Hi @Steveb1862 ,
Our team took a closer look at your data. Regarding the different and seemingly inaccurate readings (80% vs 63% while feeling dry), there are a few factors at play based on how GeoDrops calculates moisture for your specific soil conditions:
1. Soil Compaction Makes a Big Difference
Even if the sensors are relatively close to each other, soil compactness can vary. As mentioned in our guide on understanding soil moisture, compacted (hard) soil has fewer micro-pores to hold water compared to aerated (loose) soil. Because of this structural difference, it is normal to see a 15–20% variance between two spots.
2. Why High Percentages Might Still Be Dry
Because your soil type is clay, it naturally holds a high volume of water to begin with. However, because of how tightly clay binds to water, a 60% reading in clay soil is actually considered dry for the plants.
Hopefully, this helps clear up how those readings are calculated! We’ve also updated the algorithm that determines the moisture descriptions (like ‘dry’ or ‘moist’) in our upcoming app update. Keep an eye out for it, give it a try, and let us know if it helps!
thanks,
Leon