When we talk about the needs of irrigation When it comes to a plant's growth, we often hear or hear people say, "Check the substrate moisture." But how do we actually check it? Understanding substrate moisture is essential for proper plant development, as an inadequate amount of water can cause serious health problems.
There are different methods that tell us if the plant needs water. Applying them is easy and will prevent us from falling into the consequences of inadequate irrigation.
The most common method for check substrate moisture It's a matter of touching the soil with the back of your hand or inserting a finger into it to determine whether it's dry or moist. It's important to note that "moist" doesn't mean "soaked." However, there are other effective ways to measure substrate moisture:
- Stick a pencil into the ground. If it has dirt stuck to it when you pull it out, the soil remains moist.
- For terracotta or clay pots, one trick is to tap the pot gently. If it sounds hollow, it needs water; if it sounds solid, the pot is full.
- There are moisture measuring instruments on the market, from the simplest to the most sophisticated, which are embedded in the substrate.
It is crucial to ensure that the hole of sewer system of the pot is not obstructed, as sometimes the surface may appear dry, but water accumulates at the base of the pot, which can lead to fatal consequences for the plant. In addition, it is advisable to use a good suitable substrate that facilitates moisture retention.
More information on this topic can be found in the section.
In agriculture and gardening, accurate measurement of soil moisture is essential. Moisture is the amount of water stored in the interstices or crevices of the growing medium, and is key to transporting nutrients necessary for healthy plant growth. This water also helps regulate soil temperature and promote the development of beneficial microorganisms.
Soil moisture measurement
Soil moisture measurement can be performed using various techniques. Direct and indirect methods are presented below:
Direct Methods
- Sample weight: It consists of weighing a soil sample before and after oven drying to determine the moisture content.
- Water extraction: This method involves extracting water from a soil sample and measuring it gravimetrically.
Indirect Methods
- Volumetric sensors: They measure the amount of water in the soil by analyzing the dielectric constant, which increases with water content.
- Blood pressure monitors: They measure water tension in the soil, providing information on water availability for plants.
- Solid-state sensors: They embed electrodes in a block of porous material that measures soil moisture through electrical conductivity.
Use of Moisture Measuring Instruments
Moisture measuring instruments are useful tools for horticulturists. There are several types:
- Volumetric moisture meters: They provide precise data on soil water content, allowing irrigation to be optimized.
- Blood pressure monitors: They provide information about the amount of water that plants can extract from the soil.
Using these tools can significantly improve plant health and optimize their development. For example, using a porous substrate It helps maintain adequate soil moisture. Measuring soil moisture is not only necessary for plant care, but also for ensuring efficient water resource management in agriculture. This can result in increased crop yields and reduced water use, which is crucial in the context of climate change and water scarcity.
La European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) People4Soil has shown that efficient water use, combined with proper soil moisture management, can result in an average increase in crop yield of up to 79%.
Soil moisture monitoring contributes to:
- Match the crop's water requirements with the amount of water applied.
- Avoid water loss through percolation or runoff.
- Savings in energy consumption.
- Reduce erosion and soil transport.
- Optimize agricultural production.
- Minimize environmental impact.
Knowing the soil moisture level at all times is essential to ensure plant health and environmental sustainability. For some plant care, it's helpful to know what type of substrate to use. You can read more about best practices at advantages and disadvantages of potting soil.
To illustrate the importance of humidity for plants, here are some images that may be helpful:
Therefore, the measurement of the substrate moisture It is essential for healthy plant development. Implementing appropriate methods and using measuring tools is essential to ensure our plants receive the necessary amount of water.
