Author Topic: Soil testing kit  (Read 1728 times)

AlanO

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Soil testing kit
« on: February 05, 2018, 15:51:51 »
Can anyone recommend a decent soil test kit please?  I've previously used a kit that tests for PH only, but I see others which test Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash as well. There are also the rod style testers which appear to be reusable. Any views please. Thanks.

Tee Gee

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Re: Soil testing kit
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2018, 16:20:49 »
Quote
Can anyone recommend a decent soil test kit please? 

Quote
There are also the rod style testers which appear to be reusable.


I have had one of these for more years than I can remember and found it as rubbish simply because the graduations on the meter are so fine and you cant really see any movement if the soil Ph changes I once stuck the rod in a bag of lime and still didn't see it move!

Having said that they might be more accurate now with LED displays!

I had a look on ebay and you are spoiled for choice for both rod and chemical kits see here;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/soil-ph-tester

Based on my results with the rod I do not bother testing anymore, and if I did and as a member of the RHS I would probably use them!

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Content/S/Soil-pH/Soil%20pH.htm

Hope this info helps!


Pescador

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Re: Soil testing kit
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2018, 17:05:09 »
As TeeGee says, rods/probes are a waste of time. Liquid kits that test for NPK as well as pH are "better", but you need to pay attention to how you collect the sample for testing.
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laurieuk

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Re: Soil testing kit
« Reply #3 on: February 07, 2018, 10:01:02 »
I would agree with Tee Gee and not bother, I have been a professional gardener for over 60 years and not found a good use for one. We gardeners seem to be an easy target for selling things to.

 

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