DocumentationWhat Does Soil Moisture Mean in the B-hyve App?
B-hyve soil moisture is a calculated estimate from your zone details and weather, not a soil probe reading. Why it matters and why not to edit it.
The soil moisture percentage in the B-hyve app is calculated, not measured. Orbit states that the app determines it from the zone information you enter and from weather details. It is not a reading from a probe in the ground.
This site is an independent B-hyve resource. Details can vary by model and app version, so use Orbit's support articles for your device.
Where does the soil moisture number come from?
The app keeps an estimated moisture balance for each zone. Orbit says the balance is updated using:
- Precipitation
- Irrigation
- Evaporation rates
The starting point depends on the zone information you entered: soil type, sun exposure, vegetation, slope and watering restrictions. Local weather data helps estimate water lost through evaporation and plant transpiration.
Is it a soil sensor reading?
No. Do not treat it as a direct soil measurement. The research behind this site does not establish a soil-probe sensor in the standard B-hyve controller or hose timer setups. A wired sensor input on a controller, such as the one on the 57925, is a separate matter. Check your manual for what a connected sensor does.
Should I change the percentage by hand?
Orbit advises against manually changing the soil moisture percentage, because doing so can affect smart watering behavior. If a zone seems too dry or too wet, fix the inputs that feed the estimate instead. For example:
- Check the soil type, sun exposure, vegetation and slope you entered for that zone.
- Check your watering restrictions.
- Check that the device has a working connection, so weather data can update.
Orbit also publishes guidance on settings such as vegetation type and advanced smart watering settings. Search Orbit's support site for them.
Why does the number change when it has not watered?
Because it is an estimate, it moves with the weather. Rain adds to the balance. Evaporation and plant use take from it. Watering adds to it. A low number means the estimate has fallen, and smart watering uses that to decide when to water.
What do owners say about it?
App Store reviews, paraphrased, show the confusion. One owner called the soil moisture meter something you randomly guess at. Another said the app needs more explanation of how the soil moisture figure works. This is why knowing it is an estimate helps. If the estimate does not match what you see in your yard, check the zone inputs first.
What if I do not want to rely on it?
You can use a custom program with your own days and run times. Orbit says custom programs can still get weather-event overrides. See What is B-hyve smart watering?.
Related
What Is B-hyve Smart Watering (WeatherSense)?
B-hyve smart watering, called WeatherSense, uses local weather and your zone details to decide when and how long to water. How it works and its limits.
B-hyve Rain Delay, Freeze and Wind Skips Explained
B-hyve rain delay: on supported connected setups, B-hyve delays watering for rain, freeze or high wind, then recalculates. What it needs and what to check.