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| DIY pH Testing; Thoughts? | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 18 2013, 01:13 PM (709 Views) | |
Tim H
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Apr 18 2013, 01:13 PM Post #1 |
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I was talking to a friend of mine about soil testing for food plots. She's done a lot of soil analysis for her degree, and when I explained to her the goals of testing the soil she suggested I simply pick up a pH meter and test the soil myself. Granted, this is a simple test, that won't provide me with a lot of info on the make-up of the soil that a properly done lab test will, but it will give me the pH, which is what I'm most concerned with, and I can go from there. A quick search on the ol' interwebz has turned up a number of results for handheld pH meters, one from Lowe's is discontinued and has terrible reviews. A company called Cole Palmer has quite a variety of pH testing kits, but they are fairly pricey. http://www.coleparmer.ca/Category/pH_Ion_Pocket_Testers/7446 One item that I did find that looks pretty interesting is this soil pH meter from Lee Valley. http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.as...2,42578&p=70504 My question is; Does anyone here have experience with these type of units? Are they fairly reliable? What kind of margin of error can I expect in the readings? Any input is appreciated, cheers. Tim |
| "Only accurate rifles are interesting." - Col. Townsend Whelan | |
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swampdogger
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Apr 18 2013, 01:55 PM Post #2 |
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You can pick up soil test kit's at HomeDepot real cheap. |
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Tim H
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Apr 18 2013, 02:30 PM Post #3 |
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I've seen soil test kits, I imagine they're around the same idea as the tester, just give you your ph value. What attracts me to the Lee Valley tester is that it's re-usable, and the probe appears to be half decent quality. I'm a little leery about the price, I don't think you can get anything of quality for $20....... So my original question stands; has anyone used hand-held soil testers/test kits before? I'd love to hear a field report. Tim |
| "Only accurate rifles are interesting." - Col. Townsend Whelan | |
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warningshot
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Apr 18 2013, 03:44 PM Post #4 |
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Advanced Hunter
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never used one i got a ph kit for my self and tested the ph and found it to be what is was for the general area ...... as for a soil sample...not sure where your getting it done but it may tell u alot more than the ph of the soil...may tell u what is missing ie nitrogen etc..depending on what your planning on growing ....if all u want to know is the ph then giver a shot ...or do a comparison for us plotters
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baydog
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Apr 27 2013, 08:06 AM Post #5 |
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I used one. Seem to be pretty accurate and gave me a good idea of what plants would thrive and what ones wouldn't in my area. |
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