To get a soil extract we recommend a similar method as we do for testing pH so that both EC and pH measurements can be taken at the same time.
•Gather a fresh soil sample in a plastic zip-loc bag. Try to get a profile from the top 6” of soil that the plants will grow in and take care not to contaminate the sample by touching with anything.
•Open the bag and let it air-dry for a few hours until it is mostly dried.
•Mix the soil in the bag to ensure a homogenous sample and then use a sieve with approximate 2mm spacing to remove any large soil clumps.
•Measure out ½ of a cup of the dried soil and put into a glass beaker.
•Measure out ½ of a cup of distilled water and put this into the glass beaker with the soil.
•Stir the mixture gently for 30 seconds. Do not mix to harshly as you may destroy the humus structure and the soil may give up elements that it otherwise would not do in nature.
•Let the soil-water suspension stand for 30 minutes.
•Stir water gently again before taking the EC measurement.
•Insert the EC meter into the beaker and swirl it gently around in the soil-water extract.
•After approximately 30-60 seconds or after the EC reading has stabilized, read the digital display on your meter.