Which instrument is commonly used to measure soil moisture content?

The instrument commonly used to measure soil moisture content is a moisture probe or moisture meter. This device is specifically designed to assess the amount of water present in the soil, helping to determine the moisture level necessary for optimal plant growth and agricultural practices. Moisture meters typically use electrical resistance, capacitance, or time-domain reflectometry to provide accurate moisture readings, making them essential for farmers, agricultural engineers, and environmental scientists.

While other instruments such as soil testers and environmental sensors can provide useful information about soil composition or broader environmental conditions, they do not specifically gauge moisture content as effectively as moisture probes. A laser meter, for instance, serves a different purpose, often related to measuring distances or elevations in construction and surveying rather than monitoring soil moisture levels. Thus, the moisture probe emerges as the most suitable choice for this specific measurement.