Soil acidity meter: rating of the best devices and which tester to choose

When growing plants, gardeners and gardeners must take into account many features. In this case, the acidity of the soil is considered an important parameter. It affects the choice of plants for a particular site. Sometimes it is necessary to carry out special measures to neutralize the soil. However, to begin with, it is worth determining the reaction of the environment. To do this, use special meters of soil acidity.

Acceptable value

The acidity of the soil depends on the content of organic and mineral substances in it. Their volume affects 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. Moreover, all devices have the following divisions:

• less than 4.4 or sometimes up to 5 - in this situation, the soil is very acidic;
• 5-6 - the soil is medium acid;
• 6-7 - earth has neutral pH and is great for planting;
• 7-7.5 - these values are typical for a slightly alkaline medium;
• more than 8.5 - the soil has a high alkali content, which negatively affects the cultivation of crops.

Special devices help to establish the acidity of the soil. Thanks to their use, it is possible to achieve maximum yields with a relatively small investment.

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:

1. Devices with a probe-electrode - work directly with the ground. To get the result, 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.
2. Universal devices - their functioning resembles the use of a litmus strip. To do this, it is worth taking a soil sample from the site and dissolving it in water. Then, in the resulting mass, it is required to lower the device with the indicator. Such devices can be used for various types of liquids.

Litmus strip

The main advantages of litmus strips include availability, low cost and ease of use. To check the soil structure in this way, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Take a few handfuls of soil and mix with clean water to get a homogeneous mass.
2. After a quarter of an hour, mix the substance again.
3. Wait for a liquid layer to form on top.
4. Apply a litmus strip to the liquid.

Indicator strips usually contain instructions for use. The shade in which they are painted helps to understand what acidity the soil has. Commonly used colors are:

• red - indicates high acidity;
• orange - indicates moderate acidity parameters;
• yellow - considered low acidity;
• green - is evidence of a neutral soil structure;
• bright green - indicates an alkaline reaction.

Free meters

This method is suitable for people who cannot afford 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 earth with water;
• lightly sprinkle the soil with vinegar.

The following actions can lead to the following reactions:

• strong foaming - this indicates a high concentration of alkali;
• lack of foam - this indicates a high acidity of the soil;
• a small amount of foam - observed when the soil is neutral, which helps to use it for planting different crops.

Measurement rules

To use acidity meters to give results, you should carefully study the instructions. It is important to observe the following rules:

1. Clear the beds of large debris, grass and leaves. With increased dryness of the earth, it is required to slightly moisten it.
2. After making top dressing, at least 3 days should pass.
3. To achieve extremely accurate results, only three measurements will help.
4. After each measurement, the device should be wiped with a soft cloth.
5. If there is no factory calibration, you need to do it yourself. It is recommended to use a buffer solution for this.
6. 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 instruments for measuring

Today there are many high-quality devices for estimating soil acidity parameters on sale.

Overall rating

The most effective devices include the following:

1. GREEN BELT 3 in 1 tester is a great device for evaluating soil reaction. It also helps to determine the current humidity and illumination of the area.
2. ETP111 pH is an expensive device that provides a high degree of accuracy. The device is not equipped with additional functions. For accurate results, it is recommended to take 2 measurements.
3. YIERYI TPH01803 is a compact device that helps to 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.

Best professional appliances

The following types of devices are suitable for professional use:

1. 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.
2. Hanna pH tester is a German device that allows you to accurately assess the current state of the soil in a relatively short period of time. The device implies automatic calibration, which makes its application as accurate as possible.
3. Bluelab pH meter has a bright LCD display. The kit includes a calibration and low battery indicator. It also features water resistance and energy efficiency.

The best models of litmus paper

To assess the reaction of the soil, it is permissible to use the following types of litmus strips:

1. GARDEN SHOW is a great product that suits many gardeners. Thanks to its use, it is possible to quickly assess the parameters of acidity.
2. PH 5.5-9.0 test strips are simple products that are affordable. The kit includes 80 testers. For accurate results, testing is recommended to be performed 4-5 times.
3. HOME LAB - quality strips that are very popular with gardeners. They help to determine the acidity in the range from 1 to 14. There are 100 strips in the package.

Soil acidity meters differ in principle of action and price. This allows each gardener to choose the most suitable option.

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