How to detect soil pH value?
Soil pH values were related to soil acidity and alkalinity. Measurements can help to understand the amount of nutrients a particular plant needs. Most plants are suitable for soil pH values between 6.5-7.2, which is the most suitable pH for plant growth. Plants like azaleas like acid soil and need soil to contain enough iron. Soil pH testing was used primarily to understand the major and minor nutrient requirements of the plant. Therefore, this examination is important for understanding whether or not the soil is deficient in nutrients. Lack of nutrition can have disastrous effects on plants. This situation can be improved by fertilization to ensure the healthy growth of plants.
Check the equipment required for the pH value
This soil pH value package is readily available in nurseries and hardware stores. It consists of a test tube, a set of test solutions and a color list. Take a certain amount of soil specimen in a test tube and add a few drops of test fluid. Shake the tube thoroughly and leave it for an hour or so. An hour later, you will see a change in the color of the solution. This change can show the level of pH in the soil. Compare color lists and obtain specific pH values.
Soil testing method
It is recommended to test the soil at the local laboratory because the staff here know more about the local soil. Soil testing involves examining specific factors such as essential nutrients, moisture and organic matter available in the soil, as well as examining contaminants present in the soil.
Method 1: collect soil samples from a plantation and pour into a container. Half cup of vinegar was added to observe the reaction. If the foam appears after mixing, it shows that the soil is alkaline. If not, shovel some of the soil and add half a glass of water. Add a small amount of baking soda and water mixture to the soil. If there is still no response, the soil is not acidic.
Method two: dig 2 inches of holes in the ground and cover them with distilled water. You can use the purchase test probe to plug into the hole for a minute. Take out the probe and check the reading after one minute. May show more than 7 or less than 7. The pH value of acid soil is lower than 7, and higher than 7 is alkaline. If the reading is exactly 7, it is neutral.
Method three: take some soil from the different areas of the botanical garden and mix it evenly. Spread out the soil in a newspaper and wait till they're completely dry. Then take half a cup of mixed soil and put it in a container and pour it into distilled water. After mixing thoroughly, lay aside and settle the soil. Check the above water with litmus paper. If it turns red, it means acid soil, and blue is alkaline.
Often checking soil pH is one of the key techniques for good planting. Otherwise, it may cause plants to suffer from disease because of lack of nutrition. Applying organic fertilizer is a good way to ensure soil and plant health.