• Soil Moisture Testing: This is done weekly before and after irrigation. Two soil depths are tested: the top 20 cm and the sub-surface (20-40 cm). Five stages of soil moisture are used, ranging from dust-dry (Stage 1) to overly saturated (Stage 5). Testing involves checking moisture levels with an auger or shovel, assessing the soil’s ability to form a ribbon when compressed.
• Calibration and Recalibration: The team emphasized recalibrating their moisture-checking skills monthly to ensure consistency across different soil types. Different soils, such as sandy versus clay, absorb water differently, so recalibration helps in accurately judging moisture levels.
• Aerobotics and Data Entry: Team members use the Aerobotics app for recording data. They input soil moisture levels and irrigation data, following a specific format, including valve/block numbers, and note whether checks were performed before or after irrigation.
• Water Application Based on Soil Moisture: There was a discussion on how much water should be applied based on soil moisture and the crop’s needs. For example, red clay soils can hold more water compared to sandy soils, and the watering schedule must be adjusted to avoid over-saturating the soil. Pulse watering was mentioned as a solution for reducing runoff in certain situations.
• Working Together: The session emphasized the importance of collaboration between irrigation supervisors, farm managers, and operations managers to maintain consistent irrigation practices. Keeping thorough records and coordinating with team members is essential to ensuring proper irrigation management.

Soil Moisture Training VIDEO

Soil Moisture with Emily Dart 0:00 – Introduction 0:15 – Emily’s Overview of Soil Moisture Checking 1:00 – Weekly Soil Moisture Checks and 5 Stages 2:00 – Testing Soil Moisture with Auger or Spade 3:00 – Measuring Topsoil and Subsoil Moisture 4:00 – Recording Soil Moisture in Aeroview 5:00 – Different Soil Types and Recalibration 6:00 – Creating Stages with Two Piles of Dirt 7:00 – Stage 1 (Dust) and Stage 5 (Too Wet) 8:00 – Stage 3 and Stage 2 (Mixing Soil) 9:00 – Stage 4 (Ribbon Test and Water Dripping) 10:00 – Understanding the Moisture Levels 11:00 – Entering Data into Aeroview App 12:00 – Calibrating Every 3 Months for Consistency 13:00 – Soil Monitoring: What’s Next? 14:00 – Watering Based on Soil Moisture Stages 15:00 – Importance of Accurate Data Recording 16:00 – Conclusion and Recap

Tools Needed:

• Soil Auger
• Jug of Water
• Phone with Aeroview app
• Shovel
• Flat Surface (can be the back of the Ute)

Steps to perform a Soil Moisture check:

1. Place 3 shovels worth of dry dirt onto a flat surface.
• Split the shovel in two sections.
• 1 section will remain dry. This will be number 1 on the scale.
• This will be on the Scale 1 soil.
• Take section of Scale 1 soil and Scale 5 soil and mix them together. This will be section 2.
2. Soil moisture check:
• Soil moisture checks are to be performed weekly before and after irrigation.
• Collect the soil sample (0.20m using the auger). Take the soil sample from the top surface.
• Work out the soil moisture from the scale.
• Collect the second sample from the sub surface (20-40cm using the auger). Take the soil sample from the sub surface.
• Work out the soil moisture from the soil moisture scale.

Stages of Soil Moisture

Stages of Moisture Content:

• Stage 1: Dusty and dry

  • Soil is completely dry and crumbles easily. There is no moisture present, even when compressed. This indicates that irrigation is urgently required to avoid plant stress and potential yield loss.

• Stage 2: Some clumping but dry

  • Soil shows minimal moisture with slight clumping when pressed but still feels quite dry. Irrigation should be planned soon to prevent stress. At this stage, the plant may still be able to access moisture, but not for much longer.

• Stage 3: Ideal moisture

  • The soil has a balanced moisture content, holding together well when pressed into a ribbon but without any water running out. This is the target moisture level where plants thrive, requiring no immediate irrigation action.

• Stage 4: Too wet

  • The soil feels sticky, and when squeezed, water starts to be released. This indicates excess moisture, and irrigation should be paused. It might suggest that irrigation is happening too frequently or for too long.

• Stage 5: Oversaturated

  • The soil is waterlogged, and large amounts of water run out when pressed. Immediate cessation of irrigation is necessary to prevent damage to plant roots and soil structure.

Recording soil moisture in Aeroview:

1. Open Aeroview and sync.
2. Click the plus button in Aeroview.
3. Press the other button in Aeroview.
4. Record the irrigation valve number, Before/After irrigation, the topsoil moisture, and subsoil moisture. Use space to separate.
• Example: 18 A 4 3
5. Sync Aeroview at the end of the test.

Q and A

Q1: How often should soil moisture be checked?
A: Soil moisture should be checked weekly, both before and after irrigation events. This helps monitor water levels in the topsoil (0-20 cm) and subsoil (20-40 cm).

Q2: What are the five stages of soil moisture?
A: The five stages of soil moisture range from 1 (dry/dust) to 5 (too wet):

• Stage 1: Completely dry, no moisture, dust-like.
• Stage 2: Some moisture but still dry; forms a weak ribbon.
• Stage 3: Optimal moisture, forms a ribbon, but no water drips when squeezed.
• Stage 4: Slightly too wet, ribbon forms and water starts to drip when squeezed.
• Stage 5: Saturated, too wet, no ribbon can form.

Q3: What tools are needed to check soil moisture?
A: The primary tools are a soil auger, shovel, Aeroview app for data recording, and water for adjusting moisture levels to assess stages.

Q4: How is soil moisture data recorded in Aeroview?
A:

1. Open the Aeroview app and sync it.
2. Click the plus button to add new data.
3. Select the relevant irrigation valve and input moisture levels.
4. Enter the topsoil and subsoil moisture readings using a scale of 1 to 5.
5. Sync the data after completing the entry.

Q5: What’s the proper way to collect soil samples for moisture testing?
A: Samples should be taken at two depths:

• Topsoil: The first 20 cm.
• Subsoil: Between 20-40 cm. These samples are tested for moisture content using the 5-stage scale.

Q6: How do I recalibrate my moisture-checking skills?
A: It’s recommended to recalibrate monthly by checking moisture levels in different soil types. This helps you visually and physically adjust your feel for the stages.

Q7: How does the Aeroview app format the recorded data?
A: Data entry follows a specific format:

• Example format: 18 A 4 3
• “18” refers to the valve number.
• “A” indicates if the reading was done before or after irrigation.
• The first number after “A” (e.g., 4) represents topsoil moisture.
• The second number (e.g., 3) represents subsoil moisture.

Q8: What if I get a .5 (half-stage) result in moisture testing?
A: You can use half-stage readings (.5) in the Aeroview system if necessary. For example, a moisture level of 2.5 might indicate that the soil is on the verge of needing irrigation but still holds some moisture.

Q9: What happens if the soil is too dry or too wet?
A: If the soil is:

• Too dry (Stage 1 or 2): Irrigation is needed immediately. Consult with the irrigation supervisor.
• Too wet (Stage 4 or 5): You may need to delay irrigation or adjust the water application to avoid oversaturation.

Q10: How can I differentiate between moisture stages with different soil types?
A: Soil types absorb water differently. For example:

• Clay soils tend to hold more water and form firmer ribbons at higher moisture levels.
• Sandy soils may absorb water quickly but dry out faster, making it harder to form ribbons even at moderate moisture levels. Regular calibration helps you adapt your readings to the specific soil types on your farm.

Q11: How do farm managers export data from Aeroview?
A: Farm managers can export data by:

1. Opening Aeroview on their computer.
2. Clicking on their farm and then the “show findings” button.
3. Ensuring the irrigation tab is turned on, then exporting the data as a CSV file.
4. Importing the CSV data into the Soil Moisture Data Excel sheet.

Q12: Why do we use the ribbon test to determine soil moisture?
A: The ribbon test allows you to feel the soil’s consistency and moisture level. The longer the ribbon you can form without it crumbling, the more moisture the soil holds.

Q13: Why is it important to recalibrate moisture readings?
A: Moisture levels can vary by soil type and environmental conditions, so recalibrating ensures consistent and accurate readings. This also allows team members to align their judgment when switching between different farm locations.

Q14: What are the benefits of monitoring moisture before and after irrigation?
A: Monitoring moisture before and after irrigation helps fine-tune water application, ensuring optimal levels for plant health without over or under-watering.

Q15: How can I access Aeroview data if I encounter syncing issues?
A: If there are syncing issues, double-check that the app is connected to the internet. If problems persist, re-sync the data manually or contact support for assistance.

Irrigation and Soil Moisture Monitoring Workshop Overview

This workshop, led by Emily, focused on teaching best practices for soil moisture monitoring and irrigation management. It’s essential for farm staff to understand the five stages of soil moisture, how to test soil using the correct methods, and how to log data properly using the Aerobotics system. Key points include the stages of soil moisture, recalibration practices, and how to coordinate with irrigation supervisors to ensure efficient water use.

1. Stages of Soil Moisture: A Guide for Efficient Irrigation

Maintaining the right soil moisture is critical for plant health. The five stages of moisture help determine when irrigation is needed, ensuring water is used efficiently:

1. Stage 1: Dry and Dusty (Irrigation Required)
   • Description: Soil is completely dry, crumbling easily with no moisture present.
   • Action: Immediate irrigation is necessary to prevent plant stress.
2. Stage 2: Dry with Some Clumping (Irrigation Needed Soon)
   • Description: Soil clumps slightly but remains dry to the touch.
   • Action: Schedule irrigation soon to avoid further moisture loss.
3. Stage 3: Ideal Moisture (No Immediate Action)
   • Description: Soil forms a consistent ribbon when pressed. It’s moist but not wet.
   • Action: This is the optimal level, no immediate irrigation needed.
4. Stage 4: Wet (Adjust Irrigation Timing)
   • Description: Water squeezes out when the soil is pressed, indicating too much moisture.
   • Action: Adjust irrigation to prevent waterlogging and potential root damage.
5. Stage 5: Oversaturated (Stop Irrigation)
   • Description: The soil is waterlogged and no longer holds its shape. Water flows easily when squeezed.
   • Action: Stop watering immediately to avoid root suffocation and other negative effects.

2. Testing Soil Moisture Levels

There are two main soil depths to measure:

• Topsoil (0-20 cm): The upper layer of soil where most root activity occurs.
• Subsoil (20-40 cm): The deeper layer which helps buffer moisture for roots.

Use an auger or spade to dig into these layers and assess the moisture content based on the stages described. This check is done on a weekly basis.

3. Using the Aerobotics System to Log Data

To maintain consistency across all farms, irrigation and moisture data are logged into the Aerobotics system. The process includes:

1. Recording the Valve or Block Number: Each irrigation check is linked to a specific valve or block.
2. Indicating Pre- or Post-Irrigation Check: Specify whether the check was done before or after irrigation.
3. Entering Moisture Levels: Record the moisture levels for both topsoil and subsoil, using two numbers for each stage.

This system helps track irrigation effectiveness and ensures accurate data for decision-making.

4. Recalibration and Consistency

It’s essential to recalibrate your moisture reading technique regularly. Every three months, staff should review their method to ensure consistency. This includes manually testing soil samples to refresh your understanding of the five moisture stages.

5. Importance of Coordinating Irrigation Efforts

Effective irrigation management requires coordination between:

• Irrigation Supervisors
• Farm Managers
• Operations Managers

Together, these teams ensure irrigation is applied based on real-time data from moisture checks. The goal is to maintain optimal soil moisture levels, especially during critical periods such as flowering and fruit development.

6. Adjusting Irrigation Schedules

Irrigation schedules are determined based on two factors:

• How much water the soil can hold: Sandy soils can hold around 30 litres per square metre, while clay soils can hold up to 75 litres.
• How much water the crops need: This varies based on weather, soil type, and the plant’s growth stage.

It’s important to avoid over-irrigation, as water can drain through the soil before it can be absorbed. Similarly, under-irrigation can lead to plant stress, especially during hot weather or dry periods.

7. Monitoring Frequency and Pulse Watering

Soil moisture is typically checked twice a week:

• After the weekend (Monday)
• Before the end of the week (Thursday)

This ensures that irrigation is adjusted based on weather conditions and plant needs. In some cases, pulse watering (short, frequent watering sessions) may be required to avoid water runoff and improve soil absorption.

8. The Role of Moisture Probes

Moisture probes are another valuable tool for monitoring soil moisture. If daytime moisture levels are flattening out and the plant cannot pull more moisture from the soil, it indicates the plant is under stress. This is especially important during the flowering and fruiting stages, as stress can lead to reduced yields.

Conclusion

The irrigation workshop emphasized the importance of monitoring soil moisture levels, using efficient testing methods, and maintaining effective communication between irrigation teams. By following the five stages of soil moisture and using tools like the Aerobotics system, farms can optimize water use and ensure plant health throughout the growing season.

Take Aways

Here are some important takeaways from the workshop that could be included on the website for the MFM training section:

1. Soil Moisture Monitoring:
   • Regular soil moisture checks are critical and should be done weekly.
   • Soil moisture is assessed in five stages, ranging from completely dry (stage 1) to too wet (stage 5).
   • Techniques for measuring include using an auger or spade at various depths (20 cm and 40-60 cm).
2. Soil Types and Calibration:
   • Different soil types require tailored calibration. Regular recalibration, every few months, helps to maintain accuracy.
   • Calibrate the feel and look of soil by creating test samples and mixing wet and dry soil to assess the appropriate moisture level.
3. Stages of Moisture Content:
   • Stage 1: Dusty and dry, immediate irrigation required.
   • Stage 2: Some clumping but dry, irrigation needed soon.
   • Stage 3: Ideal moisture with a good ribbon formation, no immediate action needed.
   • Stage 4: Too wet, water squeezing out when pressed, adjust irrigation timing.
   • Stage 5: Oversaturated, stop watering immediately.
4. Record-Keeping in Aerobotics:
   • Use the Aerobotics system to record irrigation data, including valve/block numbers, whether the check was before or after irrigation, and moisture readings.
   • Ensure correct formatting and consistency in data entry for ease of processing.
5. Collaboration and Communication:
   • Effective collaboration between farm managers, irrigation supervisors, and field staff is essential for maintaining optimal soil conditions.
   • Regular communication helps to fine-tune irrigation schedules, particularly before and after rainy periods.
6. Water Management:
   • Balance the amount of water applied with the soil’s ability to retain it, preventing over-watering and drainage loss.
   • Use pulse watering if necessary to avoid runoff, especially with sandy soils.
   • Monitor moisture probes to ensure trees are not experiencing stress due to lack of water.