Author Topic: How To Test Soil Acidity/Alkalinity without a Test Kit  (Read 3270 times)

Tropicalgrower89

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How To Test Soil Acidity/Alkalinity without a Test Kit
« on: January 29, 2012, 07:21:39 PM »
I'm planning on doing this for my fruit trees to see of the soil needs any specific additive.

"Find out if your soil is acidic or alkaline without a pricey test kit.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15 minutes or less
Here's How:

    Scoop some soil into a container. Then, add a half-cup of vinegar. If the soil bubbles or fizzes, it's alkaline.
    If there's no reaction, scoop a fresh soil sample into a second container. Add a half-cup of water and mix. Then, add a half-cup of baking soda. If the soil bubbles or fizzes the soil is highly acidic.

    Amend your soil with wood ash or lime, if it's acidic. Amend your soil with sulfur or pine needles, if it's alkaline.

    For more information:

    Alkaline Soil
    Acidic Soil

Tips:

    If you want a precise pH measurement, get a soil test kit from your local university extension office or home improvements store.
    Soil amendment takes time, so make small changes and wait for them to take hold, before making further amendments.

What You Need

    A soil sample
    Vinegar
    Baking soda
    Water
    2 sample containers"

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/gardening/ht/Soil_Test.htm
Alexi

bsbullie

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Re: How To Test Soil Acidity/Alkalinity without a Test Kit
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2012, 07:24:52 PM »
why not just taste it  :P ;D
- Rob

Tropicalgrower89

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Re: How To Test Soil Acidity/Alkalinity without a Test Kit
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2012, 07:26:15 PM »
Alexi

bsbullie

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Re: How To Test Soil Acidity/Alkalinity without a Test Kit
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2012, 07:27:15 PM »
Alexi - sent you an email
- Rob

Tropicalgrower89

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Re: How To Test Soil Acidity/Alkalinity without a Test Kit
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2012, 07:29:15 PM »
Alexi - sent you an email

oh ok. I'll check it now.
Alexi

murahilin

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Re: How To Test Soil Acidity/Alkalinity without a Test Kit
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2012, 05:14:26 PM »
Alexi,
I think UF charges around $8 for a soil test. Save yourself the guesswork and get it done through them. They send you a nice little print out with a detailed analysis of your soil.


http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/hot_topics/agriculture/soil_testing.html