I think that the main thing here is that it helps people to be better plant parents. Even kf the accuracy is not at 100 percent, it helps toward a good end goal. It's supposed to give good indications, not intended to be a scientific instrument.
been using a moisture meter for about 30 min... (I have the non apine version) in my limited experience I've used the move around to different spots in the same planet testing - I've found leaving the meter for about 5 to 10 minutes to level out at each point of testing works best also on the side of the box it says not to leave in the soil for hours at a time thank you for this video... you are the only one that shows how to use these even if other video titles say that's what they are doing
You need to make sure the probes are all at the same depth. using a glass of water with a damp and wet sponge would show if they are all calibrated the same!
Ok, so moisture completes the circuit. But with no power , is there a circuit or isn’t it just a loop of wire that magically shows moisture and ph levels? Is the light sensor a tiny solar cell that stores power in a little capacitor?
Soil moisture meters that do not use batteries operate on the principle of a galvanic cell, which is a type of battery that generates electricity by the chemical reaction between two dissimilar metals and the moisture in the soil.
okay, so these work using conductivity. any sort of salts in the soil alter the outcome, so you need to now details about your soil's minerals, to get even a ball park figure. leaving electrodes in the soil will kill these due to almost instant corrosion. these only work if you shove it in, gives you a figure, and pull it out. so this video is basically an user error of an already difficult to understand device
They were referring to the salt build up left behind from salt based (bottled) nutrition, which is most of them if not all. Not a problem for organic growers. The fix is running plain water till that goes down, usually three times the pots volume. The problem with salt build up is that it suffocates the root system.
What I know about them meters is to Never leave the meter more than 10 minutes in the soil as it will not give accurate reading . Great comparison
Excellent point. Thanks for sharing, that's become my long term practice too...
Does leaving them in the moist soil ruin them? It seems like they shouldn’t be impacted by time
I think that the main thing here is that it helps people to be better plant parents. Even kf the accuracy is not at 100 percent, it helps toward a good end goal. It's supposed to give good indications, not intended to be a scientific instrument.
Interesting points, thanks for sharing.
been using a moisture meter for about 30 min... (I have the non apine version)
in my limited experience I've used the move around to different spots in the same planet testing - I've found leaving the meter for about 5 to 10 minutes to level out at each point of testing works best
also on the side of the box it says not to leave in the soil for hours at a time
thank you for this video... you are the only one that shows how to use these even if other video titles say that's what they are doing
Thanks for the compliment, and agree about moving the probes around and not keeping them in the pots for too long...
I bought one with a ph and light meater. Been very helpful with my cactus garden and Ivy plant works way better than my finger
Thanks for sharing. They are helpful as long as you understand the gauge's limitations.
You need to make sure the probes are all at the same depth. using a glass of water with a damp and wet sponge would show if they are all calibrated the same!
Thank you. Quite surprising results!
I agree, the results surprised me too. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you for the test Now I just got to figure out how they work with no battery
The moisture completes the circuit. Very interesting for sure.
Ok, so moisture completes the circuit. But with no power , is there a circuit or isn’t it just a loop of wire that magically shows moisture and ph levels? Is the light sensor a tiny solar cell that stores power in a little capacitor?
Soil moisture meters that do not use batteries operate on the principle of a galvanic cell, which is a type of battery that generates electricity by the chemical reaction between two dissimilar metals and the moisture in the soil.
Looking on Amazon it appears
These meters are sold under many different brands
Yup, very likely they all come from the same factory.... That was one of the things I was testing.
Appreciate it!
You're welcome. These sensors are still going strong years later...
Can these meters be kept in the soil all the time without taking them out every time?
I've kept them in for a couple of days not issues. But one can be used to check many pots.
If i was a betting man i say that the 3 came out of the same factory . They were all Chinesium
Most likely, wouldn't surprise me either...
If I were a Tibetan man, I'd put $10 on the Dalai Lama.
okay, so these work using conductivity. any sort of salts in the soil alter the outcome, so you need to now details about your soil's minerals, to get even a ball park figure. leaving electrodes in the soil will kill these due to almost instant corrosion. these only work if you shove it in, gives you a figure, and pull it out. so this video is basically an user error of an already difficult to understand device
Agreed, salt can be a factor.
That is the way I use mine. More like a meat thermometer
can those remain in the plant all the time ??
No
Not recommended. Take your reading and then remove them is a best practice.
oregno seed germinate best moisture level & ph?
unsure, always start from small nursery plants.
I saw someone say that if it says wet when it's not wet, it could be because there's a lot of salt
Maybe, but if your plants are in salt water you have bigger problems...
@@MakeItorBreakItNow Yeah probably
They were referring to the salt build up left behind from salt based (bottled) nutrition, which is most of them if not all. Not a problem for organic growers. The fix is running plain water till that goes down, usually three times the pots volume. The problem with salt build up is that it suffocates the root system.
These 3 sensors were probably mfg. by the same company but sold to different vendors.
Could very well be...