Why soil moisture matters before you plant
Many crop failures start underground. If the soil is too dry, seeds struggle to germinate. If it is waterlogged, roots rot and nutrients wash away.
How to check moisture without a lab
- Feel test: Take soil from a hand’s depth. Squeeze. If it forms a ball that holds, moisture is moderate. If it crumbles to dust, it is dry. If water squeezes out, it is wet.
- Look at the field: Standing water, algae, or a hard crust after rain are warning signs.
- Wait after heavy rain: On clay or black cotton soils, wait until you can walk without deep mud before planting.
What to do next
Match your plan to the moisture. Dry soils may need irrigation or a delayed planting. Wet soils need drainage or raised beds for sensitive crops.
On AgriKenya, use Farm insights to combine your soil moisture estimate with a rain outlook for your county.
This is general guidance, not a substitute for local extension advice or a soil test.