Author Topic: Soilmoisture - how to interpret the numbers?  (Read 3271 times)

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Offline Jeje2

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Soilmoisture - how to interpret the numbers?
« on: June 14, 2023, 01:34:42 AM »
Soilmoiture readings - how are one to interpret the numbers?

So what does a value of 43% mean for the earth surface layer?

I have a Ecowitt WH51 Wireless Soil Moisture Sensor in use and live in an area with four seasons. (with snow often in winter) The sensor is in our flowerbed (on the ground at ca 10cm below surface)

This is a picture of my soil moisture sensor for 2022
 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
So what can I read from it besides percentages?  (Min vas 19% in 13th sep and max 57% 23rd of mar).
Mostly interested to understand the values during the growing season, may to august, specially for growing purposes...  So last year the values varied this time between 20% - 53% during this time...

Right now we have 23% soil moisture reading and teh earth feels dry...  But is it?
So how are one to read these values?
Ecowitt:
  • WS3900 7,5" Console & Gateway, with Barometric, Temperature and Humidity
  • GW1102 Wi-Fi Weather Station [GW1100 Gateway, with Barometric, Temperature and Humidity; WS68 Anemometer; WH40 rainfall; Outdoor Temperature and Humidity Sensor]
  • Temperature and humidity [WN31 (16 pcs); WN32_EP with SHT35 probe; WN34D]
  • WH51 soil moisture (2 pcs)
  • WH45 Air quality 5-in-1
  • WH55 Water Leak Detection (3 pcs)
  • WH57 Lightning Detection
  • IoT [AC1100 power socket (3 pcs)]
Wunderground

Offline Jeje2

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Re: Soilmoisture - how to interpret the numbers?
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2023, 04:00:58 AM »
And just now the local meteorological institute gave out a critical warning that soil moisture levels 0-40cm deep are expected to drop even below 10% in near future - this even they said is uncommon in our area...  ](*,)
Ecowitt:
  • WS3900 7,5" Console & Gateway, with Barometric, Temperature and Humidity
  • GW1102 Wi-Fi Weather Station [GW1100 Gateway, with Barometric, Temperature and Humidity; WS68 Anemometer; WH40 rainfall; Outdoor Temperature and Humidity Sensor]
  • Temperature and humidity [WN31 (16 pcs); WN32_EP with SHT35 probe; WN34D]
  • WH51 soil moisture (2 pcs)
  • WH45 Air quality 5-in-1
  • WH55 Water Leak Detection (3 pcs)
  • WH57 Lightning Detection
  • IoT [AC1100 power socket (3 pcs)]
Wunderground

Offline BaseLine

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  • Posts: 184
Re: Soilmoisture - how to interpret the numbers?
« Reply #2 on: June 15, 2023, 01:51:40 AM »
It's you,  who have to figure out what level is too dry for your flower bed. ;)

Why? Because of your plants, soil, location, facing direction etc. are unique.

If 40% feels like a good moisture to keep, keep that. If 40 seems to moist, find the level that feels right. And by "feels right" I mean plants seem happy.
This is it.
For example: I have one moisture probe that shows 35, but the surface (1 cm) is dry like dust. For that particular location, 35 is OK.
Sun cooked nothingburger of climate change hysteria with a side order of peak-oil nonsense fries.