The Rapitest Digital Soil pH Meter is a meter that quickly and accurately determines soil acidity/alkalinity and displays the results in a digital readout. After your soil sample has been analyzed, the enclosed detailed instructions will guide you through your suggested next steps to assure that your soil pH is at the optimal level for whatever you're growing.
- Determines soil pH levels from 3.5 to 9.0
- Probe measures 5.6 inches long
- Can be used in soil with vegetables, fruit, flowers or landscape plants
- Comes with printed instructions and a Plant pH Preference List for over 450 plants (Both documents are also available under the DOCS tab)
- Batteries are needed, and are included (alkaline button cell batteries: A76 / LR44 / AG13 / L1154)
Before Using Your Soil Meter:
For reliable soil pH readings, be sure to polish the probe shaft ONLY (not the tip) and acclimate the probe to the soil before recording a soil pH reading.
- Using the specially supplied pad, lightly shine the probe, carefully avoiding the bullet-shaped tip, to remove any oxides that may have formed on the surface of the metal.
- Wipe the probe clean, always wiping away from the tip and towards the meter body.
Adjusting Soil pH:
Raising and lowering pH is not an exact science and most plants have a reasonably wide pH tolerance, certainly to within 1 pH point. The long list of pH preferences included indicates that while a majority of plants can survive on a pH of around 6.5, some need particularly acid or alkaline soil. Altering pH takes time. Do not expect rapid changes. Work steadily towards giving a plant its ideal conditions. Please see the instructions under the DOCS tab for more information on various soil types. Shop All Soil & Water Additives for pH.
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You will need distilled water for proper use of this meter.
Preparation of the Soil Sample:
- Remove the top 2 inches of the surface soil.
- Break up and crumble the soil underneath to a depth of 5 inches. Remove any stones or organic debris such as leaves and twigs because they can affect the final result.
- Thoroughly wet the soil with distilled water to a mud consistency.
- OR Follow steps 1-2 above and then measure 2 cups from the prepared sample. Fill a clean glass or plastic container with 2 cups of distilled water and add the measured soil sample. Ensure the soil and water are thoroughly mixed and compact the sample firmly. Drain off any excess water.
Preparation of the Probe:
Using the specially supplied pad, lightly shine the probe ONLY, carefully avoiding the bullet-shaped tip, to remove any oxides that may have formed on the surface of the metal. Wipe the probe clean, always wiping away from the tip and towards the meter body.
Taking a pH Reading:
- Press the power button to turn the meter on and push the probe vertically into the moistened soil. If it does not slip into the ground fairly easily select a new position. Never force the probe.
- Twist the probe clockwise and counterclockwise between your fingers several times to ensure that damp soil is well distributed over the surface of the probe.
- Wait for 60 seconds to acclimatize the probe and take the reading.
- If the reading is pH 7 or higher: Remove the probe from the soil and wipe any soil particles from the surface of the probe. Re-shine the probe and insert it back into the soil at a different point, avoiding the first hole made by the probe. Twist the probe two or three times between the fingers, as before, and wait 30 seconds before taking the final reading.
- If the reading is below pH 7: Remove the probe from the soil and wipe any soil particles from the surface of the probe. Do not re-shine the probe. Insert the probe back into the soil at a different point avoiding the first hole made by the probe. Twist the probe two or three times between your fingers, as before, and wait 60 seconds before taking the final reading.
Please refer to the Instructions under the DOCS tab for further information.
