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. .
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)