What is the Soil layer?
The Soil layer helps you monitor soil moisture, water movement, soil salinity, and soil temperature using data from your soil moisture probes. It is one of the most commonly used layers in Semios for making irrigation decisions.
By default, the map displays the Root Zone Average Available Water Content (AWC) for each probe location.
Green indicates soil moisture is within the optimal range.
Other colors indicate increasing levels of water stress or excess moisture.
How to open the Soil layer
Open your property in Semios.
Open the Layers menu.
Select Water Management > Soil.
The map will display all available soil moisture probe locations.
Change the map view
You can display different soil moisture information on the map.
Select the Map Filter dropdown.
Choose one of the available views:
Root Zone Average AWC (default)
Individual sensor depths
All depths
This allows you to compare moisture conditions throughout the soil profile.
View soil data in the Overview tab
Select the Overview tab to compare all probe locations at a glance.
The Overview table displays:
Root Zone Average AWC
AWC percentage for each sensor depth (6 in, 10 in, 14 in, and 18 in)
Date and time the data was last updated
Use this view to quickly identify which blocks or stations may require attention.
Use the Graphs tab
Select the Graphs tab to view detailed soil information over time.
Available Water Content (AWC) chart
The AWC chart shows how soil moisture changes over time and includes a forecast if no additional irrigation or rainfall occurs.
To view moisture at individual depths:
Click the Graphs tab and open the AWC chart
Turn on All Depths.
This displays moisture readings for each sensor depth, making it easier to see where water is being stored within the soil profile.
Use this chart to:
Monitor soil moisture trends
Assess irrigation performance
Predict when irrigation may be required
Infiltration Map
The Infiltration Map provides a visual representation of how water moves through the soil profile.
Use it to:
See how deeply irrigation or rainfall has penetrated
Compare moisture at different depths
Identify uneven or shallow infiltration
Evaluate irrigation effectiveness
Salt Map
The Salt Map displays the relative Volumetric Ionic Content (VIC) at each sensor depth.
Unlike Electrical Conductivity (EC), which changes depending on soil moisture, VIC measures the relative number of ions in the soil, making it useful for tracking salt movement over time within the same site. VIC values should not be compared between different sites and are only available with Sentek soil moisture probes.
Use this chart to:
Monitor salt movement after irrigation.
Observe fertilizer movement through the soil.
Identify layers where salts may restrict water movement.
Monitor the effectiveness of post-season salt leaching.
Tip: Fertilizer applications often appear on the Salt Map because most fertilizers contain salts. Viewing several months of data can help you identify fertilizer movement and potential nutrient leaching.
Note: VIC is only minimally affected by soil moisture, although small differences may occur when soils are extremely wet or dry.
Soil Temperature chart
The Soil Temperature chart displays temperature readings at each sensor depth.
Use this chart to:
Monitor conditions for root growth
Assess whether soil temperatures are suitable for fertilizer applications
Track seasonal temperature changes
Soil settings
Additional soil settings can be accessed from the Soil layer.
Edit the Refill Point (MAD)
The Refill Point (MAD) determines the soil moisture threshold at which irrigation should begin.
To edit the refill point:
Select Refill Point (MAD).
Update the desired settings.
Save your changes.
Edit Root Zone Depths
To change which sensor depths are included in the root zone calculation:
Select Root Zone Depths.
Update the root zone configuration.
Save your changes.
Soil Calibration Settings
To adjust probe calibration:
Select Soil Calibration.
Update the calibration settings as required.
Save your changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Soil layer show by default?
The map displays the Root Zone Average Available Water Content (AWC) for each soil moisture probe.
How do I view moisture at individual depths?
Open the Graphs tab and enable the All Depths toggle on the AWC chart.
What is the difference between the AWC chart and the Infiltration Map?
AWC chart: Shows how soil moisture changes over time.
Infiltration Map: Shows how water moves through the soil profile at different depths.
What does the Salt Map measure?
The Salt Map displays relative Volumetric Ionic Content (VIC). It is not a measurement of Electrical Conductivity (EC), but it helps visualize salt accumulation and movement within the soil.
Where can I change the refill point or root zone?
These options are available directly from the Soil layer by selecting Refill Point (MAD) or Root Zone Depths.