What Is Called Soil Moisture Measurement?
Soil Moisture Measurement is a test to know about the water level, state, and amount in the ground. In the case of any kind of farming, soil moisture measurement is so much essential to develop the farming process.
You will conduct soil measurements to find out about the water level and properties of the soil in the cultivated land. Soil moisture is measured to know how much water there is in the soil. And whether the ratio of soil and water is correct according to the growth of planted plants.
Knowing how to measure soil moisture is very important if you want to take proper care of your plants. Because of how well the plant is growing, you need to know the soil moisture to understand if it is growing properly or not.
Why Should You Do Soil Moisture Measurement?
A crucial aspect of monitoring and managing crop development is soil moisture measurement. The two main factors used to quantify soil moisture define the water content of the soil.
One is the soil water content, which is the quantity of water per unit of soil. The potential of the water in the soil is determined by the energy condition of the water in an agricultural field.
It is necessary to know the movement of water inside the soil, for example, the movement of water or how much water is stored, because water content helps you grow your plants properly.
In addition, understanding water potential can assist you in determining the water availability of plants. It is useful for managing the mechanical stress level of the soil or scheduling irrigation.
Plants get all the nutrients they need from soil and water. Therefore, measuring soil moisture is necessary to know whether the soil water and other related contents are correct. Therefore, soil moisture measurement is essential for proper growth and good yield of plants.
How To Do Soil Moisture Measurement?
After knowing what soil moisture measurement is and its necessity, now you must be thinking of soil moisture measurement. But what do you think about how to do it?
No need to worry as there are many effective methods of soil moisture measurement. And those who have already been measuring soil moisture by some method can know some more good methods.
Natural Method
You can easily measure soil moisture naturally, but you will need to have some farming experience. And if not, no problem as we will inform you in detail.
To measure soil moisture with this method, first, insert your finger 2 inches into the soil. Now take your fingers out of the soil. If the soil sticks to your fingers, it means the soil has good water content and moisture. But if the soil clinging to the fingers is dry, meaning falling, then it is said that there is no moisture.
The color of the soil also gives an idea about the moisture content of the soil. Wet soil is usually deep in color, whereas dry soil is light in color. If you observe the soil very closely, you can clearly see this difference in soil color.
Also, if you take a handful of soil with your hand, you will get an accurate idea of the moisture content of the soil. Wet soil will stick to your hands like glue, like mud. But dry soil, for example, soil that does not have enough water, will slip through your fingers and not stick to your hands like mud.
Use a Moisture Probe or Soil Moisture Sensor
If you want to measure soil moisture very easily by avoiding trouble, then Moisture Probe or Soil Moisture Sensor is the right equipment for you with which you can do this test mechanically. Using this method, you can quickly get detailed and accurate information about soil moisture, water content, and other factors.
Suppose the probe or soil moisture sensor is put correctly inside the soil according to the instructions of the manufacturing company and kept for a while. In that case, you will get the information on the analog meter or digital display on the other end of the device in your hand.
For more details about this, check out the Soil Moisture Sensor FAQs, where you will get the answers to the questions you need.
Try Gravimetric Method
The gravimetric method seems complicated but gives good, time-consuming results. To measure soil moisture with this method, collect a small amount of soil sample and weigh it using a metric scale. Then, record this initial weight of soil.
Now place the soil sample on a baking sheet in the oven. Place in an oven set to 221 °F (105 °C) and wait 24 hours. After drying the soil sample in the oven, take it out after the specified time and weigh the dried sample once again with a metric scale.
The difference between the weight of the soil before and after drying can be used to determine the moisture content of the soil.
Conclusion
Why not take soil moisture measurements for adequate growth and good yield by properly caring for your plant or crop? You can test soil moisture using any of the primitive, modern, or mechanical methods.
