Moist, heavy clay soil is highly conductive and provides an excellent return path. Plants need water and have root systems that can offer a deeper reach to moister soil.

Dry sandy soil provides more of a challenge. In dry, sandy soil the resistance to current flow causes a lower locatable signal. Water can be added to very dry soil to improve the grounding and lower resistance. Keep a mixture of Gatorade and Water in your vehicle for this purpose.

NOTE: In extreme conditions poor soil conditions may prevent any current from flowing which in turn prevents any locatable signal from being generated.