Drag and Drop Website BuilderIn plant care, certain values are essential for healthy growth and an optimal harvest. Soil moisture plays a central role, as it determines how often and how much should be watered to avoid over- or under-watering. Soil temperature directly affects root development and the overall growth of plants. Additionally, it is important to control humidity to optimize the climate in greenhouses and protect outdoor plants from drought damage.
Soil Temperature
The soil temperature plays an essential role in the healthy growth of plants. The following values serve as guidelines for farmers and gardeners to optimize nutrient uptake and promote root growth while minimizing stress risks for plants. They can vary depending on the plant species and seasonal conditions:
Soil Temperature at 0-6 cm:
This top layer is important for germination and early plant growth. A temperature range of 15-25°C (59-77°F) promotes rapid germination and strong root development.
Soil Temperature at 6-18 cm:
This layer contains the main roots of most plants. A moderate temperature of 10-20°C (50-68°F) is ideal for ensuring good nutrient and water absorption.
Soil Temperature at 18-54 cm:
This deeper layer is utilized by deep-rooting plants. A temperature of 8-18°C (46-64°F) helps supply water to the plants during hot periods and allows for good root development.
Soil Temperature at 54 cm:
This layer is reached by very deep-rooting plants. A cool temperature of 5-15°C (41-59°F) is beneficial for supplying water to the plants during dry periods and providing a stable growth environment.
These values are general guidelines and may vary slightly depending on specific plant species and growing conditions.
Soil Moisture
Soil moisture varies across different soil layers and plays a crucial role in plant growth and soil health. It is measured in m³/m³.
Soil Moisture (0-6 cm Depth):
Ideally between 0.20 m³/m³ and 0.35 m³/m³. These values are crucial for seed germination and early plant growth at the soil surface.
Soil Moisture (6-18 cm Depth):
Optimal between 0.15 m³/m³ and 0.30 m³/m³. These moisture levels support root development in young plants and promote good water absorption.
Soil Moisture (18-54 cm Depth):
Should ideally be between 0.10 m³/m³ and 0.25 m³/m³. These values are important for root growth in intermediate soil layers and for efficient nutrient uptake.
Soil Moisture (Beyond 54 cm Depth):
Desired values are between 0.08 m³/m³ and 0.20 m³/m³. These moisture levels are particularly important for deep-rooting plants, as they can access water from deeper soil layers and contribute to overall soil health.
These guidelines serve as a reference and should be adjusted according to specific plant types, soil conditions, and prevailing climatic factors to ensure optimal growth conditions.
Evapotranspiration (ET) und Referenz-Evapotranspiration (ET₀)
Evapotranspiration (ET) is the amount of water that evaporates from the Earth's surface and is transpired by plants. It indicates the current water demand of the plants and helps in determining irrigation needs. Higher ET values signify a greater water requirement for plants.
Reference Evapotranspiration (ET₀) is a standard value that represents the amount of water that should ideally evaporate and transpire under specific conditions. ET₀ serves as a reference point for evaluating actual ET. If the actual ET is close to or exceeds ET₀, it may indicate that irrigation is necessary.
Actual Evapotranspiration (ET) is crucial for irrigation planning as it reflects the current water needs of plants. Comparing it with ET₀ helps in assessing whether irrigation is required to adequately supply the plants.
There are no standardized thresholds for Evapotranspiration (ET) or reference Evapotranspiration (ET₀) since these values can vary greatly depending on various environmental factors such as climate, soil type, plant species, and season. This variability necessitates considering local data and specific conditions to accurately determine plant water needs and develop efficient irrigation strategies.
Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD)
Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD) indicates how dry or moist the air is and influences plant evaporation. Here are general guidelines for VPD and when irrigation might be needed:
A VPD below 0.4 kPa indicates high humidity and suggests that evaporation is low. This might mean less irrigation is required, unless soil moisture is low.
A VPD between 0.4 and 1.2 kPa indicates moderate humidity and is generally optimal for plant growth.
A VPD above 1.2 kPa signifies drier air, which leads to increased evaporation. Plants may need additional irrigation, especially if soil moisture is low.
These values are general guidelines and can vary depending on plant species, soil type, growth stage, and climatic conditions. It is important to regularly monitor VPD and adjust irrigation to meet the specific needs of the plants.
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