Parameters such as pH (acidity), humidity and soil insolation have a substantial impact on healthy development and beautiful appearance of the plants cultivated, as well as on the size and quality of crops obtained. Thus, if you want to take your cultivation of vegetables, fruits and flowers to a higher level, you have to equip yourself with one indispensable device – a multifunctional 3-in-1 soil tester. This device is simple to use, does not require batteries and the reading is taken directly from the scale fitted in the plastic housing of the tester!
How to take a measurement.
Prepare a single soil sample (300 – 400 g) and remove stones, grass blades, roots, leaves, etc. from it.
Pour the soil into a 0.5 L jar and add some water to it so that the soil is moist.
Wipe the meter end carefully with rough paper or a brush and slide the probe into the soil sample prepared.
Take the reading on the device scale after 60 seconds.
The knowledge of the pH value of soil facilitates planning to a great extent and later it helps maintain optimal conditions for the plants cultivated. The majority of garden plants grows best in soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH value (6.0-7.0).
The soil with such parameters is friendly towards development of beneficial microorganisms, and also makes mineral ingredients readily available to the plant roots. A soil that is too acidic kills beneficial bacteria and invites fungal mould, as well as leads to formation of water-insoluble chemical compounds from minerals.
Soil acidity classes:
very acidic soil – pH up to 4.5
acidic soil – pH of 4.5 – 5.
slightly acidic soil – pH of 5.6 – 6.
neutral soil – pH of 6.6 – 7.
alkaline soil – pH above 7.2
Adding sulphur to the soil reduces its pH, while adding lime increases it. Since the amount of these additives depends on the soil type, it is necessary to take advantage of appropriate gardening manual when choosing them.
Lower doses of sulphur (lime) are used for lightweight soils that contain little humus, while the higher ones are used for fertile soils that are abundant in humus.
Proper pH value of soil is maintained by using appropriate fertilisers.
Probe/spike dimensions:
length – 17 cm
Ø 0.6 cm.