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I received an email 6 days later with the results of the soil tests. I also received a bar chart that allowed me to visually see and compare the results, making them simple to understand. The quickest results come from tests that determine pH and moisture. At-home test kits and instruments can determine these two factors in mere seconds.
The total amount of each nutrient you need depends on your soil deficiencies and the size of your growing area. I tested the Atree meter by inserting it in various spots in my flower garden. Over the years, I’ve added amendments, such as sulfur, to specific areas where acid-loving plants are growing, and I was curious whether this simple tester would pick up on that. It did—the soil around my hydrangeas, which I’ve amended heavily, tested at 6 on the pH scale, while the soil around my daisies registered at 6.8.
Locations where soil tests kits are available:
Soil Savvy could have provided a better explanation of the results, however. I understand what nutrient ratios are, but a newbie gardener might benefit from further explanation of what the numbers mean. Plants need light, oxygen, water, and a growing medium that meets their nutritional needs. Commercial and natural fertilizers can provide essential nutrients that soil may lack. Still, to get the correct type of fertilizer, the gardener should first know the condition of the existing soil. The laboratory analysis provides precise major and minor element levels, the capacity to retain nutrients, ph level, and more.
Knowing the makeup of the soil helps you better maintain your garden. Keep in mind that various plants have specific nutrient requirements, so it’s essential to research the plant that will be grown before adding nutrients. I was surprised at the accuracy of this pen tester as it measured pH to a tenth of a degree and clearly displayed the number on the LED screen.
Whitetail Institute Laboratory Soil Test Kit
It accurately registers the soil’s pH level, moisture level, and the amount of light it’s getting—all at an attractive price point. I then tested both moisture and light levels in various garden spots, and the Atree again seemed accurate. While some of the soil tests were relatively complex, nothing could be simpler than measuring the soil’s moisture level, pH, and the amount of light it receives in a specific location. I tested the Kensizer meter in different spots in my garden and flower garden, and felt it was accurate. Several soil-testing products are available to determine the amounts of various nutrients and macronutrients in the soil. Among the most comprehensive tests are those that involve taking soil samples and sending them to a lab for analysis.
Both seemed accurate based on my historical knowledge of my soil and the amendments I’ve made. For professional results, check out the MySoil Test Kit, which allows gardeners to gather soil samples and have them professionally tested. The MySoil kit offers an in-depth analysis, revealing the amounts of micronutrients, NPK, and macronutrients in the tested soil. Testing kits and instruments commonly help pinpoint soil characteristics.
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Gardeners can increase accuracy by performing multiple tests in different spots of the garden and comparing the results. For commercial-scale growers, hydroponic growers, or gardeners who want the ultimate in precision pH testing, consider the Bluelab pH pen that provides highly accurate acid/alkaline results. The pen comes with a backlit LCD display and requires a AAA battery for operation.
It provides testing result for all soil elements including pH, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, boron, zinc, manganese, and iron. A detailed lab-based soil test kit and digital platform reveals exactly what plants need for a healthy growth cycle. Soil test kits feature pH strips, analog or digital meters, and chemical testing. Kensizer’s soil tester can help eliminate accidental overwatering by letting the user know if the soil is draining adequately. This battery-free tester is always ready to go and features double probes, one for testing pH and the other for testing moisture levels. It also has a light sensor for determining the amount of light that the plant is receiving.
Kensizer 3-In-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Meter
Chemical test kits can be more complex, but they come with instructions on gathering soil samples, mixing them, and choosing the chemicals to use when conducting specific nutrient tests. Chemical kits often come with charts that explain what the different results mean, such as various color changes that occur when testing for particular macronutrients and micronutrients. My goal in testing the soil test kits was to determine how accurate each was, how easy they were to use, and how beneficial the results would be for our readers. The types of soil tests varied widely—from professional tests that required sending a soil sample to a lab to simple pH meters that determined a soil’s acid or alkaline level via a probe. I extensively researched dozens of soil test kits and products before choosing which ones to test, and I intentionally chose different types of kits because growers have very different needs.
My results are simple to read and tell me exactly which plot needs what products and how much to use. This was a whole lot better experience than using the normal state soil test. I ordered a kit to do my lawn because it’s having problems and I just want it to look as good as my neighbors grass – haha! Collecting dirt and registering the kit have been pretty self-explanatory, so far. My results came way faster than I expected and they make it easy to buy what I need for my yard. Pretty nifty product especially if it works and my neighbor gets jealous.
Of the three mail-in soil kits I tested, Whitetail offered the highest level of customization. When I filled out the form, they asked what I planned to grow in the soil. I chose alfalfa as the crop I wanted to grow, and Whitetail sent specific instructions for amending the soil to make it suitable for growing alfalfa. And, the booklet also offered suggestions on how to amend the soil to raise or lower specific nutrient levels. In addition, an included booklet had suggestions for amending soil and a list of soil preferences for more than 450 plants.
When I first opened the Luster Leaf test kit case, I was surprised by the number of vials and bottles of solutions. After reading the instructions, I found it was actually pretty simple. Testing involved gathering soil, putting a tiny bit in a glass vial, then adding a specific liquid and/or powder , and shaking the vial. I was then able to compare the color of the liquid in the vial to an included chart to get the results. The Soil Savvy soil test kit offers a professional soil analysis as well as custom fertilizer recommendations. It comes with a scoop, a collection cup that contains liquid and a plastic ball, a prepaid postage envelope, and complete instructions for collecting and submitting a soil sample.
Below the light sensor, you will find a switch between 3 parameters. Moisture is on the left, light is in the middle, and pH is on the right. It is very easy to use, you just need to insect the dual probes of the meter into the soil and choose the parameter you want to measures.
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Open your image file to the full size using image processing software. First, we gather some information about your growing area such as square footage and location.
For sunlight measurement, you just need to ensure that the meter is towards the sun. It is so very simple to maintain, after use, take the probe out from the soil and wipe the probe to clean. SoilKit provides everything you need for successful soil testing including helpful tips and recommended products. Soil treatments are available that will either raise or lower the soil’s pH level, depending on what the gardener is growing. The second Luster Leaf kit in the lineup tests for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash, but it takes some of the complexity out of testing via the use of color-coded capsules.
Finally, we provide you with detailed recommendations for which products to put down, when, and how much. Free recommendations tailored specifically to your soil, so you'll know exactly what your soil needs. You achieve balance without overusing fertilizers, saving you money and helping the environment. Within 48 hours of applying the recommended products, I saw a difference. I followed the instructions carefully and had only enough solution to do about 15 tests. Test your soil and improve the health of your lawn, garden, or landscape.
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