Rapitest Mini Soil 4-in-1 Tester is a simple tool that gives accurate and easy-to-understand readings on the sunlight, fertility, moisture and pH levels in soil. This multi-taking tester comes with a comprehensive instructions sheet that not only provides thorough directions on how to use the tester, but it also provides information on fertilization, water and light requirements, and a list of pH preferences for more than 50 common yard and garden plants. This tester provides all the key information you need for healthy soil that contains all the essentials for the perfect growing environment for your plants.
- For use only in soil
- Large and easy to read display for clear results
- Has three 5" stainless steel probes of this tester
- No batteries needed
- Includes special cleaning pad to be used between each test
- Use when growing container plants, flower gardens, fruit, landscape plants, lawns and vegetables
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This meter is specifically calibrated for use in soil. Do not use in water or any other liquid.
You will need rainwater or distilled water to use this tester, you will want to acquire one of these before you begin testing.
TO MEASURE FERTILITY:
- Remove the top 2" of the soil. Break up and crumble the soil underneath to a total depth of 5".
- Thoroughly wet the soil with water (ideally rain or distilled water) to a mud consistency.
- Wipe the meter probes clean with a tissue or paper towel.
- Move the switch to the far left position.
- Insert the probes into the soil to within 1" of the casing. Allow approximately 10 seconds for the reading to stabilize.
- Record the reading. Remove the probes from the soil and clean thoroughly.
TO MEASURE LIGHT:
- Move the switch to the 2nd position.
- Point the photocell on the top of the tester directly at the light source while holding the Tester at leaf level. Avoid positioning your hand or body between the light source and the plant or position you are measuring.
- Record the reading (x 1000) and the time of day.
- Take readings in the mid-morning, midafternoon and early evening to determine the average light intensity.
TO MEASURE SOIL MOISTURE:
- Move the switch to the 3rd position.
- Insert probes into soil up to plastic base, about halfway between the edge of the container and the stem of the plant. Do not push the probe too near the stem.
- Note the reading.
- Remove the probes from the soil. Wipe thoroughly with a soft cloth or tissue before taking another reading or putting away.
- Do not leave the probe in soil for long periods of time.
TO MEASURE pH:
- Remove the top 2" of the surface soil. Break up and crumble the soil underneath to a total depth of 5". Remove any stones or organic debris such as leaves and twigs because they can affect the final result.
- Thoroughly wet the soil with water (ideally rain or distilled water) to a mud consistency.
- Move the switch to the last (far right) position.
- Wet probes. Polish probe on the FAR RIGHT ONLY, with the enclosed special cleaning pad.
- Insert probes into soil up to plastic base.
- Wait one minute and take reading.
- Wipe the probes clean and dry.
Please refer to the Instructions under the DOCS tab for complete information on reading your results and suggested next steps. The Instructions document also contains a Plant PH Preference List and Table of Light Requirements.
