Recommend a pH Soil Tester?

[Indy]

Can anyone recommend a pH Soil Tester? It's something i've never considered, and i'm looking for something general purpose for around the yard. Not real keen on the liquid/dye ones, was looking more towards the probe ones, or is there anything else better? Not wanting to spend too much on it, probably pull up around the $40 mark.

Cheers

 

[Goonie Goat]

These have okay reviews, obviously it isn't a bluelab or hanna meter but the comments say it's close enough

5 in 1 Soil PH Tester Moisture Sunlight Light Test Meter Garden Plant Lawns 300C | eBay

· 5-in-1 Soil Tester for plants and lawns. · PH value Test Range(12 levels): 3.5~9.0PH. · Sunlight Test Range(9 levels): LOW-, LOW, LOW+, NOR-, NOR, NOR+, HGH-, HGH, HGH+. · Low battery indicator. · Probe Length: Approx 19.5cm.

www.ebay.com.au

 

[benn0]

Ive had a probe soil ph tester but I'm skeptical at how accurate it was

 

[Old fox]

The entry price probes can be highly inaccurate. I tried one outdoors, and compared it to the dye version ( soil slurry test) which did a more reasonable job in comparison. The dye kit ok for getting an indication of ph with a plus or minus accuracy of 0.5ph. Otherwise you get into some expensive prices for probes with higher accuracy readings. I found the dye kit from Bunnings good enough for growing various crops directly in the ground( I.e. not in pots)

 

[HGO]

bluelab soil ph probe it may seem pricey but will last a long time if treated correctly
It can also double as a ph meter for liquids as well
can be calibrated for accuracy
gives ph and temp readings
long battery life
It's all I use now https://bluelab.com/usa/bluelab-soil-ph-pen

 

[Indy]

Bugga, that's what I was fearing about the cheapish probes, not real accurate. I guess I'll have to go the slurry test like @Old fox mentioned due to the fact it'll be just odd test, from time to time (id be happy with 0.5+/-). I threw some Gypsum/Dolomite around the place 6 months ago and I'm wanting to see if I should add more, or lay off it.

@HGO Nice bit of kit, no doubt it serves you well. Ideal for someone like yourself with similar grow style.

 

[1212]

Thanks for the feedback.. I guessed the cheap probes may not be so accurate. Soil dye versions aren’t practice for live soil with top dress layers and getting access to test lower layers.

Blue labs look like the go.