Soil Moisture Sensor Installation Guide
Guide to installing soil moisture sensors, covering site choice, depth, contact and how to record location. Work through the steps in order and keep notes on what you find along the way.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideSoil, Water & ConservationFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Choose representative spots in the field
- Pick sensor type and depths per local advice
- Dig the hole carefully
- Install per the manufacturer's instructions
- Ensure good soil contact
- Backfill in layers
- Mark and map each sensor
- Connect to logger or reader
- Record install date and notes
How to use this guide
Walk a new hand through the steps once, then let them use the page on their own. Add your own notes as you learn what works.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA NRCS.
For more in this area, see the row crop calendar. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Illinois Soil Gets a Login, and farming farm stories.