pH testing of yard

Dave – posted 27 January 2002 12:04

Is there a home-test kit for determining pH levels in a residential yard?

Dave

Mascaro – posted 28 January 2002 07:52

Dear Dave,

To answer your question, yes, there are several ways to test your pH reading of your yard. First of all, bravo to you for knowing the importance of testing your ph reading. Many people do not realize that pH affects the way your fertilizer releases certain elements. Often I hear “I applied fertilizer but I really didn’t see the results”. Well often you can suspect the soil pH.

As for testing methods there are several. You can take soil samples and submit them to a laboratory for analysis. The University of Florida offers this service as well as your local county agricultural extension service. If you want to test your own pH on your own yard and keep monitoring it, the best bet might be to purchase a soil Ph Meter. They are available at http://www.turf-tec.com

Look under nutritional analysis products.

Sincerely,

John Mascaro

TextronSaudi – posted 31 January 2002 11:57

I bought a cheap little gadget from the local garden centre – can’t remember exactly but I don’t think it was more than about $10. Unfortunately it doesn’t have a brand marked on it, but it has 2 probes, for PH and for moisture, and a photocell for light. Pity it doesn’t have one for soil temperature as well.

I find it very handy to keep in the car to show customers who complain that our machines are damaging their grass and prove to them that it’s because the reason is that their turf is totally waterlogged and they should perhaps ease off on the watering before mowing – maybe they’re trying to grow seaweed!

Don’t forget to check the PH (and moisture) at the level of the roots

Greenkeeper – posted 06 February 2002 02:29

quote:Originally posted by Dave:Is there a home-test kit for determining pH levels in a residential yard?

Dave

While working in New Orleans saw so pH kits at home depo I think it was called.Nurserys and fertilizer suppliers should have ph kits the large companys such as Scotts,Nu Turf, check with you local golf club.