FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) based sensors measure dielectric constant of the soil mixture.  It measures the charge holding capacity  of the soil by analyzing the travel time of the reflected wave to determine volumetric water content.

  • The data from the TDR sensor is taken from the average of the length of the sensor.

    • Inserting the sensor vertically gives you the average of the top 6 inches of the soil

    • Digging a hole and inserting the sensor horizontally in the side wall of the hole gives a reading over the average of the specific depth the sensor is placed at.

  • With proper care and storage your sensors should easily last over 5 years.

  • Contact us to purchase a replacement sensor. If the port on the unit or meter is not damaged, you can simply replace the sensor, plug and play.

  • Works in all growing medias including peat, perlite mixes, rock wool, as well as natural soils.

  • The sensor is taking a reading from the entire length of the sensor tines. Any gap or exposure to air will affect the reading.

  • Currently, we don’t offer pH sensors, but we’re always exploring new options for our customers.

  • Bulk EC measures the electrical conductivity of the entire soil matrix including the soil, water, and air together, and is a direct measurement.

    Pore Water EC is the electrical conductivity of only the water found within the pore spaces of the soil and is calculated using the Hilhorst model rather than measured directly.

Soil Cub +

  • Yes! If you would like instant readings without saving the readings turn on the Soil Cub+ and do not connect it to the Soil Cub App.

  • That depends, if you would like to save readings to the Soil Cub App you will need to connect your mobile device via Bluetooth to your Soil Cub+. 

  • Your data is saved locally on your mobile device. It is NOT stored on a database or the cloud.

  • We recommend downloading your data when you are finished taking readings for the day.

  • No, an account is not needed to use the Soil Cub App.

  • No, a subscription is not needed to use the Soil Cub App.

  • GPS coordinates are sourced from your mobile device's location. The Soil Cub+ does not have built-in GPS capabilities.

Soil Cub

  • Simply dig a hole with a shovel or auger and insert the soil sensor vertically through the bottom of the hole, or horizontally into the side wall.

  • The Soil Cub Meter case is water resistant, and the soil sensor head and tines are water proof.

  • Clean sensor after use with a damp rag and store it in a safe, dry place. To ensure longevity of the equipment and proper measurements for your next use.

  • Use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the protective battery cover on the back of the meter and install 6 new AA Lithium batteries to ensure longest battery life and best performance. Replace the battery cover and push the black power button located on the bottom panel of the meter to turn on.

  • Your Meter will sleep after 3 minutes if it hasn’t been tapped again. You must manually hit the power button to shut off before storage or battery will run out after 30 days.

  • Tap the screen or try hitting the power button twice.

  • No, at this time the Soil Cub Meter is on demand only and does not store your data points over time.

  • Our 1 year warranty does not cover damage from dropping the product. The product may work if cracked, but if water gets inside the water resistant case, the electronics inside may not function properly.

  • You can use your sensor in a pot as long as the tines can be fully inserted.

  • No cellular plan is needed on the Soil Cub, use it anywhere in the world!

  • There is no subscription fee or yearly fee to use the soil Cub Meter. 

  • Yes, the Meter fits in the palm of your hand and can be carried from location to location with ease. 

  • The Meter can be used by growers of all sizes! Big or small there is a place for the Meter in your operation!

  • The Meter can be used anywhere! Try it out in the garden, large fields, in your potted plants or, flower beds, the options are endless! 

  • Soil volumetric water content 

    Soil temp 

    Ambient Air Temp 

    Relative Humidity 

    Bulk Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC)

    Pore Water Electrical Conductivity (EC)

  • No, the Soil Cub does not take pH readings.

  • Yes! Insert the sensor into the side or the top of the pot/bag, making sure the tines of the sensor are completely inserted into the growing medium.

L Series

  • Soil volumetric water content 

    Soil temp 

    Soil EC

    Air Temp 

    Relative Humidity 

  • Absolutely! You can add extra sensors or accessories whenever you like. Just reach out to a sales rep, our plug-and-play sensors make setup a breeze.

  • TDR soil moisture sensors are offered in two standard cable lengths 6 feet and 30 feet to accommodate various setups.

  • The L4 Plus stands about 3 feet tall when installed and includes 4 plug-and-play sensor ports. An air temperature and humidity sensor comes standard with the unit.
    The L4 is about 1 foot tall, has 2 plug-and-play sensor ports, and the air temperature and humidity sensor is available as an optional add-on.

  • By default, EarthScout units record sensor readings every hour. If you need a different polling rate, please contact our team to discuss available options.

  • Nope! The EarthScout app is completely free, there’s no subscription needed to log in or view your data.

  • A cellular data plan is required for L-Series products. The first five years are free, then $2.99 per month starting in year six.

  • That depends on your specific goals, soil variability, field topography, and the crop you’re growing. Every operation is different, so we recommend reaching out to our team to discuss what will work best for your situation.

  • Absolutely! Many states have cost share programs to help growers purchase resource conservation equipment, such as soil moisture sensors. Reach out to your local conservation district to learn more about available funding opportunities.

Sensor Readings & Definitions

  • A direct measurement of the ratio of water volume to total soil volume, expressed as a percentage.

  • A direct measurement of how cool or warm the soil is, displayed in either °F or °C.

  • A direct measurement of the soil's ability to conduct an electrical current, influenced by the presence of ions throughout the soil matrix. Because it accounts for solid particles, water, and air together, Bulk EC serves as a broad indicator of overall soil salinity levels and nutrient availability.

  • A calculated reading derived from the Hilhorst model, representing the electrical conductivity of water held within the soil's pores. Unlike Bulk EC, this measurement focuses specifically on the water directly available to the plant, rather than the soil as a whole, making it the go-to reading for most growers when making salinity and nutrient management decisions.

  • A measurement of how warm or cold the ambient air is, displayed in either °F or °C.

  • A measurement of the concentration of water vapor present in the air, typically expressed as a percentage.