Soil and Plant Moisture Monitoring Know the Whys and Hows

Moisture Mapping enhances agricultural practices through precise monitoring of soil moisture levels and plant water status. It empowers farmers with crucial data to optimize irrigation, improve crop yields, and reduce water waste.

How to Measure Soil Moisture without a Sensor?

Even without specialized sensors, there are reliable methods to gauge soil moisture:

• Visual inspection: Observe the soil's appearance and texture. Dry soil appears light and crumbly, while moist soil is darker and sticks together slightly.
• Feel test: Grab a handful of soil and squeeze it. If it forms a ball that crumbles upon release, the moisture level is ideal. If it remains in a ball, it's too wet, and if it crumbles immediately, it's too dry.
• Infiltration rate test: Dig a small hole and fill it with water. The rate at which the water soaks into the soil indicates its moisture content. Fast infiltration suggests dry soil, while slow infiltration indicates wet soil.

These methods provide valuable insights into soil moisture levels, enabling farmers to make informed irrigation decisions and prevent under or overwatering.