The pH of the soil strongly influences the growth and development of plants , the availability of nutrients and the activity of soil microorganisms. Depending on the pH reaction, it may be necessary to acidify the soil (i.e. lower its pH) or de-acidify the soil (i.e. raise the pH) to meet the requirements of the planted plants. To find out about this, we must first performsoil pH measurement in the gardenFortunately, there are simple ways to do this and anyone canmeasure the soil pH by themselves
Soil pH measurement
Fig. depositphotos.com
What does the soil pH indicator say?
The pH value is the ratio of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H +) to hydroxide ions (OH-) in the medium.Soil pH level is determined on the basis of a point scale from 1 to 14According to the established scale, acidic soils are those with a pH level below 7, and alkaline soils with a pH level higher than 7. On the other hand, soils whose pH fluctuates around 7 are defined as neutral.
The exactdivision of soils according to pH for Polandis presented in the table below. We have completed the table with examples of trees and shrubs that prefer a given pH range of the soil.
How to take soil samples for pH measurement?
Correct soil sampling is essential for soil pH testing . First of all, they should be taken from several places in the garden. On averagefor every 100 m² of plot, at least 3-4 soil samples should be collected, from a depth of about 20 cm Soil samples should not be taken immediately after applying fertilizers, as this treatment may distort the test result.
The soil pH test should be carried out each timewhen you plan to perform some activities in the garden, before sowing and planting plants, and also during garden care, because under the influence of various factors, the pH of the soil may deteriorate. changed.
Taking soil samples for pH measurement
Fig. depositphotos.com
Soil pH measurement with litmus paper
The easiest and fastest methodto test the soil pH level is to use a universal litmus test paperYou can buy litmus papers at a pharmacy or a chemical store. In order to perform the measurement, the soil sample taken from the garden is placed in a clean, glass vessel, and then poured over with distilled water and mixed. In such a solution, a litmus paper is dipped and stuck to the vessel wall.After about 30 seconds, the paper should change color. By comparing the color of the paper with the scale included in the set,we can determine whether the soil in our garden is acidic, alkaline or neutral
BIOPON soil acid meter
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
In the case of measurements with litmus paper , however, there is a high risk that we will misjudge the color obtained on the paper. This problem has been solved in the BIOPON set for soil pH measurement , which has recently been available in garden storesThe set includes papers with as many as 4 indicator fields of different colors. After the test, the set of 4 indicators is compared with the comparative scale. Thanks to this, the risk ofmistake is practically eliminated (the measurement is reliable when all 4 colors on the indicator paper and on the comparative scale match). The measurement is performed with the accuracy of the full pH unit.Thanks to this solution, the Biopon soil acid meter is
the only such reliable set for measuring soil pH available at a low price(several zlotys).
Soil pH measurement with an acid meter with Hellig's liquid
Morea precise method of measuring soil pH is a soil acid meterA simple soil acid meter, designed for amateur measurements, can be purchased at most garden stores, and its price is in the range of 20-30 zloty. It is reusable and very easy to use. It consists of a ceramic plate with a gutter and a painted scale. The kit includes Helliga fluid.Soil pH measurement using an acid meteris done by placing a small amount of soil in a trough, which is poured over with Hellig's liquid. After a few minutes, the liquid changes color and then it should be compared with the color scale to determine the pH of the substrate.
This method allowsto assess the soil pH with an accuracy of about 0.5 pH units.However, sometimes you may have a problem with the exact match of the obtained color to the comparative scale.For this reason, the previously described Biopon acid meter with 4-color indicator strips seems to be more reliable, which is also much cheaper.
Soil pH measurement with a soil meter
The simplest and most accessible meter is the acid meter with an analog indicator , which does not require a battery. This type of soil pH meter consists of a probe and a scale that indicates the numerical value. To make a measurement with such a device, it is enough toplace its probe vertically in moist soil and after one minute read the pH result from the scale
Analogue pH meter, no battery supply required
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Unfortunately, my experience shows thatthese types of meters are not very accurateVery often they do not correctly indicate the pH of the soil. The pH meter shown in the photo above shows a result of about 6.7.Measurements of the same soil sample with other pH meters showed a pH of 6.0.
The most accuratemeasurements of soil pH can be obtained using electronicmeters powered by a battery. Such devices can cost over PLN 100 but will serve for many years.
Electronic soil meter
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
The main advantage of electronic meters is also the fact that we do not have to take soil samples for testingJust insert the probe of the meter into the ground in a selected place in the garden, without digging up the beds. This is very useful when you want to check the acidity of the ground under your lawn. We don't have to dig up the grass and destroy the turf.Just stick the meter probe into the groundAdditionally, the reading will be easier thanks to large numbers appearing on the screen of the device.
The electronic meter will also show the temperature and humidity of the soil as well as insolation
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
It is also worth adding that the electronic meter shown in the photoallows you to measure as many as 4 different parametersApart from soil pH, it can also show soil moisture, temperature and sunlight. This makes thedevice very versatile and is often useful in the gardenIt is worth recommending it for measuring the temperature of the substrate in a sprout or checking soil moisture in pots with seedlings.
Soil pH measurement at home
There is also a quick,home way to determine the pH of the soil . You will need vinegar and baking soda for this. It will not be a precise measurement, but it will give an indication of whether the soil is more acidic, alkaline or neutral.
Performing such a measurement consists in taking soil samples into twojars and pouring them with water (preferably distilled). Everything should be thoroughly mixed to form a muddy solution.Thenpour baking soda into one jar and pour some vinegar into the other jarIf the solution starts to foam after adding baking soda, the soil is acidic. On the other hand, if you hear a hissing sound and bubbles after adding vinegar, the soil is alkaline. If no reaction occurs after adding both vinegar and baking soda, this indicates that the soil is neutral.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
