The Rapitest Digital Soil Test Kit uses advanced digital technology and optical calibration systems to quickly and accurately read soil samples to determine the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potash (K) in a soil sample. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently assess your plants' needs and proceed with any adjustments needed to give your plants the healthy soil and nutrients they need for optimal growth and production.
- Contains 25 tests: ten (10) each for pH and five (5) each for N, P and K.
- Batteries required, which are included. Unit will work for approximately 1,000 - 1,200 tests per battery set. Should you need replacement batteries, you will need Three (3) #357 silver oxide, 1.55 volt.
The key to success for this kit is the color comparison system and the Optical Soil Test Chamber. The chamber will recognize the color hues specific to your soil's pH and nutrient levels. The tests are performed in four (4) color-coded test tubes, one (1) each for pH, nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. The testing reagent capsules for each test are color-coded to match the tube caps. A dropper is provided to facilitate transferring the test solution into the test tubes. The kit also contains a convenient test tube holder, which will hold all four test tubes while the color is developing.
Green = pH:
Determines the acidity/alkalinity of soil
Purple = Nitrogen:
Determines the level of Nitrate (NO3)
Blue = Phosphorus:
Determines the level of Phosphoric Acid (P2SO4)
Orange Potash:
Determines the level of Potassium Oxide (K2O)
SOIL pH:
Soil nutrients are most available to your lawn and garden soil when the soil's pH is within a certain range. For this reason, it's best to adjust your soil's pH before adding fertilizer.
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 majority of plants can survive on a pH 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.
Soil pH can be adjusted to provide more suitable growing conditions for the specific plants you want to grow. Or you can leave the pH of the oil as it is and select plants that like the level revealed by your test. Once you have your reading, check the enclosed Plant pH Preference List for the pH levels of over 450 popular plants, trees, shrubs, fruits and vegetables.
FEEDING PRIOR TO PLANTING:
Adequate reserves of plant food should be available in the soil before planting vegetables, preparing a seed or flower bed, sodden or seeding a lawn, or planting shrubs and trees. To make up deficiencies, apply fertilizers from "Chart C: Test Results" according to your soil test results. Shop All Nutrients & Fertilizers
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PREPARING YOUR SOIL SAMPLES:
For lawns, annuals or houseplants, take the soil sample from about 2-3" below the soil's surface.
For perennials, especially shrubs, vegetables and fruit, the sample should be from 4" deep.
Avoid touching the soil with your hands.
Test different areas of your soil, as it may differ according to past cultivation, underlying soil differences or a localized condition. It is preferable to make individual tests on several samples from different areas than to mix the samples together.
- Place your soil sample into a clean container.
- Break the sample up with a trowel or spoon and allow it to dry out naturally. This is not essential; however, it makes working with the sample easier.
- Remove any small stones, organic material such as grass, weeds, roots or hard particles of lime.
- Crumble the sample finely and mix it thoroughly.
Refer to the Instructions under the DOCS tab for detailed directions for testing as well as reading and responding to test results.
Storage: Safety & Hygiene:
Dispose of test solutions by rinsing down the sink. Empty gelatin capsules should be disposed of immediately with household waste. Wash the test tubes and caps in warm, soapy water immediately after each use. Make sure any sediment or color staining is removed. Rinse well and allow to air dry. Each bag of capsules should be stored inside the overbag in which they came. Place all components back in the package. The blister pack has been specially designed to be used as a storage container. Store your kit in clean, dry conditions indoors.
The reagent powders are safe in normal domestic terms but like all chemicals and pharmaceuticals, they should be put away and kept out of reach of children. Try to avoid touching the powders. Always wash your hands after making your tests. Do not eat, drink or smoke while using the soil test kit. Keep powders away from food, drink and animal feed.
What's In The Package:
The Rapitest Digital Soil Test Kit components are as follows:
- Patented Digital Soil Tester with Optical Test Chamber
- 25 Capsules - ten (10) each for Soil pH and five (5) each of N, P, K
- Four (4) Color-Coded Test Tubes
- Test Tube Storage Dock
- Complete Instructions
- Fertilization Guidelines, Charts and Tips
- Plant pH Preference List, with the preferences for over 45 plants, plus recommendations for adjusting soil pH levels
