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.
This report includes preliminary data for the second of a three-year study. Since this year was a record drought year, results could vary from a normal rainfall year. Finalized data and observations will be released in future as peer-reviewed studies, reports, and extension articles. For more information, please visit the RDFA project page. .
Dennis Brown received the inaugural Growing and Belonging Award from the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program and nonprofit Oregon Master Gardener Association.
Taking an accurate measurement of seed moisture content is the most reliable indicator of seed maturity and harvest timing in grass seed crop on a farm.
Tom Silberstein, Mark E. Mellbye, Thomas G. Chastain, William C. Young III |
Nov 2010 |
Extension Catalog publicationPeer reviewed (Orange level)