There are two methods for conducting soil moisture measurements.

One method involves measuring the percentage of water in the soil matrix typically by using electronic soil moisture sensors that utilize electromagnetic waves to estimate volumetric water content, such as the HydraProbe and the HandiTrase TDR.

The other method involves measuring the soil’s matric potential, or pressure required to move water through the soil, by using tensiometers, gypsum blocks, heat capacitance probes, and other porous media methods.

The relationship between soil matric potential and soil moisture is crucial in understanding soil water dynamics. Soil matric potential refers to the negative pressure required to extract water from the soil. It is essential to consider both soil moisture and water potential in managing plant hydration.

In simpler terms, water potential indicates when a plant requires watering, while soil moisture percentage indicates the quantity of water available.