pH Measurement of Soil

Measuring the pH of soil provides insight to the nutrients contained in and absorbed through the soil. Checking the pH of soil will indicate which minerals and nutrients are present; this is essential since changes in the pH level may affect plants and their surroundings.

 

pH measurement of soil can be used to check which nutrients in are available within it. Most of the plants' nutrients are found within the soil and must be dissolved into the dirt before it can be absorbed by the plant. Acidic soil is better for the plant since many minerals and nutrients are more soluble in an acidic solution than in neutral or alkaline soil. Therefore, keeping track of the soil’s pH is vital to not only the soil but to its surroundings. The plant depends on the soil for nutrients but this can be easily disrupted if the pH of the soil solution is not at its finest, if the necessary elements are not present in the soil, and if these elements do not make it to the plants.

 

Some compounds and chemicals that may affect the pH of soil include rainwater, carbon dioxide, and nitric and sulfuric acid. Soil ions such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium can be easily taken away from the soil by rainwater. Also, outside factors such as decomposing organic matter and strong acids will react with the dirt and minerals. Because of factors such as these, measuring pH with an electrode has become a very common practice.

 

Soil tends to be more acidic because of rainwater, carbon dioxide, and organic and inorganic acids surrounding it. By adding lime to it, the pH of soil can be raised to fit whatever standards an industry needs the soil to be. Lime can come from calcic limestone, dolomitic limestone, or other miscellaneous sources. Before adding lime to soil, an industry must first measure the pH level of the soil to be able to determine how much lime to add to it.

 

One way to measure pH is through indicators or dyes. Depending on whether the pH is more acidic or alkaline, the color of the dyes will vary according to the pH level. To do this, the soil must be saturated with the dye for at least a few minutes and then observation of the change in color must take place. The change in color will give the observer a close enough estimation of the pH level of the soil.

 

While there are multiple ways to measure the pH of soil, using a pH meter is the most accurate. Sensorex offers reliable sensors that will measure the pH of soil and provide accurate results.

 

The Sensorex S175CD Spear Tip electrode is great for the pH soil application. The sensor’s epoxy body is robust and virtually unbreakable. With its spear shaped tip, it has the ability to penetrate through semi-solid objects such as meat, sausage, cheese, and soil. The electrode is also built with a double junction reference which will ensure protection from samples that might contaminate the reference junction. The spear tip electrode comes with a BNC connector (other connectors available upon request) and can be used with virtually any handheld or online meter on the market.