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If you are new to gardening, then you may be wondering if you can measure the soil temperature without thermometer usage. Therefore, this article will address this important issue with practical insights.
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So do you need a soil thermometer to determine soil temperature?
To answer directly, it is difficult to know the exact temperature of the soil before you plant something if you do not use a soil thermometer that can accurately determine the temperature of the soil. Though you may feel the soil with your hands to see if the soil seems warm, hot or cold, touching the soil can in no way provide an accurate indication regarding the exact temperature of the soil. That is why it is important to use a soil thermometer.
No average temperature
The temperature of the soil indicates the level of warmth of the soil. Some people may wonder what the average temperature of soil tends to be. But the truth is that there does not exist any average temperature for soil due to the fact that the temperature of the soil is impacted by the structure of the soil, the season of the year as well as the composition of the soil.
There are also other factors that can impact the temperature of the soil as well. It is recommended, therefore, to engage in the usage of a soil thermometer to check the temperature of the soil. Furthermore, it is beneficial to ensure that the temperature of the soil is maintained at a temperature of about forty-five degrees Fahrenheit to seventy degrees Fahrenheit for the successful growth of your plants if you are growing them in a greenhouse.
A valuable measurement
The temperature of the soil is indeed a valuable measurement to ensure that your plants produce optimal growth. In addition, during the day, soil is known for engaging in the absorption of heat. But during the night, heat is released from the soil, which results in the soil becoming colder.
This same aspect is true in regard to the times of the seasons. Take into consideration, for example, that soil engages in the absorption of warmth during the spring and summer seasons and stores that energy in order to then allow the releasing of the warmth when the fall and winter seasons arrive, which is why the soil is colder during the fall and winter.
Key role
As a result, it is realized that the temperature of the soil does play a key role when it comes to influencing the germination of seeds. The temperature of the soil furthermore generates the nitrification of the soil.
Moreover, the temperature of the soil also contributes to the level of humidity that is experienced by the soil. Then it is also important to consider the fact that the temperature of the soil contributes to the aeration of the soil. Finally, the temperature of the soil impacts the availability of nutrients in the soil that the plants can absorb for optimal health and growth.
Time of day
That is why it is imperative to use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the soil. Then this leads to the time of day that you should measure the temperature of the soil. It is best to measure the soil at the beginning of the day.
A perfect time frame to measure the soil is in the early part of the morning anywhere from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. as a result of the fact that when it is later in the day, the soil will be warmed by the sun. If you measure the temperature prior to 9 a.m, the soil may still be cold because of frost in the night.
When using a greenhouse
If your scenario is that you are using a greenhouse for the sake of growing your plants, it is a good idea to engage in checking the temperature of the soil twice each day. This should be done in the morning as well as later in the evening in order to ensure that the soil does not experience a drop in temperature beyond the minimum acceptable threshold.
Thus when you are growing your plants in a greenhouse, you should decide where you will place the seedlings. You should then plant the seedlings in about three to four inches of soil, which is a common practice when planting seedlings. Use a soil thermometer to measure the temperature of the soil.
Final Thoughts
You, therefore, should place the soil thermometer at the side across the perimeter of a hole that you have dug for the seedlings. You should measure the soil on each side of the plant, which means conducting at least two different temperature tests. Be sure to let the thermometer sit for about two to three minutes and then examine the temperature that is visible on the dial.
Check out some other posts from our site
- Is Soil Temperature Warmer Than Air?
- Best Soil Temperature for Morel Mushrooms
- How Does Temperature Affect Soil Formation
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