Understanding soil moisture is key to making confident, data-backed irrigation decisions—and Emily Dart is here to help you get it right.

In this hands-on workshop, Emily walks through MFM’s five-stage soil moisture scale and shows how to assess both topsoil and subsoil moisture using a simple auger or spade method. With different soil types across our orchards, recalibration is crucial—so Emily also explains how to test and fine-tune your soil assessment skills using two piles of dirt.

You’ll also learn how to:

• Distinguish between stages 1 (dust-dry) through to stage 5 (saturated)
• Use the ribbon test to identify moisture levels
• Record data accurately in Aeroview using our preferred format
• Make informed decisions on when and how much to irrigate
• Avoid under- or overwatering that can stress trees or waste water

Whether you’re a new irrigator or need a seasonal refresher, this workshop is designed to support consistency and confidence in your soil monitoring routine.

Soil Moisture:

Materials Needed:

• Soil Auger.
• Phone with Aeroview app.

Pre checks:

• Jug of Water
• Shovel
• Flat Surface (can be the back of the Ute)

Pre check test before soil moisture test steps:

• Place a 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.
• With a jug of water, saturate the second section until the dirt can’t take any more water. This will be 5 on the scale.
• Take a section of Scale 1 soil and scale 5 Soil and mix them together, this will be section 3.
• Take a section of Scale 1 and scale 3 and mix them together, this will be scale 2.
• Take a section of scale 3 and scale 5 and mix them together, this will be scale 4.
• Complete the soil moisture checks on different soil types so that the farm manager and irrigation supervisor is confident that the reading are correct.

Scale: this scale is dependent on the soil type on the Farms.

1. No moisture at all the soil is bone dry.  Dust
2. A very small amount of water in the Soil. You can create a ribbon in the soil, but it will fall apart in your hands.
3. The soil is moist. You can create a ribbon in the soil and it won’t fall apart in your hand the water won’t run out of the soil.
4. Wet soil. Can still create a ribbon but water will drip out of your hand when you create the ribbon.
5. Extremely wet soil. You cannot create a ribbon in your hand water will constantly drip out of your hand.

Process for Water moisture check:

1. Soil moisture checks are to be performed weekly before and after irrigation.
2. Collect the first sample Top surface (0-20cm) using the auger. Take the soil sample from the auger. Work out what the soil moisture is like from the previous scale.
3.  Collect the second sample from the sub soil surface (20-40cm) using the auger. Take the soil sample from the auger. Work out the soil moisture from the soil moisture scale.
4. Record the soil moisture recording for both the top surface and the subsurface levels.

🌱 Video: Soil Moisture Workshop with Emily Dart

Learn how to assess and manage soil moisture across your orchard with confidence.
In this practical, hands-on video, Emily Dart walks through the key stages of checking soil moisture, calibrating your method, and recording results in Aeroview.

🎥 Watch the full workshop below, or use the time-stamped links to jump to specific sections.

🕒 Workshop Chapters

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 0:15 – Overview of Soil Moisture Checking
• 1:00 – Weekly Checks and the 5 Stages
• 2:00 – Testing with Auger or Spade
• 3:00 – Measuring Topsoil and Subsoil Moisture
• 4:00 – Recording in Aeroview
• 5:00 – Soil Types and Recalibration
• 6:00 – Creating Stages with Two Piles
• 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 & Water Dripping)
• 10:00 – Understanding Moisture Levels
• 11:00 – Entering Data into Aeroview
• 12:00 – Calibrating Every 3 Months
• 13:00 – What’s Next in Soil Monitoring
• 14:00 – Watering Based on Moisture Stages
• 15:00 – Importance of Accurate Data
• 16:00 – Conclusion and Recap

Q&A: Soil Moisture Checking and Aeroview Process

Soil Moisture Aeroview steps

Press the Pls button.Open Aeroview and Sync. And press start scouting

Press the Plus button.

Press Irrigation Tab

Add Irrigation Finding and Click Save

Soil Moisture Check: The Key to Healthy Orchards!

At Macadamia Farm Management, keeping our orchards thriving starts from the ground up. One of the most important tasks we do is regular soil moisture monitoring. By checking moisture levels in the soil, we ensure that our trees get just the right amount of water to stay healthy and productive!

There are 5 key stages of soil moisture:

Dusty & Dry – Immediate irrigation needed!

Some Clumping – Still dry, but irrigation is needed soon.

Ideal Moisture – Healthy levels, no action required.

Too Wet – Water squeezing out when pressed, adjust irrigation.

Oversaturated – Stop watering right away!

Q & A

This process not only improves water efficiency but helps us avoid overwatering and promotes sustainable farming practices.

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.

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.
5. Example: 18 A 4 3
6.  Sync Aeroview at the end of the test.

For Farm managers exporting data.

1. Open Aeroview in your computer.
2. Click on your farm.
3. Click on the show findings button.
4. Make sure that irrigation tab is turned on. Export this to CSV.
5. Open the Soil Moisture Data excel document and paste the data into this document.
6. Click on the process tab.
7.  Farm manager and irrigation supervisor to discuss the moisture checks.

Water meter recordings

Materials needed:

• Phone with Aeroview App.

Steps for Water Meter recordings:

To locate water meter in Aeroview.:

1. Sync Aeroview
2. Slick on start scouting tab.
3. Click on filter trap- click on WM.

This will give you the location to where the water meters are located throughout the farms.

• Click on the designated water meter and click Add pest trap recording in Aeroview.
• Write down the number that is on the water meter and click done.

Water meter recording should be taken every Friday.

To create a new Water Meter in Aeroview.

1. Go to the meter.
2. Select the start new task button.
3. Thess the plus button
4. Select pest trap.
5. Enter the pest trap as WM.
6. Name the Water Meter (Company farm Block – PHCTOB3)
7. Save the Water Meter.

For Farm Managers, Agronomic team:

1. Open Aeroview:
2. Click on the desired farm.
3. Click on pest and disease reports.
4. Filter the pest to water meter.
5. You can see the data here on Aeroview but if you want to extrapolate data export.