Measuring Soil Health:
challenge
Soil temperature
The earth’s soil layer is critical in maintaining plant life,
offering structural support and supplying water and
When Soil Tempeature Reaches:
nutrients. Soil also stores heat, acting as a energy sink
during the day and a heat source at the soil surface at
night. In annual terms, the soil stores energy during the
warm season and releases it to the air during the colder 140 F Soil bacteria dies.
portions of the year. Soil temperature is simply the mea-
surement of the warmth in the soil.
Why is soil temperature in important?
Soil temperature is the factor that drives germination of 130 F 100% moisture is lost through
seeds. Soil temperature directly affects plant growth. evaporation or transpiration.
Most soil organisms function best at an optimum soil
[Link] temperature impacts the rate of nitrifi-
[Link] also influences soil moisture content, aeration
and availability of plant nutrients.
113 F Some bacteria species start
Method of measuring temperature: dying.
Soil thermometers are the most common tool for mea- 15% moisture used for growth,
suring soil tempeatures. There are special soil tempera- 100 F 85% moisture lost through
ture gauges used by some farmers and soil sample com- evaporation and transpiration.
panies, but a standard digital thermometer will work for
general soil health assessment.
Tips for measuring soil temperature 90 F Plant growth slows.
Date: Best to measure in June, July and August during
the growing season to reflect soil health benefits.
Time of day: Between 1 and 2 p.m.
Depth: 4 inches below the soil surface, under bare soil
Location: Be consistent (same area of field, soil type,
weather and precipitation.)
70 F 100% moisture is used for plant
growth.
Ideal range for nitrification,
plant growth and planting
(65 to 86 F)
