Table 2.

Comparison of using an MCP versus other sensor combinations to measure water depth, soil moisture and temperature.

Parameter	Sensor Type	Cost	Accuracy	Robustness	Typical Interface
Water depth	Pressure	$$$	+++	+++	40–20 mA
	Ultrasonic	$$	+	+	UART
	Capacitance	$$	+	++	Voltage
Soil moisture	Gypsum block	$	++	++	AC resistance
	Capacitive	$$	+	++	Voltage
Temperature	DS18B20	$	+	++	OneWire
All parameters	MCP	$$$	++	+++	SDI-12