The paper presents a method for the estimation of self-consolidation of soil subjected to loading, based on the TDR technique. The hypothesis was adopted that the self-consolidation, up to the moment of total displacement of air from free soil spaces, was the only cause of changes in the volumetric moisture content of the soil. The truth of such a hypothesis, the demonstration of which is required for the implementation of the method, was shown on the basis of theoretical con-sideration and of a field experiment. Additionally, the correctness of the method was confirmed through the demonstration of linear relationships between levels of stress and calculated rates of self-consolidation.