Topic: soil ph meters

[simmo116]

what do folks use to check ph of there soils?
i've been looking at these. anyone used them? ;D
http://www.drapertools-online.com/b2c/b2citmdsp.pgm?pp_skmno=54655

[saddad]

I don't, it's basically acidic (Chemists Oxymoron) and we lime the Brassica beds in rotation... things do well.

[Plot69]

I have one similar. I've used it a few times, it works  but as for it's accuracy?

[Tee Gee]

I have one too and as Plot says accuracy  ???

Concensus is; use the water testing type with the colour chart these are apparently; more accurate!!

[RobinOfTheHood]

I had one, in a word: it's crap.  ;D

[saddad]

That's a phrase Robin... Nuts, now that's a word!!  ;D

[simmo116]

those water tests are they just a neutral solution and litmus paper?

[RobinOfTheHood]

That's a phrase Robin... Nuts, now that's a word!!  ;D

No, that's a filter!

[RobinOfTheHood]

those water tests are they just a neutral solution and litmus paper?

I think they vary - mine (well, B&Q's) is a liquid which changes colour according to ph.

I believe some use paper.

[simmo116]

im wondering wether i could just use distilled water mixed with the soil then litmus paper and relevant chart?

[hopalong]

im wondering whether i could just use distilled water mixed with the soil then litmus paper and relevant chart?

The one I have used comes with a small transparent plastic container with a lid. There is a scale on the side of the container from pH 4.5 (very acid) to pH 7.5 (alkaline) You put a sample of soil in the bottom of the container, mix it with water, shake it up, add a capsule supplied with the kit, watch the colour develop and read off the result. I bought this quite a long time ago and have not used all the capsules yet - it's not necessary to test your soil repeatedly.

I have also used a meter with metal spikes that you stick in the ground. This is much less accurate than the soil solution method.  I think those things are prone to get damaged quite quickly.

[tonybloke]

im wondering wether i could just use distilled water mixed with the soil then litmus paper and relevant chart?

you could, but it wouldn't be accurate. for accuracy use the barium oxide test kit (that's what the white powder is)
or, don't bother, there ain't much you can do to actually alter the P.H. anyway, apart from adding a bit of lime, and that's only a short - term solution. If other plot holders are growing a wide range of plants with success, there ain't much wrong with the site.! ;)