The best soil acidity meters for 2020

The importance of measuring soil acidity is highlighted in gardening magazines and newspapers. It is important for a person to measure the composition and acidity of the earth, this is the only way he can grow healthy and vitamin-rich vegetables, berries and fruits. The cost of such devices is small, but they guarantee their benefits for several seasons. True, some people suggest checking this indicator in the old ways that were used before the 21st century.

The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best soil acidity meters for 2020.

Permissible value

The acidity of the soil is determined by the presence of a useful composition in the soil: organic and mineral substances, as well as trace elements. From their quantity, the formation of an environment occurs, which can be useful for some plants and destructive for others. Therefore, it is important to constantly consider this before planting.

Chernozem is the best option for a fertile harvest. Having a neutral pH in the soil will provide every plant with the nutrients it needs.

Most wet or swampy areas in the forest, and besides them, peat areas with coniferous soils located closer to the north are unsuitable for sowing. All of them have a high acidity index, which negatively affects plants. In soil with a high clay content, an alkaline environment is formed, which is also not suitable for growing healthy vegetables or fruits.

It is necessary to know the pH value of each soil, as this will give the user an answer about its suitability and will not have to wait several weeks to understand whether the plants have taken root or not. It is also important to understand the values ​​that are indicated on the device.

The indicator is divided into 5 levels, each indicating the current state of the soil. Focusing on this value, a person will determine how ready the soil is for growing various crops. All devices have the following division:

• Up to 4.4 (in some cases up to 5), in this case the soil has strong acidity;
• 5-6 - medium acidity soil;
• 6-7 - ideal for planting, as it has a neutral pH value;
• 7-7.5 - slightly alkaline medium;
• Above 8.5 - the soil has a high alkali index, which negatively affects the growth of plants.

These indicators can be detected by a special device designed to measure pH. Therefore, the presence of this tool in the gardener's arsenal is a must. So a person can get a rich harvest with a minimum investment of money and effort. However, this value is also determined with the help of improvised means. Of course, absolute accuracy cannot be expected, but as an alternative means it should be known.

After a person understands what each value is responsible for, then choosing a device will become much easier. First of all, there are no special technical parameters worth paying attention to.The main thing is to remember that devices in the low-cost segment often have a small deviation than devices in the professional sphere.

What else is important to know?

Not all plants are able to germinate in a neutral or slightly alkaline environment. Some flowers require acidic conditions for them to feel comfortable in the soil and grow over a long period.

To achieve these goals, some gardeners treat the soil with special substances to give it a good acidity. When it is necessary to water, they must add citric acid or a similar product to the liquid, which helps to maintain the level at a certain value.

Most often, hydrangeas are considered to be plants that prefer acidic soil:

• Poppy;
• Carnation;
• Rhododendron;
• Moss;
• Buttercup pungent;
• Swamp viola;
• Heather.

Of course, flowers do not carry any special benefit, except for decorative decoration, but if the soil is too acidic in the free area, then it is better to plant these plants in order to give the country house a beautiful appearance.

Some gardeners use these flowers as an additional source for detecting soil acidity. If such plants grow without the use of auxiliary agents and watering with acid, then this indicates 100% acidity of the soil. It is not recommended to grow vegetables and fruits in such a place, as the result will be disastrous and a person will waste his energy.

To prevent this from happening, it is important to take measures to deoxidize the soil. To do this, mineral elements are added to the soil, which are contained in chalk, ash, lime, tuff, cement dust or dolomite flour.

Often, green fertilizers are planted to improve the fertile properties of the area, as well as to deoxidize. Thanks to their beneficial organic properties, the soil is stabilized and comes to a normal (neutral) state.

For this event, peas, vetch, beans, rye, lupins, etc. are suitable. Such plants contain nitrogen, starch, trace elements, etc., which has a positive effect on the acidity of the soil. They must be planted after harvesting. If it is necessary to deoxidize the soil, then you can plant such plants for the entire spring and summer period.

What is used for measurement?

Electrical Testers

Some users use special paper to measure acid. However, most are leaning towards a more reliable method - electronic devices or pH testers. The device is sold in any shops for the garden and dacha. Even a novice gardener is capable of using such a tool.

The tester comes with a special probe that is inserted into the soil, as well as an indicator for displaying the information received. Some manufacturers put instructions that will help you understand what a particular value means and what can be planted there. To measure, the user will need to take only 10 minutes, some models are able to take measurements in 3-5 minutes.

In order to avoid errors in the measurement process, it is important to observe a number of precautions that can affect a specific result. The dipstick should always be kept clean, no oily stains, dirt, dust, etc. not allowed. The immersion takes place to the full length. For more reliable results, it is important to collect measurements from multiple locations. If the soil is too dry, then it is diluted with rainwater to a homogeneous mixture, excess moisture is not acceptable. Next, a person needs to wait until the liquid is absorbed, the soil dries up and then take appropriate measures.

Some people take measurements 3-6 times, then they deduce the average value and take appropriate measures based on the results obtained.

In addition to soil acidity, electric models are able to indicate to the user the soil moisture and its temperature, which also play an important role when planting various plants in the spring. Some people cannot afford to buy such a device, since they are located at a considerable distance from the center.Therefore, they use simpler methods to detect acidity.

Litmus strip

An affordable and cheap option that is sold at all hardware stores. The only drawback of this measurement is an error of 2 units. But when used correctly, the grower can quickly find the total acidity value in a few measurements. To carry out such a process, it is necessary to take soil analysis from several sites. Dry soil is diluted with rainwater until uniformity is obtained. Litmus is dipped into it, after which the strip takes on a certain color:

• Pink means that the soil is slightly acidic, making it suitable for planting some plants;
• Red - strong acidity;
• Green - neutral or slightly alkaline;
• Blue is strongly alkaline.

This option is notable for its low cost and availability. But you will not be able to trust him 100%, since there is a chance to find a fake of this product. It is better to refrain from buying strips made in China, since the greatest error falls on such models. Better to purchase Russian or European options.

Free meters (folk remedies)

This method is intended for those who have no desire or opportunity to buy an expensive device or strip. To determine the acidity of the earth, you only need 9% acetic acid, which is sold in grocery stores. Procedure:

• Take a soil sample from different places;
• Mix with water;
• Drizzle with vinegar.

In the process of these actions, reactions can occur:

• Strong foaming - high alkali content;
• Lack of foam - the soil environment is in an acidic state;
• Foam stands out, but a little - excellent (neutral) conditions that are suitable for planting various plants.

Also, black currant leaves are used to find out about the current state of the soil. They are filled with hot water for half an hour. After the solution is infused, then a little earth is added to it. The liquid immediately turns into one of two colors: green or blue. The first means that the soil is suitable for planting, blue is not.

Often, to determine the acidity of the earth, it is enough to look at what is growing on it. Weeds are the best indicator. When wild plantain, chamomile, buttercups, etc. grow in the garden. this means that the soil is acidic.

Rating of the best electronic devices

GREEN BELT Tester 3 in 1

An excellent device that is suitable for determining the acidity of the soil. In addition, the tool is able to indicate the current state of moisture and illumination of the area. In the process of measurement, the product gives out only the composition that is contained in the soil. There is a measurement error, but it is minimal. No work skills required. Anyone can handle the device without any problems.

Sold at a price of 520 rubles.

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ETP111 pH

An expensive branded device with maximum accuracy. There are no additional functions here, so a person can get the value that is present in his soil. The advantage of this product is that for an accurate analysis, you need 2 tests, you do not need to constantly measure the ground and then calculate the arithmetic mean.

The average cost is 1,530 rubles.

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YIERYI TPH01803

A portable measuring device that is suitable for accurate determination of soil conditions in any area. The measurement is carried out at 12 levels, which makes it possible to obtain the most accurate information about the current state of the earth. The device is able to indicate not only acidity and humidity, in addition, it will show information about illumination with temperature. The work is carried out from the battery, which is included in the kit.For convenience, there is an indicator for tracking the current state of charge.

The average price is 1,500 rubles.

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Luster Leaf Rapitest 1845

An excellent option for home use, which will provide the gardener with all the necessary information for a long time. The operation is carried out from LR44 batteries, the maximum service life is 1000 measurements. Designed in the USA.

Sold at a price of 1,700 rubles.

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Luster Leaf Rapitest 1815

A handy mini tester that can handle a variety of measurements. The advantage of the model is that it is convenient to transport it to any place. No auxiliary power supply required for operation. The measuring range is from 4 to 8, which will help to identify the most suitable soil for planting plants and vegetables.

Sold at a price of 790 rubles.

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Top 3 devices for professional use

ZD-06 pH meter

An expensive option that is suitable for the professional field. The main distinguishing feature of this device is its high accuracy rate. In addition, the device shows soil moisture. The working electrode is 30 cm long, which allows you to explore the ground at different depths. The humidity measurement range is 10 to 80%.

The average price is 5,000 rubles.

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Hanna pH tester

German device designed for professional use in agricultural needs. Able to accurately determine the current state of the soil in a short period of time. Calibration is carried out in automatic mode, which gives the greatest accuracy. The maximum deviation percentage reaches 0.2 pH. The device can work for 1000 hours without changing the battery.

The average cost is 12,000 rubles.

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Bluelab pH meter

Bright LCD display, calibration and low battery indicator, water resistance and economical battery consumption are all included in the Bluelab pH soil Pen. This is an excellent professional tool that will help the user to make all measurements with maximum accuracy. During transportation and sales, the main sensor is immersed in a special liquid that prevents damage to the cell and prolongs its life.

The average cost is 16,090 rubles.

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The best litmus paper models

GARDEN SHOW (pH - tester)

An excellent product that will suit most gardeners for summer cottage use. Using this option, a person will quickly detect the acidity of the soil.

The average price is 200 rubles.

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Test strips pH 5.5-9.0

A simple model that is sold in many stores at an affordable price. The kit includes 80 testers. The principle of operation does not change. The measuring range is 5.5 to 9 pH, which is sufficient to determine acidity. For more accurate results, it is recommended to run the test 4-5 times.

The average price is 130 rubles.

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Beneficial agriculture litmus paper

A good Russian product, which is distinguished by its low price and good accuracy. This is the best option for soil measurements.

The average price is 55 rubles.

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HOME LAB 100 pcs

Quality strips of domestic production, which are popular with most gardeners. Determines the acidity of the solution in the range from 1 to 14 pH. The package contains 100 products for determining acidity.

The average price is 210 rubles.

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Finally

It is always important to take care of the land, this is the only way a person will receive a high-quality harvest for a long time. If you have experience using the models described in the rating, or more interesting representatives, tell us about it in the comments.