Determining soil pH is important to establish the right fertilizers to apply. This is done using a pH scale that ranges from 0 – 14. pH 7 reflects neutral soils, 0-7 reflects acidic soils and 7 – 14 alkaline.
Raise soil pH by applying nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as most crops grow between 5.5 and 6.5 pH. There are several materials for testing soil pH to mention water, containers, wooden stirrer, pH indicator and pH scale.
Steps
Remove top biomass and collect soil from various field spots at a depth of 0- 15 cm for shallow crops and 0 – 30cm for perenial crops.
Mix the collected samples with hand and remove foreign materials for correct results.
Pick portion of mixed soil sample and add water.
Stir the mixture for minimum of 30 minutes to ensure uniformity of the sample.
Allow mixture to settle for 2 hours and stir solution with pH stick.
Compare colour of pH stick with pH scale and determine pH of the soil.
If the pH is low raise pH by adding compost, lime or wooden ash and if high lower pH by adding compost or sulphur.
