Maintaining proper soil moisture is crucial when growing plants with living soil. Living soil, rich in organic matter and teeming with beneficial microorganisms, requires careful moisture management to support plant health and soil vitality. This blog explores the importance of soil moisture, the role of Build-a-Soil Quillaja Extract, and the benefits of using advanced tools like the Ecowitt WH51 Wireless Soil Moisture Reader and GW1200 IoT Wi-Fi Gateway.

Importance of Soil Moisture in Living Soil

Soil moisture is the water content within soil particles, essential for plant hydration and the survival of soil organisms. Proper soil moisture levels are vital for several reasons:

1. Nutrient Uptake: Moist soil facilitates the absorption of nutrients by plant roots, ensuring healthy growth and development1.
2. Microbial Activity: Beneficial microbes thrive in moist environments, breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients2.
3. Soil Structure: Adequate moisture helps maintain soil structure, preventing compaction and promoting root growth3.

The Role of Build-a-Soil Quillaja Extract

Build-a-Soil offers Quillaja Saponaria Extract in two concentrations: 20% and 60%. This extract, derived from the bark of the Quillaja tree, is rich in saponins, natural surfactants that enhance water penetration and distribution in soil4.

Benefits of Quillaja Extract:

• Improved Water Absorption: Quillaja extract helps water infiltrate the soil more effectively, reducing runoff and ensuring even moisture distribution5.
• Enhanced Foliar Sprays: When used in foliar applications, Quillaja extract acts as a surfactant, improving the coverage and absorption of nutrients6.

Understanding Quillaja Extract

Quillaja Saponaria, commonly known as the soapbark tree, is native to Chile. The extract is obtained from the inner bark and is known for its high saponin content. Saponins are natural compounds that create a soapy lather when mixed with water, making them effective in various agricultural applications5.

Utilizing the Ecowitt WH51 Wireless Soil Moisture Reader

The Ecowitt WH51 Wireless Soil Moisture Reader is a valuable tool for monitoring soil moisture levels. It measures soil moisture content within 72 seconds and transmits the data to the WSView Plus app via the GW1200 IoT Wi-Fi Gateway7.

Features:

• Real-Time Data: Provides live soil moisture data on the WSView Plus app7.
• Multi-Location Monitoring: Supports up to eight sensors, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of different garden areas7.
• Easy Integration: Works seamlessly with the GW1200 IoT Wi-Fi Gateway for efficient data transmission8.

Benefits of the GW1200 IoT Wi-Fi Gateway

The GW1200 IoT Wi-Fi Gateway enhances the functionality of the WH51 sensor by providing a reliable connection to the internet. This gateway supports multiple sensors and uploads data to the Ecowitt cloud, enabling remote monitoring and data analysis8.

Advantages:

• Centralized Data Management: Consolidates data from various sensors for easy access and analysis8.
• IoT Integration: Supports intelligent linkage control and can connect to other Ecowitt smart devices8.

Benefits of Moist Soil for Microbial Life and Worms

Maintaining moist soil is essential for the health of microbial life and earthworms, both of which play critical roles in soil fertility:

1. Microbial Activity: Moist soil provides an ideal environment for beneficial microbes to thrive, aiding in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling9.
2. Earthworm Health: Earthworms prefer moist conditions, which facilitate their movement and feeding. Their activity improves soil aeration and structure, enhancing overall soil health9.

Watering Techniques for Living Soil

Proper watering techniques are crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of living soil:

1. Deep Watering: Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and reduce surface evaporation10.
2. Mulching: Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce temperature fluctuations11.
3. Avoid Overwatering: Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot and maintain aeration12.

In conclusion, proper soil moisture management is vital for the success of living soil gardening. Utilizing tools like Build-a-Soil Quillaja Extract and the Ecowitt WH51 Wireless Soil Moisture Reader, along with the GW1200 IoT Wi-Fi Gateway, can significantly enhance your ability to maintain optimal soil conditions. By understanding and implementing these practices, you can create a thriving garden ecosystem that supports robust plant growth and soil health.

8: Ecowitt WH51 Wireless Soil Moisture Meter - Ecowitt 7: WH51 Wireless Soil Moisture Meter - Ecowitt 1: Soil Moisture: Definition and Importance - OneStepGuide 2: How Moist Should Soil Be? A Soil Moisture Gardening Guide3: The Importance Of Soil Moisture For Plant Growth - Botanikks 4: BuildASoil Quillaja Saponaria Extract Powder 60% - BuildASoil 5: Quillaja Saponaria Extract Powder 60 – BuildASoil Wholesale 6: Quillaja Saponaria Extract Powder 60 - Aggressive Garden 10: POST# 19: Watering Tips for Living Soil — Nature’s Living Soil 11: How to Make Living Soil | Step by Step Guide (2024) - The Garden Fixes 12: How To Water Living Soil - Over Water Vs. Under Water - BuildASoil 9: Why are worms important? - Soil Association