Soil moisture: what is it and how to measure it, a table for plants, what properties it affects

Yield is influenced by several factors. Moisture and soil structure must be taken into account when planting plants in the garden, in the beds, since too dry soil is not suitable for growing moisture-loving plants, and the arrangement of an automated irrigation system is expensive. Or, on the contrary, tuber-bulb crops are not planted in wetlands.

What is soil moisture

The growth and development of plants, productivity is influenced by the ratio of water and air in the soil. Moisture measures the water content of the soil, expressed in mm of water column.

The property of excess moisture is characteristic of waterlogged soils or low-lying areas where moisture stagnation is observed in cases of prolonged rains, spring snowmelt. Droughts are caused by prolonged absence of rains, prolonged heat.

Main factors affecting her

Before you set up a garden or plan the location of the beds on the site, you need to check the moisture content of the earth. In this case, it is recommended to take into account a number of factors that can change this characteristic:

• average rainfall in a given area. The lack of moisture can be solved by installing a drip irrigation system. If there is a problem of stagnant water, you can artificially increase the beds or plant moisture-loving crops;
• level of groundwater location. In swampy areas or lowlands, there may be several centimeters to the water layer. Trees (fruit and ornamental) are not planted in such areas. When arranging vegetable beds, a drainage layer must be laid;
• moisture capacity depends on the structure. On sandy soil, rainwater does not linger and quickly seeps into the depths. Loose soil rich in organic matter retains moisture well.

You also need to consider the terrain. Various plants can be grown on the slopes. Drought-resistant crops are planted at the top. At the foot of the slopes there are beds with moisture-loving vegetables and flowers.

Moisture table for different plants

According to experienced gardeners and gardeners, the soil should not be allowed to dry out until the crops wither completely. When growing crops, you need to take into account the wilting point indicator (the ratio of soil moisture to dry soil in%), at which plant growth stops. If the soil is sandy, then 10% should be added to the parameter, and if the soil is more clayey, you need to focus on the optimal humidity, reduced by 10%.

namebest setting, % namebest setting, % pine bamboo iris pepper20-30lilies 40- 50onion20-30dahlias 40-50corn20-30 40-50 40-50 20-30 30-40

Ornamental Plants		Vegetables
30-40	potato	20- 30
40-50	tomatoes	30-40
30-40
			chrysanthemums
cucumbers	30-40		fuchsias
cabbage	30-40		succulents
carrots	20-30		tulips
beets	30-40

The danger of oversupply and undersupply

An excess of moisture leads to difficulty in accessing air to the root system of plants. Under such conditions, normal processes in the soil (oxidative and microbiological) stop. This leads to stunting of crops, rapid development of weeds, the emergence and spread of fungal infections.

Dry periods are gradually becoming normal. The lack of moisture provokes a delay in the growth of leaves and stems, a decrease in yield. Plants can quickly die from heatstroke.

How to determine humidity?

The easiest way to test the soil is to examine a clod of soil from a depth of 10-20 centimeters:

• if drops of water come out when squeezed in the palm of a clod of earth, then the humidity is approximately 75-80%;
• if, after compression, a lump of soil retains its shape, then the soil is moistened by 60-70%;
• when the earth crumbles after compression, it means that the amount of water in the soil does not exceed 50-60%.

To more accurately measure the level of moisture in the ground, use a special digital device.

Regulation methods

To normalize soil moisture, two methods are used. If the site is swampy, then high beds are formed, soil is poured, a thick drainage layer is laid at the base of the bed.

If regular irrigation is necessary, they dig special trenches to collect water, organize a water supply, install a drip irrigation system.

The best way to see soil moisture is to plant crops that are adapted to fully develop in given conditions. If there is a desire to plant exotic plants, it is recommended to assess the condition of the soil and either drain the desired areas or equip irrigation systems.

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