The feel method of soil moisture testing
By squeezing the soil between the thumb and forefinger, or squeezing the soil in the palm of the hand, a fairly accurate estimate of soil moisture can be determined.
No free water appears. Ball is formed In Irrigation by squeezing a handful of soil very firmly with fingers. No free water should appear in soil but wet outline of ball is left on hand. Puddles and free water form on surface. Can squeeze out free water. Soil is powdery, dry, and sometimes slightly crusted but breaks down into a powdery condition. No ball can be formed when soil is squeezed.
Appearance of Soil By Field Capacity
100% Field Capacity
Above Field Capacity
0% Field Capacity