Below the Surface Sale
Know What’s Happening in Your Root Zone.
Stop guessing. Start measuring.
15% offDigital Moisture Meters
5% offall Irrometer products
Now through October 9
Now through October 9, save on the tools that let you see what’s actually happening in the root zone—so you can track drybacks, compare beds and containers, dial in irrigation, and make watering decisions based on real measurements instead of guesswork.
Shop the sale
Stop guessing
Know what’s happening below the surface.
Track drybacks
See how moisture changes between watering events.
Compare locations
Check different pots, beds, depths, and irrigation zones.
Dial in irrigation
Use real measurements to verify and adjust your watering strategy.
Why measure below the surface?
The surface can lie.
A pot or bed can look dry on top while plenty of moisture remains in the root zone—or look wet while other areas are already drying.
That’s why experienced growers measure.
A tensiometer measures soil water tension: how tightly water is held and how difficult it is for roots to extract. Measuring at a representative root-zone depth gives you real information you can use to establish watering targets, compare locations, track drybacks, and verify how your irrigation system is performing.
Which tool fits?
Both are movable tensiometers that measure soil water tension. Digital gives finer-grained readings; Irrometer gives more depth and range choices.
Digital · Finer-grained readings
Digital Moisture Meter
Reads soil water tension digitally in millibars (mbar), providing a detailed view of changes in moisture tension.
Measures soil water tension at depths up to approximately 9 inches.
Best when you want: a detailed digital view of changes in the upper root zone.
15% off through October 9
Analog · More depth & range options
Irrometer Tensiometer
Reads soil water tension on an analog centibar (cbar) gauge.
Choose from 6", 12", or 18" lengths and LT or SR models to match the measurement depth and application.
Best when you want: more measurement-depth choices, an analog gauge, or a tension range matched to the application.
5% off through October 9
Can I move them between locations?
Both instruments can be moved between monitoring locations. Once the instrument is prepared and acclimated, you can get a useful comparative reading within minutes. The reading will continue to equilibrate over time for the most fully stabilized measurement.
Not sure which one you need?
We’ve got you.
Which moisture meter should I choose?
Both the Digital Moisture Meter and Irrometer are tensiometers that measure soil water tension. Choose the Digital Moisture Meter for a detailed digital reading in millibars; it measures soil water tension at depths up to approximately 9 inches. Choose an Irrometer for an analog gauge, different measurement depths, or a range suited to your growing media or soil.
What do higher soil moisture tension readings mean?
Higher tension means the soil is drier and water is held more tightly, making it harder for roots to extract. Lower readings indicate wetter conditions. Both instruments measure the same property, though they use different units.
What is the difference between mbar and cbar?
Millibars (mbar) and centibars (cbar) are units on the same pressure scale. 10 mbar = 1 cbar = 1 kPa. For example, a Digital Moisture Meter reading of 100 mbar corresponds to 10 cbar on an Irrometer.
What is the difference between LT and SR Irrometers?
LT means Low Tension. It is the Irrometer we generally recommend for living soil, coco-based media, potting mixes, containers, and raised beds where the useful moisture range is relatively wet. SR means Standard and provides a broader measurement range. It is generally better suited to applications such as native and field soils or situations where that broader tension range is needed.
What Irrometer length should I choose?
Choose based on the root-zone depth you want to measure, not simply the height of the plant or container. The featured 6", 12", and 18" options reach progressively deeper areas. The complete Irrometer collection offers additional configurations.
Can I move a tensiometer between pots or beds?
Both instruments can be moved between monitoring locations. Once the instrument is prepared and acclimated, you can get a useful comparative reading within minutes. The reading will continue to equilibrate over time for the most fully stabilized measurement.
Is soil moisture tension the same as volumetric water content?
No. Volumetric water content (VWC) describes how much water is in a given volume of soil or media. Soil water tension describes how tightly it is held and how difficult it is for roots to extract. There is no universal conversion between VWC and tension; the relationship varies with the soil or media.
Measuring is only half the story.
Learn what your readings mean.
A number becomes more useful when you know what it is telling you. Our Measuring & Managing Soil Moisture guide goes deeper into soil water tension, VWC, depth, sensor placement, watering targets, and better irrigation decisions.
Learn about Measuring & Managing Soil Moisture →Now through October 9.
Stop guessing. Start measuring.
The best watering decisions start with knowing what’s actually happening in the root zone.
Now through October 9:
Save 15%on Digital Moisture Meters
Save 5%on all Irrometer products
Sale ends October 9
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