looking for a ph meter

chastom · January 29, 2013

Can anyone recommend a good basic ph meter probe to use in the soil? Also, do these really work?

PaulF · January 29, 2013

This topic comes up pretty often. Check search for the last few times. I will say again, unless you are ready to fork out some big dollars, forget it. Anything under a couple of hundred bucks will not work.

ContainerTed · January 29, 2013

I bought Lowes super cheapo for 5 bucks and it really works. I've used it in different soil, solutions, and such and the needle moved and gave a reading that was at least close to what it should have been. And, it showed very small differences between things like fresh manure and fully composted manure.

All in all, it does everything I need done in that department.

dpurdy · January 30, 2013

chastom,
I agree with PaulF that there are many different PH kits out there that you can purchase. I've bought a couple different kits and tested my own soil. What I thought was an accurate analysis, wasn't even close to the analysis that I received from an independent testing company that's associated with Cornell University. Along with the analysis they give you fertilizer rate recommendations for the next few years to maintain good crop production. They give you a detailed report so you can tell what nutrients you have in your soil or what you are lacking in your soil. Most areas have a soil testing company that you can send in your soil sample to and receive a report within a couple of weeks. It's easier to do this than spending money on kits that may not be accurate.
As far as a meter or probe that you stick in the soil to test PH, they only tell you if your soil is acid or alkaline. A soil analysis will give you a three (3) year maintenance recommendation to improve your yields and plant quality as well as protect the environment with proper fertilization. It's a cost effective way to test your soil to make sure that you can go the best possible plants.
DP

dice · January 30, 2013

I have one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Luster-Leaf-18.../dp/B0000DI848

I tested it with pH meter calibrating solution (pH 4.01 and pH 7.01).
Its reading was .1 low on both solutions, so whatever result it shows
when testing soil, container mix, or hot tub water I assume is .1 below
the real pH. (This pH meter is not adjustable.)

Muslickz · January 31, 2013

As far as soil I cannot really help, but for my hydroponic stuff I buy these, usually one in the spring of every year. At $10 it lasts me all year and well worth it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321040089095...84.m1439.l2649

If you need to find one elsewhere, just google:
LCD Display Digital PH Meter Pen

-Mus

Worth1 · January 31, 2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by ContainerTed

I bought Lowes super cheapo for 5 bucks and it really works. I've used it in different soil, solutions, and such and the needle moved and gave a reading that was at least close to what it should have been. And, it showed very small differences between things like fresh manure and fully composted manure.

All in all, it does everything I need done in that department.

Me too.

I think most of the problems are human error.
The solution has to be right and the water at 7 before you even start.
Most city water has chlorine in it so it will give you a false reading.

Worth

dice · January 31, 2013

You can find calibration/test solutions like these in most
hydroponics stores and online (to see how accurate your
meter is and calibrate it if it is adjustable):
http://www.planetnatural.com/site/ph...-solution.html
http://www.planetnatural.com/site/ph...-solution.html
http://www.planetnatural.com/site/ge...ation-kit.html

Papa Jim · February 1, 2013

I asked this question recently on a different forum and two people suggested this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o00_s00_i00

chastom · February 1, 2013

Thanks for all the input ,i do agree the best test is done by a lab, I was thinking of a shortcut or a way to check it during the year .

dpurdy · February 2, 2013

chastom,
I was looking through some seed catalogs and found this test kit that will allow you to check PH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash. The kit includes enough solution to do 10 tests for each or a total of 40 tests. They also include instructions for amending your soil based on your test results. The price was $17.95. Link to the page is: http://www.jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=51345&c=607&p=Professional+Soil+Test+Ki t
It was in this years Jung Seeds & Plants catalog.
DP

dice · February 3, 2013

Wayne Schmidt tested some of these diy chemical soil testing
kits:
http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/soiltest.htm

January 29, 2013	#1
chastom Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: stephenville tx Posts: 73	looking for a ph meter Can anyone recommend a good basic ph meter probe to use in the soil? Also, do these really work?

January 29, 2013	#2
PaulF Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Brownville, Ne Posts: 3,286	This topic comes up pretty often. Check search for the last few times. I will say again, unless you are ready to fork out some big dollars, forget it. Anything under a couple of hundred bucks will not work. __________________ there's two things money can't buy; true love and home grown tomatoes.

January 29, 2013	#3
ContainerTed Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: 6a - NE Tennessee Posts: 4,538	I bought Lowes super cheapo for 5 bucks and it really works. I've used it in different soil, solutions, and such and the needle moved and gave a reading that was at least close to what it should have been. And, it showed very small differences between things like fresh manure and fully composted manure. All in all, it does everything I need done in that department. __________________ Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch

January 30, 2013	#5
dice Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: PNW Posts: 4,743	I have one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Luster-Leaf-18.../dp/B0000DI848 I tested it with pH meter calibrating solution (pH 4.01 and pH 7.01). Its reading was .1 low on both solutions, so whatever result it shows when testing soil, container mix, or hot tub water I assume is .1 below the real pH. (This pH meter is not adjustable.) __________________ -- alias

January 31, 2013	#8
dice Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: PNW Posts: 4,743	You can find calibration/test solutions like these in most hydroponics stores and online (to see how accurate your meter is and calibrate it if it is adjustable): http://www.planetnatural.com/site/ph...-solution.html http://www.planetnatural.com/site/ph...-solution.html http://www.planetnatural.com/site/ge...ation-kit.html __________________ -- alias

January 30, 2013	#4
dpurdy Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Norwich, New York Posts: 255	chastom, I agree with PaulF that there are many different PH kits out there that you can purchase. I've bought a couple different kits and tested my own soil. What I thought was an accurate analysis, wasn't even close to the analysis that I received from an independent testing company that's associated with Cornell University. Along with the analysis they give you fertilizer rate recommendations for the next few years to maintain good crop production. They give you a detailed report so you can tell what nutrients you have in your soil or what you are lacking in your soil. Most areas have a soil testing company that you can send in your soil sample to and receive a report within a couple of weeks. It's easier to do this than spending money on kits that may not be accurate. As far as a meter or probe that you stick in the soil to test PH, they only tell you if your soil is acid or alkaline. A soil analysis will give you a three (3) year maintenance recommendation to improve your yields and plant quality as well as protect the environment with proper fertilization. It's a cost effective way to test your soil to make sure that you can go the best possible plants. DP

January 31, 2013	#6
Muslickz Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 68	As far as soil I cannot really help, but for my hydroponic stuff I buy these, usually one in the spring of every year. At $10 it lasts me all year and well worth it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/321040089095...84.m1439.l2649 If you need to find one elsewhere, just google: LCD Display Digital PH Meter Pen -Mus

February 1, 2013	#9
Papa Jim Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Zone 9A/B Posts: 8	I asked this question recently on a different forum and two people suggested this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o00_s00_i00

February 2, 2013	#11
dpurdy Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Norwich, New York Posts: 255	chastom, I was looking through some seed catalogs and found this test kit that will allow you to check PH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash. The kit includes enough solution to do 10 tests for each or a total of 40 tests. They also include instructions for amending your soil based on your test results. The price was $17.95. Link to the page is: http://www.jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=51345&c=607&p=Professional+Soil+Test+Ki t It was in this years Jung Seeds & Plants catalog. DP

February 3, 2013	#12
dice Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: PNW Posts: 4,743	Wayne Schmidt tested some of these diy chemical soil testing kits: http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/soiltest.htm __________________ -- alias