Hello everyone,

It's that time of year to adjust my soil pH (if it needs it). The soil in my area is generally acidic. To that end, I first want to accurately measure the pH of my soil. I've tried the cheapie pH measuring probes that I have bought from my garden nurseries, that require no batteries. This year I decided I wanted something a bit more accurate and easy to use, so I bought the following:

pH meter

Judging from the description, I thought this would be good to measure the pH of my soil. Now that I have purchased it, I wonder if perhaps I have bought the wrong tool - I'm wondering if this is intended to only be used to measure pH of liquids only (vs. soils). It appears to be adjustable via two adjustment screws at the top. So I bought reference liquids with pH of 4.0, and 7.0, respectively, so I can calibrate the tester.

Can anyone tell me if they have used a tester like this on soils? The cheaper pH testers I've purchased from the garden nurseries had a thinner metal probe.

Assuming this tester is only suitable for testing pH of liquids only, could I mix a sample of the soil with distilled water and measure the pH that way?

If this tester is plain unsuitable for soil, can anyone suggest an accurate, easy-to-use tester that is less than $100?

The description says soil tester.

If only there was a litmus test for something like that.

H&K-Guy

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
The description says soil tester.

Yes, it does. But the instructions that came with it are obviously translated (not completely accurately, either) from Chinese. The directions state to "Immerse the pH meter electrode in solution. Stir gently and wait for the reading to stabilize. This clearly implies liquid. It has no other instructions for soils. I can't help but wonder if it's really intended only for liquids. Perhaps something got lost in translation in either the instructions or on the description in the link?

quote:

Originally posted by btanchors:

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
The description says soil tester.

Yes, it does. But the instructions that came with it are obviously translated (not completely accurately, either) from Chinese. The directions state to "Immerse the pH meter electrode in solution. Stir gently and wait for the reading to stabilize. This clearly implies liquid. It has no other instructions for soils. I can't help but wonder if it's really intended only for liquids. Perhaps something got lost in translation in either the instructions or on the description in the link?

The liquid is a means of known ph to calibrate the meter. After you calibrate (adjust the reading to the known solution with the adjustment screw) you are set.Stick the probe in the soil and it should give you a fairly accurate reading.No liquid in the soil is needed.
PS look at the 3rd picture in the ad.

quote:

Originally posted by H&K-Guy:
If only there was a litmus test for something like that.

H&K-Guy

For a very small amount of money you can send a soil sample to a lab. You will get results back with excellent data and suggestions.

I highly recommend this.

Many States have a University and County Extension Offices that does this.
.

Take a representative sample to your extension agent. Walk a diagonal across the area and pull samples 6" deep at various points. Mix it all up in a paper bag, and take about a pint in a lunch paper bag to the extension agent. They will have it tested and tell you exactly what your soil needs to grow what you want to grow.

Yes the last two posters nailed it there a specialist for this and it’s not expensive I think it cost me seven dollars when I did it

quote:

Take a representative sample to your extension agent

^^^^^^^^^^
Correct. It used to be free, now a small charge. Saved me plenty in fertilizer. Here is a link. You live in Virginia so you can understand her.

http://extension.msstate.edu/a...e/soils/soil-testing

If you scroll further you can hear from the previous lab director. Covers EVERY detail of collection. Good for total idiots or Kindergarten kids. VERY OBSESSIVE GUY.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ZSMICHAEL,

https://shop.midsouthag.com/pr...5J9XbPgaAlmrEALw_wcB

Then send it in to county or state ag lab

I use Waypoint Analytical to test my soil. Cost is around $25 plus postage. They also provide recommendations on what to apply, how much, and when to make the applications.

I worked at an environmental lab and we took the pH measurement by adding 5 grams (about 0.2 ounces) of soil to 96 milliliters (a little over a third of a cup) of distilled water. Stir for about 5 minutes or so then put your probe into the slurry. If you calibrated your probe as the instructions say, you should get a fairly accurate result. A caveat...we used pH meters that cost a few hundred dollars, so there is that.

I know you asked about your own tester but...
The last sample I took to my extension agent cost 3 bucks. That got me NPK and PH.