprinklers on - if it’s hot in the summer or in the cold - weather changes impact it all and it’s hard to keep track!”