The soil sensor was developed to measure the moisture and temperature of the soil and transmit the data in real time, anytime and anywhere via a mobile network to end devices such as smartphones or computers. This provides an unprecedented level of information and control over the small or large cultivated areas. Furthermore, it offers some additional advantages and therefore the company would like to explore its potential demand in Switzerland.

To analyse the Swiss market, a representative online survey was conducted. For this purpose, the potential customer segments that could demand the soil sensors were identified: agriculture, forestry, gardening and authorities. Therefore, the total population for these segments is 66'416 companies. The sample size was determined by setting the confidence level to 95% and the margin of error to 8%, resulting in a minimum number of 150 samples. The analyses of the received results was done with the help of charts, tables, factor analysis and SWOT were conducted.

It was found that there was high interest in the product of the Swiss company among the respondents. Furthermore, 70% or more of the 126 respondents were willing to use soil sensors and 23% were already using soil sensors. All the main factors of the soil sensor, price, quality, user friendliness, user interface and functionality are perceived to be important. Furthermore, most respondents stated they would pay between CHF 6 and 9 for a soil sensor per month, which was the lowest available range in the survey. In addition, five operating companies selling soil sensors were identified that are based in or near Switzerland and represent potential competitors of the Swiss company. Considering these factors, it can be summarised that there is a market and demand potential for smart soil sensors in Switzerland.