Impact of soil moisture at different depths on crop growth

Soil moisture is one of the key environmental factors affecting crop growth. The moisture distribution in different soil layers has a significant impact on crop root development, water and nutrient absorption, and even the occurrence of diseases. Therefore, understanding and regulating the moisture conditions in different soil layers is essential for efficient agricultural management and improving crop yield.

Here are the main effects of soil moisture at different depths on crop growth: 

1. Root Distribution and Development  

The growth pattern of crop roots is directly influenced by the moisture distribution in the soil. When the topsoil is dry, the roots tend to grow deeper in search of water, which helps the plant withstand drought, but may result in insufficient nutrient absorption from the surface layers. In conditions with suitable moisture, the roots can spread evenly across multiple soil layers, enhancing water and nutrient absorption efficiency. 

2. Crop Growth Rate  

Adequate soil moisture promotes cell expansion and division, speeding up crop growth. In contrast, excessive drought causes cell dehydration and shrinkage, slowing or even halting growth. On the other hand, overly wet conditions can lead to root oxygen deprivation, inhibiting respiration and affecting growth and stress resistance. 

3. Water Use Efficiency (WUE)  

Moisture variations at different soil depths affect the crop’s water use efficiency. Soil with moderate moisture can maximize plant transpiration and water transport efficiency, reducing water wastage. By accurately monitoring the moisture content of different soil layers, "demand-based irrigation" can be achieved, improving water resource utilization. 

4. Risk of Disease Occurrence  

Improper soil moisture can trigger root diseases. Excessive moisture promotes the proliferation of soil pathogens, causing root rot and decay. Conversely, excessively dry soil can induce drought stress, weakening the plant's immune system and making it more susceptible to diseases. 

5. Soil Structure and Aeration  

Soil moisture directly impacts the stability of the soil structure. Proper moisture helps maintain aggregate structure, enhances aeration, and improves permeability, facilitating root respiration and microbial activity. Long-term excess moisture can lead to soil compaction and poor aeration, restricting root growth. 

6. Nutrient Absorption Capacity  

Water is the medium for nutrient dissolution and transport in the soil. Adequate moisture favors nutrient release and movement, promoting root absorption. If the soil is too dry, nutrients are not effectively absorbed by the roots. If the soil is too wet, nutrients, especially easily leachable elements like nitrogen, may be lost.

The Role of Soil Moisture Monitoring Tubes  

To achieve precise irrigation management, understanding the moisture conditions at different soil layers is crucial. Soil moisture monitoring tubes are sensor devices that can be inserted into the ground to monitor moisture changes from 0 to 100 cm or deeper. Their advantages include: 

- Real-time data acquisition, helping determine if irrigation is necessary.

- Multi-layer monitoring to understand the moisture status in different root activity zones.

- Integration with smart irrigation systems to automatically adjust water levels.

- Assisting farmers in implementing differentiated moisture management based on crop type and climate conditions. 

By scientifically monitoring and adjusting the moisture in different soil layers, not only can water resource utilization be improved, but crop yield and quality can also be effectively enhanced, promoting agricultural modernization.

NBL-S-TMSMS Tubular Multilayer Soil Moisture Sensor Data Sheet

NBL-S-TMSMS-Tubular-Multi-depth-Soil-Moisture-Sensor-Instruction-Manual.pdf