10 Best Soil pH Testers 2023: Electronic, Digital and Chemical Test Kit
Why do you need a Soil pH Tester?
Soil pH meters are instruments that measure and show how much acidic or alkaline in the soil where plants are cultivated, so you can determine which plants is suitable for your soil to grow. You can easy find 3 types of soil PH testers in the market. electronic devices function by putting a metal probe into the soil and estimate pH values. Chemical color dyes are manual, you will need you to mix soil with water or chemicals in order to determine the pH level. And the last method to measure pH is paper strips.
Soil pH tester measurements can vary from 0 to 14, however most soil testers have a narrower range of 3 to 8, which is where most soil pH levels lie. A soil’s pH of 6.5 is typically ideal for plants growth, but it is not for all the cases as this value fluctuates depending on the plant type, each plant has distinct requirements.
If the pH level is too low, the soil becomes acidic, which means it contains less nutrients, phosphorus is obtainable, but other substances can build up and become poisonous. It’s not the ideal environment for the growth of plants if the soil is too acidic for good bacteria to thrive. In contract, soil contains higher pH level is alkaline, denying the plant exposure to iron, copper, manganese, phosphorus, etc.
The good soil pH tester will inform you what is the state of your soil right now. If the soil state is not ideal for your plants, you can fix it with fertilizers and pH adjusters. This guarantees that the pH of the soil is suitable for your chosen crop. Measuring and adjusting the pH level of your soil increases the possibility that your plants will grow healthy and provide a great harvest.
How to use Electronic, Digital and Chemical Test Kit?
Based on the sort of tester you’re using, preparing the tester may by just easy as placing a probe under the ground to test your soil pH. Chemical testers are usually also come in a variety of ability, these testers can do more than just measure pH level. But you just need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a chemical pH tester. In general, you will need to mix a little amount of soil and water with the test capsule or any testing colorant that comes with the chemical testers, and the mixture can assist you estimate your approximate pH.
If you are using a digital or analog pH tester, set it in the mode of measuring pH, this is because some type of these tester can also test sunlight, moisture, and NPK in the soil. Then, following the manufacturer’s directions. It is generally insert the tester into the soil and reach desired depth. It usually takes under a minute for a digital tester to detect and show the reading on its LED screen. In 10 minutes or less, an analog tester will generally detect the pH level.
What is the most accurate soil pH tester?
Laboratory testing for the soil has always been the most dependable approach to determine what your soil status is and what you can do for it. However, it is also quite costly and cumbersome method of doing so. You will have to send your soil sample and wait even several days to receive your reading back. It may delay your time of using your garden. Most home gardeners do not require accuracy level as high as laboratory testing, a regular soil pH tester seems to more convenient and accurate enough for the job.
The type, brand and grade of tester you purchase will determine how accurate the soil pH testers are. I love the Electronic version are widely regarded as the most trustworthy equipment for measuring soil quality. In comparison to all other types of tester, they provide you with the most accurate and quick reading. You should find a pH tester with an accuracy of +/- 0.2.
Chemical dyes soil tester kit will have to be ranked second in terms of precision. This is also inexpensive option. But the chemical dyes tester kits are limits on testing time, you only can use these for about ten to fifteen times. All you have to do with this tester is mixing the soil, water and test capsule together and then compare the results with the given chart included in the pack. The manufacturer usually provides you the color chart with various distinct colors, which is an indication of soil’s pH level.
The paper strip testers can be difficult to use, and it is not as accurate as the two options above. Keep in mind that these aren’t litmus test papers. These paper strips are available at any gardening store. The strip test is also another color dye way of detecting your soil’s pH.
Any gardener’s toolkit should include a soil pH tester, which will precisely evaluate the state of the soil so that your you can understand the plants’ particular demands and makes an ideal aenvironment for it. There is a strong connection between healthy, robust plants and soil pH. Notwithstanding this, there are so many Soil pH Testers in the market to choose from. How should you make your decision? To learn more about top 10 best soil pH testers available, follow my article.
Best Soil pH Testers 2023
#1 Best Overall: Luster Leaf 1880 Rapitest Tester Electronic
Luster Leaf is an American company that well known for a variety of gardening tools. This tester is regarded as one of the most dependable and cost-effective devices. Generally, this is one of the best soil tester I have ever used. It provides three of the soil’s most critical elements, as well as the intensity of sunlight.
The tester will tell you if your soil is alkaline or acidic due to the information on the pH. You’ll also obtain assessments of NPK levels to see if your plants get proper level of fertilizer and moisture level. Not only that, you may see how much sunshine your plants get and Luster Leaf 1880 also determines the right light the plants should receive.
While there are many values will be showed on the tester’s screen, it’s still easy to understand with large numbers. Everything is signed on the plate, which is rather large. However, if it is the first time you used this type of testers, it is better that you should read the full instructions included in the package.
This device is really useful for growing fruits and vegetables, but it is drawback is macronutrient test, I found it fail the macronutrient test sometimes. This tester may not perform as well for high nitrogen feeders, or for promoting heavy blooms on your blooming plants. Check the soil at least monthly to see what your plants really need and if you should give them additional fertilizer or provide them more water.
#2 Best Accurate Soil Tester: Bluelab PENSOILPH pH Pen for Soil
Choose the Bluelab PENSOILPH pH Pen if you want to cultivate like an expert. The device is made by Bluelab, a business with 30 years of expertise and is the industry leader in the manufacturing of measuring instruments for pH, temperature, and macronutrient.
The pH of the Bluelab PENSOILPH measurement ability approaching a pro lab test. An LCD screen, a low battery indicator, auto off function, units for temperature are all included in the device. It is also totally waterproof and suitable for usage in any weather conditions.
With a laboratory precision glass probe, the pen can measure pH level in soil and liquid to determine whether acid or alkaline environment and make accurate up and down changes.
The Bluelab Pen features automatic temperature compensation, calibration reminders making this digital meter a wonderful and effective instrument. This pen provides more accurate result than most testing techniques.
#3 Most reliable Soil pH Tester: Kelway – HB-2 Soil pH and Moisture Meter
The Kelway Soil pH and Moisture Meter can be a more expensive option, but it’s an excellent tester that definitely worth its price because it’s a professional-grade and premium device. This product is professional enough to be used on big farms, business plantations, and even modest backyard gardens. It can measure the pH accuracy within +/- 0.2, this device provides a very fast measurement result.
This device, however, isn’t simply for determining the pH of soil. It also determines the soil’s moisture levels within a +/- 10% accuracy. It operates without the need of batteries or a outside power supply, no chemical and distilled water.
It will take about just 2-3 minutes to obtain a reading result after you’ve set the device. It features a sturdy carrying bag and a belt clip so you can easily carry it along with you when walking around your garden. I really enjoy how compact size it is and how simple it is to use. If the higher price is not your concern, this gadget is sturdy and dependable tester great option to test the pH and moisture content of any soil.
#4 Best Soil pH Tester for beginner: Luster Leaf 1601 Rapitest Test Kit
The Luster Leaf 1601 Rapitest Test Kit offers incredible value for the price. This is the classic chemical kit pH, which is very easy to use for any new gardeners, but also precise enough for a skilled gardener or planter to be satisfied. It includes components to check for the acidity of your soil and can perform 10 times.
The package also includes tests for N, P, K in addition to the soil pH test. To operate the test kit, put tiny sample of soil, distilled water, and the relevant chemical capsule in the tube of the package, and mix things up. Then, allow it to sit for a few minutes until the color has formed completely, then compare it to the color chart. It may not be as precise or thorough as expert testing would be. However, if you only need a standard reading, this is a wonderful and affordable alternative.
#5 Best Soil pH Tester for Weed: Oakton pHTestr 30 pH Tester
For those who just starting to plant weed, the simple, waterproof, floatable, and easy to maintain tester pen like Oakton pHTestr 30 pH Tester is absolutely great option to go for. Oakton has made a reputation for itself in the field of testing meters for such a long time.
In addition, the gadget is resistant to a wide range of substances, such as the fertilizers you use for your weed. Oakton pHTester pen has a compact size that can be easy to carry, place in your pocket, and can be used for a long time. The double-junction electrode sensors that can be replaced so you can maintain the tester by yourself. The pHTestr30 has three pH values that may be calibrated, as well as automated buffer identification and temperature correction.
#6 Best Soil pH tester for Lawns: TEKCOPLUS Soil pH Moisture Meter Tester
With the 11.6 inches long probe, TEKCOPLUS Soil pH and Moisture Meters are ideal for planters who want to measure pH at deeper level and reaching the root zone of the plant. Both outdoor and indoor planters and farmers will benefit from the extra-long probe. It may be used for modest gardens/lawns and commercial big fields.
The long-lasting probe and case can survive repeated usage without cracking, allowing you to test a pH range from 3 to 8 and modify your soil for maximum soil quality. Another wonderful feature is that this is the self-powered devices, that means it does not need batteries or any power source to operate, enhancing the tester’s total value.
I love this device since it provides accurately measure soil pH even in various soil types like landscape and interior plants. The metal probe is waterproof, what make it long lasting, convenient and reliable. It’s also useful to measure the moisture levels quickly using the same instrument.
#7 Best Seller Soil ph Tester UK: PRINCESSK 4-In-1 Soil Tester
This Soil Tester is very useful as It can meet all of your soil testing demands from small garden of flower, vegetable, to commercial plantation. This contains 3 functions in this device as the moisture, pH value, and amount of sunlight received by plants can all be measured by this soil tester. You can know the soil state to manage the pH value, sunlight duration, and humidity level.
PRINCESSK provide accurate measurement result. The premium Double-needle Detection Technology improves the performance and precision of detecting and evaluating the moisture and pH Acidity. It sends precise data to conductors, which displays correct readings.
Operation is also very simple with the design of one button switch. You just need to wait for 10 seconds after setting and putting the soil tester. The soil tester operates by electrodes, it does not need batteries. I also love the small and portable design of this soil tester.
#8 Best seller soil pH tester in Canada: VIVOSUN pH & TDS Meter Combo
These testers are accurate and dependable as they can provide result within 0.01 ph. The result appears on screen in a couple of seconds. Both the pH tester and the TDS meter feature a sensitive electrode sensor that can be turned on by simply pressing the “on” button.
To get the accurate reading results from the soil test kit, ensure that you place the probes properly into the soil, insert it around 4-6 inches deep in the soil and wait for a few seconds. There is no need for a battery.
In this combo, you will get a pH meter with the measurement range of pH 0-14, a 3-in 1 TDS meter with measurement range of 0-9990 ppm and accuracy within +/- 2%, a soil testing kit. There are 3 pieces in the pack. Aside from quality and ability, you would also love their lightweight, portable design for mobility and easy to carry.
#9 Best Seller Soil pH Tester in India: Naitik Creation 3 In 1 Soil Testers
The Naitik Creation 3 In 1 Soil Tester is another multifunctional device that can help you measure pH, moisture, and sunlight that your plants have been received. The tester is extremely reliable and comes with a simple reading function. You may also check to see if the soil is getting enough sunshine, when your plants need water, and pH level for healthy plants. There is nothing complicate about this tester, and it does not require the use of a battery.
You just need to put the meter probe into the soil at a depth of about 10mm, set the tester to the value you intend to examine, and then you can see the result in scale. Consider the following type of situation: as you can see in the MOIST scale, if the scale hand in the red parts (1-3), it indicates that the plants needs to be watered, in the green parts (4-7) it indicates that your plants is acceptable, and blue parts (8-10) indicates that it is excessively moist.
#10 Best tester for multi-purpose: Bluelab METMULTI Multimedia pH Meter
There are two value that Bluelab pH meter provides are the pH and temperature. Not only soil, this multimedia meter can also measure pH of liquids, drinking water and other growth condition such as coco coir or Rockwool hydroponics by a professional-grade glass probe.
This is a digital, lab-quality tester, which offers more accurate pH readings for acid or alkaline condition. The pH range that Bluelab Metmulti can measure are between 0 and 14. It features a backlight to aid readability in low-light conditions. The device also comes with an auto-off setting and sends out warnings when it detects a low battery or requires calibration, making it more user-friendly.
This flexible pH tester attracts me as it also tests liquid so I can rapidly test liquid fertilizer solutions that I usually make and check for the pH level to ensure optimal the fertilizer for healthy plants. The internals parts are protected by a waterproof shell. However, this tester is relatively expensive and it is not really durable.
If you are looking for the most accurate soil pH tester, I would like to recommend Bluelab PENSOILPH pH Pen for Soil, Coco, Rockwool and Solution. This digital tester is the laboratory-grade pH testers if the price is not your concern. It is easy to calibrate and very assures precise reading. It also features automatic probe compensation for temperature. It comes with a large range of pH (0 – 14) and temperatures (32 – 122 degrees Fahrenheit).
Closing thoughts
These is no plant that can grow in every type of soil, this is why a pH tester is essential to evaluate your present soil conditions. The first process for producing healthy plants is determining whether your soil is acidic or alkaline. If you’d like to improve your cultivation to the next level, you absolutely should invest in one product in this Soil pH tester list. Remember that it’s critical to have the right pH for your plants to develop to their maximum potential.
Hoping that these testers I recommended in this top 10 can satisfy your requirements and assist you in making a lush garden and healthy plants.
