Moisture Mapping Soil and Plant Moisture Monitoring

Moisture mapping is a method of remotely collecting data to map moisture levels in soil and vegetation. Moisture content can relate to many factors. For example, soil moisture content is associated with agricultural productivity and erosion potential. In contrast, plant moisture content is associated with a plant’s overall health and water uptake efficiency. The collected moisture data can be valuable for multiple disciplines, including agriculture, forestry, and environmental science.

How to Measure Soil Moisture Without a Sensor

Soil moisture can be measured without a sensor using the gravimetric method. This method requires the following steps:

  • Collect a soil sample at the desired depth.
  • Weigh the soil sample to obtain its wet weight.
  • Dry the soil sample in an oven at 105 degrees Celsius (221 degrees Fahrenheit) for 24 hours.
  • Weigh the soil sample again to obtain its dry weight.
  • Calculate the soil moisture content using the formula: Soil Moisture Content = (Wet Weight – Dry Weight) / Dry Weight * 100%