Soil Temperature Calculator

Soil temperature varies with depth and location. Near the surface, it typically reflects air temperature fluctuations. At a depth of a few feet, it tends to be more stable, often matching the average annual air temperature for the region. Accurate measurement requires a soil thermometer or digital thermometer designed for soil use.

Here’s a table with information on soil temperature at various depths:

Depth (Feet)	Typical Temperature Range (°F)	Typical Temperature Range (°C)
1	40 – 70	4 – 21
2	40 – 65	4 – 18
3	40 – 60	4 – 16
4	40 – 55	4 – 13
5	40 – 50	4 – 10
6	40 – 45	4 – 7
10	40 – 40	4 – 4
20	40 – 40	4 – 4
100	40 – 150	4 – 66
500	40 – 450	4 – 232
1000	40 – 850	4 – 454
5000	40 – 2450	4 – 1344
10,000	40 – 4450	4 – 2454

Please note that these temperature ranges are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, soil type, and seasonal variations. Additionally, as you go deeper underground, temperatures increase due to geothermal heat.

FAQs

How do I know my soil temperature? You can measure soil temperature using a soil thermometer or a digital thermometer designed for soil temperature measurement. Insert the thermometer into the soil at your desired depth and wait for it to stabilize to get an accurate reading.

Is there an app for soil temperature? Yes, there are apps available for measuring soil temperature using sensors that connect to your smartphone. These apps often provide real-time temperature readings and data logging.

What is the temperature 6 feet underground? The temperature 6 feet underground can vary depending on your location and geological factors, but it generally tends to be relatively stable and close to the average annual surface air temperature for your region.

What is the temperature 10 feet below ground? The temperature 10 feet below ground will also vary based on location and geological conditions. It is typically cooler than the surface temperature but still relatively stable.

How do you know if your soil is 55 degrees? To determine if your soil is at 55 degrees Fahrenheit (or any desired temperature), use a soil thermometer. Insert it into the soil at the depth you want to measure and wait until the thermometer stabilizes at the desired temperature.

What is the ground temperature 4 feet underground? The ground temperature 4 feet underground can vary, but it is usually cooler than the surface temperature. You can measure it using a soil thermometer.

Can a digital thermometer measure soil temperature? Yes, a digital thermometer designed for soil temperature measurement can accurately measure soil temperature at different depths.

What is the temperature 20 feet underground? The temperature 20 feet underground can vary widely based on factors like location, geological conditions, and depth. It is generally cooler and more stable than surface temperatures.

How do you install a soil thermometer? To install a soil thermometer, simply insert it into the soil at the desired depth. Make sure the thermometer is properly calibrated and that the sensor is in direct contact with the soil for accurate readings.

How deep do you have to dig to get to a constant temperature? The depth required to reach a relatively constant temperature, known as the geothermal gradient, varies by location. In most regions, you would need to dig several feet to find a temperature that remains relatively stable throughout the year.

How hot is it 1 mile underground? Approximately 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the surface temperature for each mile of depth. So, it would be significantly hotter 1 mile underground compared to the surface.

How hot is 100 feet underground? The temperature 100 feet underground can be around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the surface temperature, depending on location and geological conditions.

What is the temperature 500 feet underground? At 500 feet underground, temperatures can vary but generally increase by about 250 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit compared to surface temperatures.

What is the temperature 500 feet below ground? The temperature 500 feet below ground can range from several hundred to over a thousand degrees Fahrenheit, depending on geological factors and location.

Is geothermal really worth it? Geothermal energy can be worth it for heating and cooling homes because it is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. However, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness depend on your location and specific circumstances.

What time of day should you measure soil temperature? For accurate soil temperature measurements, it’s best to measure in the morning or evening when soil temperatures are less affected by direct sunlight. This provides a more representative reading of the daily average.

How much does soil temp drop at night? Soil temperatures can drop at night, typically by a few degrees Fahrenheit, as they lose heat to the cooler nighttime air.

How far down should soil be wet? The depth at which soil should be wet depends on the needs of your plants. Generally, you should water the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches for most garden plants, but it can vary based on plant types and local conditions.

What is the temperature 5000 feet underground? At 5000 feet underground, temperatures can exceed 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on geological factors and location.

How cold is it 1 foot underground? The temperature 1 foot underground is usually a few degrees cooler than the surface temperature but is not significantly cold unless you are in an extremely cold climate.

How hot is 1000 feet underground? Temperatures 1000 feet underground can be extremely high, often reaching several hundred degrees Fahrenheit or more, depending on geological conditions.

What is the best soil temperature for seed germination? The ideal soil temperature for seed germination varies by plant species but is generally in the range of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29 degrees Celsius) for many common garden crops.

Can you use a regular thermometer for soil? While you can use a regular thermometer for soil temperature measurement, it’s more accurate to use a soil thermometer designed for this purpose, as it ensures proper soil contact and calibration.

Is soil temperature warmer than air? Soil temperature can be warmer or cooler than air temperature depending on the time of day and weather conditions. It tends to change more slowly than air temperature.

Does it get warmer the deeper you go underground? Yes, it generally gets warmer the deeper you go underground due to geothermal heat from Earth’s interior.

How hot is it 10 miles underground? At a depth of 10 miles underground, temperatures can reach several thousand degrees Fahrenheit.

How hot is it 10,000 feet underground? At 10,000 feet underground, temperatures can be extremely high, often exceeding 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best soil temperature for plants? The best soil temperature for plants varies by species, but most plants thrive in soil temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 27 degrees Celsius).

Do I need a soil thermometer? A soil thermometer is a useful tool for gardeners and farmers to monitor and optimize planting and gardening conditions, but it’s not strictly necessary for everyone.

What type of thermometer do you use to test soil temperature? To test soil temperature accurately, use a soil thermometer or a digital thermometer designed for soil temperature measurement.

Is underground warmer in winter? Yes, underground temperatures tend to be more stable and warmer than the surface during the winter, which can provide some insulation from cold weather.

Can the ground be too cold to dig? In extremely cold conditions, frozen ground can be too hard to dig through. It’s best to avoid digging in frozen soil to prevent damage to equipment and soil structure.

How long does it take for ground temperature to drop? Ground temperature changes relatively slowly, so it may take several hours or even days to noticeably drop in response to changing weather conditions.

How far into earth have we drilled? As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the deepest hole ever drilled by humans is the Kola Superdeep Borehole in Russia, which reached a depth of about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers).

What is the deepest man has gone underground? The deepest man has gone underground is in mines, and it varies by location. Some mines extend several miles below the Earth’s surface.

At what depth does Earth get hot? The Earth’s temperature increases with depth due to geothermal heat. However, the rate at which it gets hot varies by location. On average, you can expect a significant increase in temperature as you go deeper, such as 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit per mile of depth.

How hot is the ground when it’s 90 degrees? The ground temperature at a depth of a few feet is usually cooler than the surface temperature, but it can vary depending on local conditions. It might be around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit when the air temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

How much does temperature drop every 1000 ft in elevation? The temperature drops by an average of 3.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 degrees Celsius) for every 1000 feet increase in elevation, but this can vary depending on local climate patterns.

How many degrees does the temperature drop every 1000 feet? The temperature typically drops by approximately 3.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 degrees Celsius) for every 1000 feet increase in elevation.

What is the highest ground temperature ever recorded? The highest ground temperature ever recorded on Earth was 201 degrees Fahrenheit (93.9 degrees Celsius) in Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley, California, USA, on July 10, 1913.