How to recognize moisture level
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
SATURATED
WET
MEDIUM
MEDIUM DRY
DRY
The substrate is completely saturated and appears shiny and black in color. Free moisture can be seen at the substrate surface and dripping from underneath cells. Trays may bend under the heavy weight of the water. In your hand, moisture drips from substrate without squeezing.
The substrate is at maximum water holding capacity and appears dark. It is not shiny, and no free moisture is visible at surfaces. The tray may still bend under the water weight. Lightly pressing down on the substrate will force water from underneath the cells. Squeezing the substrate will quickly release moisture from your hand. After squeezing, the substrate will retain its shape.
The substrate is drying due to plant uptake and evaporation. The substrate appears brown in color and is lighter in weight. Strongly squeezing or pressing the substrate only releases a few water droplets. After squeezing in your hand, the substrate begins to crack apart into chunks.
The substrate appears light brown to tan and has become light in weight Squeezing the substrate as hard as possible releases no water droplets. If you squeeze the substrate next to your ear you can hear sounds of moisture moving through pore spaces. After squeezing, the substrate is loose and falls apart in your hand.
Completely dried and tan to grey. No water is available, and the substrate is very light weight. Substrate may separate away from tray cell walls. Squeezing the substrate as hard as possible will not release any water droplets, and when squeezing next to your ear you cannot hear moisture moving through pore spaces. After squeezing, the substrate crumbles in your hand and resembles dust.
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