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Gregg Dill writes: I want to support Robin Wells comments on the "feel method". In irrigation scheduling, the most important activity is to check the soil profile yourself. From a practical irrigators perspective this will be done more frequently if the procedure is simple, fast and cost effective. When we consider the variability of the soils we are irrigating, the "feel method" is in the proper range of accuracy of +/- 5 to 10 percent for the information typically required for field crops. The exercise of discussing soil moisture sensor technology is in the domain of the researcher, qualified consultants looking for ways to serve a larger client base or irrigators with a good understanding of the technology and intrepretation of the information it yields. No doubt this technology will be the norm in the future but is is currently in its infancy. Although I support his comments Robin may not agree with my rationale. Gregg Dill, P.Eng. _______________________________________ Gregg Dill, P.Eng., Irrigation Specialist Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Bag 3014, Agriculture Center, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4C7 Telephone +1 403-381-5136 FAX +1 403-382-4526 _____________________________________________