Which method to test ph of soil?

[cuy103]

Soil test kits, soil ph meters, run off?

I was thinking about using the test kits.

What do you guys think?

 

[dirtyolsouth]

They all work fine... it depends on $$$ and what you're willing to pay for convenience. The test kits work just fine but they are a bit of a pain but their colorcode will get you within range of what's going on. For more exacting and convenient ph there are some nice combo ph/moisture meters with probes for $55-120 as well as much cheaper models that you probe the soil with.

To check the ph of your runoff you can use either the test kit or an electronic ph meter for measuring ph levels in fluids.

Happy Growing!

 

[mrkingford]

I bought one at my local nursery for $19.99, it has a probe that you stick into the moist dirt and a meter to show the ph.
I think you get what you pay for cause everywhere i stick it, it reads about the same, whether in my FFOF or MG or back yard dirt, it all says 6.5-7
When i get the money, i'll buy a better one.

 

[zipflip]

i got one them probe ones ya jabb into the soil also along wit digital ph tester. after testing soil ph wit the probe tester and testing the same soil runoff wit water set ph at 6.5 i got 2 way different readings and maybe my probe one's defective but i also seem to always get a reading of right around 7 wit the stupid thing. i wouldnt trust them things. jmo. and i know im not only one who feels same bout them im sure.
kinda made me mad after spending 15 for my 4 in 1 probe tester. i'd definately never trust the fertility meter on it or go by it if any you have this one. just an FYI especially growin mj alos jmo.

 

[cuy103]

Thanks peeps.

I've also read and heard that the Ph probe meters are inaccurate.

I think I might stick with the test kits. My judgment may be off due to human error in correlating the colors. However, I have a ph pen, so I can measure the ph of the water/soil mixture right?

 

[4u2sm0ke]

:ciao: my friend..those stick probes are no good..I use a ph test kit from fish store..and check run off..heres how...

saturate your container with ph water..wait 30 min..then run your ph water threw it and collect the runn off..this is what i check ph of..and i only do this every month or so..remember PH is everything..good luck and keep us posted:bong:

 

[cuy103]

Thanks 4U2smoke!!! I definitely agree with you about how pH is everything! I didn't realize most of my problems were coming from pH issues.

I think I'm going to save a couple of dollars and just test the run off. I've decided that the best method for measuring the pH of SOIL, aside from laboratory testing, is to analyze the run-off.

But I'm still confused on how to increase/decrease the pH of the SOIL. I've read that the use of buffers like dolomite lime can help increase the pH, but that's if it's pre-mixed into the soil.

So, how can I change the pH of my SOIL?

*I am using Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil with the trio of liquid nutrients, although I'm cutting out the Big Bloom. I'm just using the Tiger Bloom from now on as my plants are in their second week of flower. The plants are in one gallon pots.

*I've also read that FF nutrients can be acidic which is why I think I'm having problems. I think the acidity of the nutrients have lowered the pH of the soil resulting in nutrient lock out.

 

[4u2sm0ke]

there are many diffrent ways to change the ph...I use organic potting soil and use dosolite lime mixed in..but as for my PH again i consontrate on the water being right..i also use those PH up/down from the fish store to lower my PH for my Hydro grow..need to work with the drops to find what works for you..the continer says 2 drops per gallon..but with my water at 6.7 I use 3 drops a gallon it brings PH to 5.6 hope this helps glad to see ya around..take care and be safe:bolt::bong:

 

[cuy103]

Thanks 4U2smoke!

OK. Let's say my soil is around 5.8. Should I still use water with a pH of 6.5 or use a higher pH'd water to off set the low pH in the soil?

 

[WeedHopper]

I work with mine untill the runoff is 6.5 - 6.8.

 

[4u2sm0ke]

if the run off is 5.8 then adjust your waters ph to be 6.5-7.0 i dont check my soils PH cuzz i know what it is..i say be sure the waters PH is right..good luck my friend