TO DETERMINE SOIL MOISTURE:

• Weigh container.
• Add soil.
• Weigh soil plus container.
• Dry soil in microwave oven for 15 minutes or 221 F (105 C) for 24 hours.
• Weigh again.
• Subtract weight of container.

(Weight of soil before drying - Weight of soil after drying)/ Weight of soil after drying X 100 = % moisture on a dry weight basis

This table summarizes the steps to follow to determine soil moisture and the equation to utilize for calculations.

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