Sensors are useful, but a good feel test costs nothing and works anywhere.
The squeeze test
Take soil from the root zone (not just the surface), squeeze it, then open your hand.
- Falls apart, looks dry: very dry, irrigate soon.
- Forms a weak ball that crumbles: moderate; for sensitive crops irrigate soon.
- Forms a ball, slightly sticky, leaves a little moisture on the palm: good moisture.
- Water drips or the soil feels slick: too wet.
Tips
Sample at two depths, 10–15 cm and 30 cm. Learn what each stage feels like in your own soil, since sand, loam and clay behave differently. Combine with a look at the crop: dull leaf colour and midday wilting are late warnings.
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