Ranking of the best soil moisture meters for 2020

The moisture content of the earth is one of the most important agrotechnical parameters, which directly determines how well the ecological system will function. Today, manufacturers offer a wide range of instruments that are used to measure soil moisture. We suggest you familiarize yourself with some devices for measuring this parameter and compare their effectiveness.

Why does it become necessary to moisten the soil

Today, there is a fairly rapid development of high technologies. Specialists are working on improving and creating new devices that could facilitate the work of a person in a particular industry. This also applies to agriculture. Devices that are used to work with the earth make life much easier for people working in this area.

When it becomes necessary to transport, store or process grain crops, the preservation of all characteristics and quality of grain becomes an important nuance. In addition, it is necessary to preserve its useful properties. This can only be possible if the required humidity and temperature conditions are observed. For this, special measuring devices are used.

During the growth of a plant, the moisture content in its tissues is 70 to 90%.
Adequate water availability is one of the most important factors that have a direct impact on soil fertility. Its presence is responsible for:

• enrichment of a particular culture with the required amount of liquid;
• the amount of air, salt and some components in the soil that can harm the plant;
• plasticity and density of the soil;
• readiness of the soil for agricultural and agrotechnical processes.

If there is not enough water in the soil, the activation of the life processes of the plant and its further full-fledged vital activity is simply impossible.

Why do you need a meter?

Every vegetable grower knows that when growing a particular vegetable crop, it is important to know the basic parameters of the soil. These include the Ph level, temperature, moisture content and light level. If the ultimate goal is to get a good harvest, then when growing a crop, you should create the conditions for the plants that they need. It is especially important to consider what kind of soil the plant should be grown in. So cabbage can grow well on the site, but carrots simply will not sprout.

To understand which crop is suitable for growing on the site, and what fertilizers need to be applied, first of all, you should find out the level of acidity and moisture of the soil. A special meter will help with this. It can be liquid or plastic. At the same time, its ease of use allows even an inexperienced summer resident to use it.

Functional

Each meter has a variety of functionalities. It will help the summer resident track the change in the level of soil moisture. This will allow timely implementation of the necessary actions and preserve grain crops. In addition, this device will allow you to identify spoiled products that cannot be mixed with high quality grain.

Device device

This measuring device is particularly reliable. It is easy to use and relatively inexpensive. All measured values ​​are displayed on a special display of the meter.

The design of the meter consists of an electronic unit that calculates the humidity level according to the data provided by a special sensor. The sensor can be either external or built-in. It is an elongated steamed metal probe connected to the block of the device itself.

The device block includes a control system and a microprocessor in its design. For convenient control of the meter, push-button switches are located on its body.

Determination of soil density

During agricultural work, it is often necessary to determine the density of the cultivated soil. To cope with this task will help a portable pH meter - PH300, which is designed to measure the level of moisture content and soil temperature.

The portable pH meter is easy to use. Moreover, it is suitable for all types of soil. With it, you can measure the necessary indicators both in a greenhouse, a greenhouse, in a summer cottage, and in a flower pot. The device quickly reacts to any changes, which indicates the stability and maximum accuracy of the readings given to it. The main features of this device include:

• availability of LCD display;
• long electrode;
• battery charge indication.

A portable pH meter is incredibly useful when the gardener's ultimate goal is to increase yields.

Measurements with dielectric TDR and EDR probes

The dielectric environment directly depends on how much moisture the soil contains. This method allows you to determine the indicator of soil moisture by calculating it. At the time of testing, the dielectric constant changes, which allows you to calculate the relationship between these parameters. The main advantage of this sensor is the ability to transmit data wirelessly.

Another modern device for measuring the level of humidity is the probe. It is located in the pipe, is at a certain depth and takes readings in automatic mode. The readings are transmitted to the observer regularly and are as accurate as possible. Of course, you should not expect that the cost of such a device will be small. Its price is quite high.

How to use the meter

As mentioned above, the meter is an instrument that is very easy to use. Each device designed to measure the humidity level comes with detailed instructions that will help you understand the design of the device and understand how to use it. We suggest you familiarize yourself with some of the nuances, knowledge of which will help you get the most accurate measurements:

1. After fertilization, the meter can only be used after 72 hours.
2. The area that you plan to check must be watered first.
3. In the place where the probe will be located, the soil must be very well compacted.
4. Take at least 3 measurements and calculate the average.
5. At the end of the work, the rod of the device must be thoroughly cleaned with a napkin. Remember - it must be kept clean.

When making a purchase, do not forget to check with your consultant if the device is calibrated for measuring soil moisture and acidity. If calibration has not been carried out, then you must do it yourself. To do this, you will need a buffer solution, which can be purchased at the same store.

Rating of the best devices for 2020

When the decision on the need to purchase this device has been made, it is time to decide on its model. We offer you to get acquainted with the most popular meters, which will delight you not only with their high quality, but also with an affordable price.

Green Belt

This instrument is incredibly easy to use, provides accurate data, and is affordable. This meter has several functions. In addition to measuring Ph, it will provide data on the amount of moisture in the soil and its illumination. Green Belt works without batteries, which makes the data as accurate as possible and allows the plants to provide the conditions they need for a comfortable life and proper growth. Powered by solar energy. This device will help preserve the harvest, increase its quality and quantity.

• easy to use;
• provides accurate data;
• has an affordable cost.

• not found.

KS-300

This meter, like the previous one, belongs to electronic devices and is multifunctional. It will help you make the most accurate moisture measurements and understand if your plants are getting enough light. The range of the KS-300 is quite large. It is worth noting the fact that the device has a rather long service life, and this is an undoubted advantage.

With the help of KS-300, the gardener will be able to keep under his control the parameters on which the quality of the future harvest depends. The device is small in size, can be used to measure indicators in any type of soil, is easy to use and provides the most correct data, which actually makes it stand out among similar devices.

KS-300 has an LCD display and a 200 mm electrode. The device automatically turns off after 5 minutes of inactivity, which helps conserve battery power. You can track the charge level at any time. It is shown on the display.

During the operation of the KS-300, some shortcomings were identified. These include the fact that the device discharges rather quickly and, with a low charge, provides insufficiently correct data.

• long service life;
• small size;
• can be used to measure indicators in any type of soil;
• easy to use;
• provides the most correct data.

• not found.

Megeon 35280

Megeon 35280 is used to measure moisture and light indicators. It has a light weight, plastic, but rather durable body, and does not need to change the batteries. The disadvantages of this model include a small range and the inability to measure the level of illumination in a shady area or in a greenhouse.

• light weight;
• plastic, but rather durable case;
• does not need to change batteries.

• not found.

ZD-06

This meter can be called one of the most accurate. It perfectly copes with the task of determining the level of soil moisture and works without batteries.

But this meter cannot be called ideal. The reason for this was its overpriced and small range of action.

• works without batteries;
• easy to use.

• overcharge;
• small range of action.

Probe ETP-301

ETP-301 probe meter is a multifunctional device that will help determine the level of illumination, moisture and acidity of the soil. It is ideal if the goal is to identify violations in the rules for keeping indoor plants.

In addition, this meter can be used to determine the type of soil. Therefore, it will come in handy both at the summer cottage and at home. The measuring probe will help to check the soil moisture level both in the garden and in the flower pot.

• works without batteries;
• easy to use;
• useful both at the summer cottage and at home.

• not found.

Espada APH-58

Multifunctional meter Espada APH-58 will be the ideal assistant for every summer resident during sowing seeds, planting young plants in open ground and daily care for them.

This meter works without additional batteries and provides accurate data within 1 minute after the start of its operation. It can be used both on the garden plot and at home, and will make it clear if you need to make changes to your daily plant care activities.

Espada APH-58 is very easy to operate and has a rather long service life.

• works without additional batteries;
• provides accurate data already 1 minute after the start of its operation;
• easy to use.

• not found.

Espada MPS-300

This modern measuring device is used to monitor several important parameters:

1. Soil moisture.
2. Soil acidity level.
3. Illumination.
4. Temperatures.

With its help, the summer resident will be able to regularly test the soil in greenhouse structures, greenhouses, in the country and even on his own windowsill. This will help to promptly respond to negative changes in any of the indicators and take measures that will help prevent plant death. Espada MPS-300 is what you need to grow healthy and beautiful plants.

• simple and convenient;
• accurate data after 1 minute.

• not found.

APTs-1, 4 in 1

ARC-1 is designed for measuring the level of moisture content in soil, calculating the pH value, determining temperature and light intensity.

This multifunctional meter has a backlight function, is equipped with a fairly large LCD screen, a battery indicator and an automatic shutdown function, which is activated after a while after the device is inactive.

The device has a high performance. Due to its low weight, it is easy to transport over long distances, which makes the meter ideal for summer residents.

• has a backlight function;
• equipped with a fairly large LCD screen, battery indicator and auto shutdown function.

• not found.

Luster Leaf Rapitest 1825

This digital meter is used to measure the level of soil moisture in greenhouses, paludariums, open areas. It will help you quickly, simply and as conveniently as possible to obtain the necessary information about the quality of the soil and understand how correctly the watering of plants is carried out.

This model will be the perfect option for any florist, vegetable grower and gardener, no matter how professional he is. It is suitable both for daily use and for carrying out various kinds of research and scientific experiments, which became possible due to the highest accuracy of all changes.

• digital display on which all readings are perfectly visible;
• the ability to measure the level of moisture content in the soil;
• device development in the United States of America;
• the presence in the set of information on watering rates for 150 different plants.

• not found.

How to choose a meter?

The choice of a moisture meter must be approached with special responsibility. To do it right, pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Choose those devices that are highly reliable and durable.
2. Pay special attention to those devices that have two or more functions. They are considered the most preferable and allow you to measure several indicators at the same time.In addition, such appliances will help save you money. After all, buying one thing is much cheaper than buying several units at once.
3. Give your preference to those meters that run on solar panels. Such devices are the most convenient to use.
4. Choose models with an electronic display.