soil test

[keifer]

Hey guys at the local nurserys they have these little soil meters to tell ph. You just stick it in the ground it runs off batterys i think. They are around 10 bucks / are they worth it will it help anything. Thanks for any advice you may have.

[LoneStarLawn]

If I were you I would save my money and get a professional tester if you are going to be serious about pH testing.

I wouldn't want my calcualtions to be off because ther tester was not accurate.

[keifer]

Where do they sell pro tester and about how much do they run.

[LoneStarLawn]

You can find some on the internet...

Some around $100.

There are some around $400 too..

Those have extra readings as well...

I guess you can just get a basic pH tester for around $20

[KirbysLawn]

Why test only pH? What about CEC's, N-P-K-Mg-Ca and so on? Do a complete soil test and you will know the whole condition of the soil.

[dhicks]

They sell soil testers at GEMPLERS and at AMLEONARDS on the net.

[GroundKprs]

Have used an old Kelway pH tester for 20 years, and it has never been off more than 0.2 compared to a lab test. No batteries, no chemicals, just a mechanical instrument that also reads soil field capacity ratio (water content by %). About $100 at A.M.Leonard (<a href="https://www.amleo.com/help-desk/item.php?hb2">HB2</a>)

[Runner]

I would like something like this, that tells the soil temperature, too. I've always just used the co-op. extension service through MSU here.

[awm]

i have one i got at hd .in these dry conditions it reads
about 2 or so most of the time. think its either broke
or possibly all it ever did was measure the ph of the moisture in the soil.this one has a moisture and light meter as well.
plan on going back to hd and checking another one to se if mines
broke or they all do the same.later now

[lawrence stone]

Originally posted by KirbysLawn
Why test only pH? What about CEC's, N-P-K-Mg-Ca and so on? Do a complete soil test and you will know the whole condition of the soil.

What lab do you use that measures the available N?

[cutting edge]

I've been considering buying a pH meter also.

Kirby,

Since pH affects nutrient uptake it would be nice to have a heads-up on any pH problem so I could go ahead and start making plans to correct it while waiting on the soil test to come back.

[GroundKprs]

Runner, just get a soil thermometer. Metal probe, with a dial thermometer on top, maybe $10 - $15. Most of them are 4" to 6" long, but I think you can go deeper if you hunt. I got most of mine as giveaways at trade shows.

[keifer]

Hey guys i just found 3 in the northern tool cat one measures ph moisture and light for 10.oo and one that measures nitrogen, phosphorus and potash for 18.00 and one is a soil analyzer for ph and fertilizer levels for 25.oo would all three be good to have. or do you think there probably junk?