When growing plants, gardeners and gardeners must take many features into account. In this case, soil acidity is considered an important parameter. It influences the choice of plants for a particular site. Sometimes it is necessary to carry out special measures to neutralize the soil. However, first it is worth determining the reaction of the environment. For this purpose, special soil acidity meters are used.
Permissible value
The acidity of the soil depends on the content of organic and mineral substances in it.Their volume influences the formation of an environment that benefits some plants and poses a danger to others. These features should definitely be taken into account before planting.
Acidity parameters include 5 levels. Each of them speaks about the current state of the soil. In this case, all devices have the following divisions:
- less than 4.4 or sometimes up to 5 - in such a situation the soil is highly acidic;
- 5-6 – the soil is moderately acidic;
- 6-7 – the soil has neutral pH parameters and is perfect for planting;
- 7-7.5 – such values are typical for a slightly alkaline environment;
- more than 8.5 – the soil has a high alkali content, which negatively affects the cultivation of crops.
Special devices help determine soil acidity. Thanks to their use, it is possible to achieve maximum yield with relatively small investments.
Acidity meters
All devices for assessing soil acidity are divided into several categories. Each of them has certain features.
Electrical testers
All electronic pH meters are intuitive and easy to use. Such devices are divided into 2 categories:
- Devices with a probe-electrode work directly with the ground. To get results, the gardener does not need to take a handful of soil for testing. To do this, it is recommended to immerse the sensor at any point on the site.
- Universal devices - their operation resembles the use of a litmus strip. To do this, you should take a soil sample from the site and dissolve it in water. Then you need to lower the device with the indicator into the resulting mass. Such devices can be used for various types of liquids.
Litmus strip
The main advantages of litmus strips include accessibility, low cost and ease of use. To check the soil structure using this method, it is recommended to do the following:
- Take a few handfuls of soil and mix with clean water to obtain a homogeneous mass.
- After a quarter of an hour, stir the substance again.
- Wait until a layer of liquid forms on top.
- Apply a litmus strip to the liquid.
Test strips usually contain instructions for use. The shade in which they are painted helps to understand what acidity the soil has. The following colors are commonly used:
- red – indicates high acidity;
- orange – indicates moderate acidity parameters;
- yellow – considered an indicator of low acidity;
- green - evidence of the neutral structure of the soil;
- bright green - indicates an alkaline reaction.
Free meters
This method is suitable for people who cannot purchase an expensive device or strip. To evaluate the parameters, it is permissible to use vinegar with a concentration of 9%. To use this method, it is recommended to do the following:
- take soil samples from different areas;
- mix soil with water;
- Lightly water the soil with vinegar.
The above actions may result in the following reactions:
- strong foaming - this indicates a high concentration of alkali;
- lack of foam - this indicates high acidity of the soil;
- a small amount of foam is observed when the soil reaction is neutral, which helps to use it for planting different crops.
Measurement Rules
In order for the use of acidity meters to produce results, you should carefully study the instructions.It is important to follow the following rules:
- Clear the beds of large debris, grass and leaves. If the soil is extremely dry, it needs to be slightly moistened.
- After applying fertilizing, at least 3 days should pass.
- Only performing measurements three times will help you achieve extremely accurate results.
- After each measurement, the device should be wiped with a soft cloth.
- If there is no factory calibration, you will need to do it yourself. To do this, it is recommended to use a buffer solution.
- To carry out measurements, the electrode must not only be lowered into the ground, but also compacted around the sensor. Then it is recommended to wait 1 minute, after which the measurement results will appear on the screen.
The best measuring instruments
Today there are many high-quality devices on sale for assessing soil acidity parameters.
Overall rating
The most effective devices include the following:
- "GREEN BELT tester 3 in 1" is an excellent device for assessing soil reaction. It also helps determine the current humidity and illumination of the area.
- The ETP111 pH is an expensive device that provides a high degree of accuracy. The device is not equipped with additional functions. To obtain accurate results, it is recommended to take 2 measurements.
- YIERYI TPH01803 is a compact device that helps determine the reaction of the soil in any area. The measurement is performed at 12 levels. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve the most accurate results. In addition to acidity and humidity, the device evaluates light and temperature.
The best professional devices
The following types of devices are suitable for professional use:
- ZD-06 pH meter is an expensive model that is suitable for professional use.The main distinguishing feature of the device is its high accuracy parameters. It also shows soil moisture. The working electrode reaches a length of 30 centimeters, which helps to conduct research at different depths.
- Hanna pH tester is a German device that allows you to accurately assess the current condition of the soil in a relatively short period of time. The device includes automatic calibration, which makes its use as accurate as possible.
- Bluelab pH meter – has a bright LCD display. The kit includes a calibration and low battery indicator. Also, the distinctive features of the device include water resistance and economical energy consumption.
The best litmus paper models
To assess the reaction of the soil, it is permissible to use the following types of litmus strips:
- GARDEN SHOW is a wonderful product that suits many gardeners. Thanks to its use, it is possible to quickly assess acidity parameters.
- Test strips pH 5.5-9.0 are simple products that are affordable. The kit includes 80 testers. To obtain accurate results, it is recommended to perform testing 4-5 times.
- HOME LAB - high-quality strips that are very popular among gardeners. They help determine acidity ranging from 1 to 14. There are 100 strips in the package.
Soil acidity meters differ in operating principle and price. This allows each gardener to choose the most suitable option.
