This publication provides direction on estimating soil moisture by the "feel and appearance" method; taking a some soil and rolling it up in a ball then squeezing it between your thumb and forefinger to form a ribbon and noting how it appears and feels. Compare what you see with photographs and/or charts to estimate percent water available and the inches depleted below field capacity.
View now
![Sheep in dry pasture](/sites/default/files/styles/related_content_block/public/images/topics/dry-dscf2445.jpg?h=4beb2139&itok=ByiTYbNn)
Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension:
Pasture and forages, Soil, Irrigation