If you want to plant trees in your garden, you need to know the pH of the soil. pH is a measure of the alkalinity and acidity of the soil. Different types of plants require different pH levels in order to grow properly. Once you know the pH of the soil in your garden, you can adjust the soil conditions so your plants can thrive. Measuring soil pH is not difficult, and you can do it in a number of ways.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Testing Soil pH Using Commercial Tools
Step 1. Make a small hole in the ground
Make a hole 5-10 cm deep using a small shovel or a tweezer. Loosen the soil in the hole and remove any twigs and dirt that is in it.
Step 2. Pour water into the hole
You should use distilled water (not well water) which can be purchased at the pharmacy. Rainwater is slightly acidic, while tap water and bottled water tend to be slightly alkaline. Put water in the hole until mud forms at the bottom.
Step 3. Plug the pH meter into the mud
Make sure the measuring device is clean and calibrated (for more accurate measurement results). Wipe the gauge with a clean cloth or tissue before you put it in the mud.
Step 4. Leave the measuring device there for 1 minute and read the result
Usually pH is expressed on a scale of 1 to 14, although not all pH meters cover this entire range.
- pH 7 indicates that the soil is neutral.
- A pH of more than 7 indicates that the soil is alkaline.
- A pH of less than 7 indicates that the soil is acidic.
Step 5. Take measurements at several different points
One measurement may not be accurate, so it's a good idea to take several measurements at different places to get an average pH. If the results have similar values, calculate the average value and change the soil pH as needed. If one spot has a completely different pH than another, you may have to change the soil pH specifically for that spot.
Method 2 of 3: Using pH Measuring Paper
Step 1. Purchase pH measuring paper
You can use test paper (also known as litmus paper) to quickly and easily measure soil pH. You can buy it online or at a farm store.
Step 2. Mix a handful of soil with distilled water at room temperature
Take a handful of soil you want to test, and put it in a bowl. Next, pour the distilled water into it until it forms a mixture with a milkshake-like consistency. Stir the two so that they are evenly mixed.
Step 3. Dip the pH measuring paper in the mixture for 20 to 30 seconds
Holding the base of the paper, dip the litmus paper into the mixture for 20 to 30 seconds. The measurement times may vary so you should check the instructions on the packaging of the measuring paper to determine the exact time. When the time is sufficient, remove the measuring paper from the mixture, then briefly dip it in distilled water to clean the soil.
Step 4. Compare the measurement results on the litmus paper with the test key on the package
Use the key that came with the pH meter to read the pH of your soil. Usually there will be a color code listed. Compare the test results on the litmus paper with the available colors, and choose a color that is the same as the color on the litmus paper. The key will list the pH value of the soil by color.
Method 3 of 3: Changing Soil pH
Step 1. Reduce the acidity of the soil
If the soil pH is less than 7, sprinkle a cup of dolomite or agricultural lime on the soil. Mix thoroughly, then repeat the measurement with a pH meter. This method is used to slowly change soil pH. You can also use wood ash in moderation. Both of these ingredients can be purchased at a farm shop.
Follow the directions on the pH meter to find out how much to add to get the soil to the pH you want. If you need to change the soil pH more than a full number, contact a professional gardener. They can help you to adjust the soil pH as desired with high success rate
Step 2. Reduce the basicity of the soil
If the soil pH is more than 7, add a cup of organic matter, such as pine leaves, peat moss, or leaf compost. Next, do a retest to find out the new pH value. Add a few more cups of organic matter and test as needed until you get the pH you want. Materials that are also very effective for reducing soil alkalinity is sulfur.
Use the directions on the package of the pH meter to find out how much to add to get your soil pH to your liking. If you need to change the pH of the soil by more than a full number, contact a professional gardener or gardener. They can help you to change the pH of the soil to the right value by evaluating the condition of your soil
Step 3. Change the soil pH to suit the desired plant
For example, if you want your hydrangea to thrive and full of blue flowers in bloom, add sulfur in the area where it was planted (because this plant likes acidic soil). Soil pH throughout the garden does not have to be uniform. Feel free to change certain parts to a pH that suits the desired plant. You can refer to the Old Farmer's Almanac for the best pH for a particular crop. Some plants prefer a pH of 7, while others prefer a lower pH.
Tips
- Record the measurement results. You may have to refer to these measurements at a later date because soil pH can change over time.
- Prevent contamination (and false readings) by keeping the pH meter and trowel clean. Do not touch the tested soil with bare hands.
- Take several soil readings each time you take measurements. A safe number is a minimum of 6 soil samples from different parts of the garden.
- Some gauges display test results as colors instead of numbers. If this is the case, green usually indicates neutral soil; orange or yellow indicates acidic soil; and dark green indicates alkaline soil.
- Contact your local department of agriculture for more information on soil testing or for professional assistance with soil testing.
- Make sure the pH meter is properly calibrated before you use it (so you can get an accurate measurement).
- pH changes the availability of nutrients to plants. The ideal pH is usually between 5.5 and 7.
- Distilled water does not always have a pH of 7. The pH can be acidic (less than 7) because water can absorb carbon dioxide in the air (carbon dioxide mixed with water will produce acid). It is recommended that you check the pH of distilled water before using it to measure soil pH.
Warning
- As mentioned above, the water you put in the ground hole can affect the reading if the water's pH is not neutral. Always use distilled water for testing.
- Some pH meters provide different functions than those described in this article. Always read the manufacturer's instructions carefully so you can get an accurate measurement.
