Spatial variability of soil water content has been shown to vary depending on time since wetting, plant vigor and variability, and sample size. The profile water content to a give profile depth is different from the variability of near-surface water content. Four electromagnetic sensors, the neutron moisture meter and gravimetric sampling were used to assess spatial and temporal variability of near-surface (top 10 cm) and profile (0 to 100 cm) water content over periods of natural rainfall, deficit irrigation and full irrigation. Sensor type and measurement method had a large effect on statistics of spatial variability.