pH is a measure of how acidic or basic a substance is. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 7 being neutral, and 14 being the most basic. The pH level of soil can have a big impact on plant growth.
Most plants prefer a neutral pH, but some plants such as blueberries prefer slightly acidic soil. Soil pH can be measured with a pH test kit, which is available at most garden stores.
To test the pH level of your soil, simply follow the instructions that come with the kit. Once you know the pH level of your soil, you can make adjustments, if necessary, to ensure that your plants are getting the conditions they need to thrive.
What is a pH testing kit?
A pH testing kit is used to measure the pH level of the soil. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution and is expressed on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH reading below 7 indicates acidic soil, while a pH above 7 indicates alkaline soil.
pH testing kits usually come with a pH scale chart so that you can determine the pH level of your soil. Most plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 7. If your soil has a pH outside of this range, you may need to add amendments to make it more suitable for plants.
pH testing kits are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most gardening stores.
How to Measure the pH of Soil
- Test the soil with a pH testing kit, available at most garden stores.
- Insert a pH meter probe into the soil and take a reading.
- Take a sample of soil to your local cooperative extension office for testing.
- Place some soil in a container of distilled water and stir. Test the water with a pH meter.
- Add some soil to a container of white vinegar and stir. Test the vinegar with a pH meter.
- Place some soil in a container of baking soda and water (1:1 ratio) and stir. Test the mixture with a pH meter.
- Make a slurry of 2 tablespoons of soil and 1/2 cup of water. Test the slurry with a pH meter.
- To test very small areas, such as potted plants, use pH test strips.
- Use universal indicator paper to test the soil’s pH.
- Compare the colour of the soil to a pH scale chart.
- Create a colour chart for your reference by testing different soil samples with universal indicator paper.
- Make a soil paste with 2 tablespoons of soil and 1/4 cup water. Test the paste with pH test strips.
- Compare the colour of the paste to a pH scale chart.
- Create a colour chart for your reference by testing different soil samples with pH test strips.
- Use litmus paper to test the soil’s pH.
- Compare the colour of the soil to a pH scale chart.
What are good alternatives to pH testing kits?
- Soil test kit from a gardening store: Most gardening or home improvement stores sell soil test kits.
- Plant leaves: The leaves of some plants can indicate the pH level of the soil. For example, if the leaves are yellow, the soil may be too alkaline.
- Indicator plants: Some plant roots change colour based on the pH level of the soil. For example, red cabbage will turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil.
- Digital pH meter: This device uses an electronic sensor to measure the pH level of a solution.
- Soil sample: You can collect a soil sample and then take it to a gardening store or nursery for testing.
- Plant roots: The roots of some plants can indicate the pH level of the soil. For example, if the roots are white, the soil may be too alkaline.
- Litmus paper: To test the pH level of the soil, simply wet a strip of litmus paper and insert it into the soil. If the paper turns red, it indicates that the soil is acidic, while if it turns blue, it indicates that the soil is alkaline.
- Baking soda: Simply mix a small amount of baking soda with some water. Then, take a sample of your soil and add it to the baking soda solution. If the pH level of your soil is acidic, the baking soda will cause the solution to rise.
- Lemon juice: Mix a small amount of lemon juice with an equal amount of water and then apply it to a small patch of soil. If the soil turns pink or red, then it is acidic.
- Soil expert or agronomist: You can contact a soil mix expert or agronomist to have your soil tested. This is generally the most accurate way to test the pH of your soil.
Why is it important to measure the pH level of the soil?
Soil pH is important because it affects the availability of nutrients in the soil. For example, most plants require a pH between 6 and 7 to absorb phosphorus from the soil. By measuring the pH level of the soil, gardeners can ensure that their plants are getting the nutrients they need and that the soil environment is conducive to healthy microbial activity.
