Dry
Core crumbles, no cohesion, dusty, falls apart in hand.
Severe stress — photosynthesis halted, permanent root damage risk.
⚠️ Irrigate immediately
Slightly Dry
Core barely holds shape, no moisture on hand, surface cracks visible.
Mild stress. OK 2–3 weeks pre-harvest only.
Irrigate within 24 hrs
Moist ✅
Core holds shape, cool and damp, slight sheen, no dripping.
Ideal — roots actively absorbing. Target zone bud break through veraison.
No action needed
Wet
Very cohesive, water visible on hands, heavy and cold.
Root rot and fungal disease risk if prolonged.
Skip irrigation, check drainage
Saturated
Water drips from core, soil slumps on extraction.
Anoxic — roots suffocating within 24–48 hrs.
🚨 Fix drainage immediately
💡 Field Tips
• Push probe 12–18 inches deep, mid-row, away from drip emitters
• Always probe the same spot each visit
• Fruit set & veraison: keep Moist — most critical periods
• Pre-harvest: 2–4 weeks Slightly Dry concentrates sugars — intentional only