Conducting a Proper Electronic Soil Test!

Hey Everyone,

Mike has been so kind to provide an Electronic Soil Testing Meter to assist us in keeping an eye on our pH and fertility.  The photo below shows our first inclination to conduct the test.  Take the probe and stick it in the dirt!  Unfortunately, using the method shown in the photo will not always provide the most accurate results.  To obtain the best reading possible when conducting a soil test make sure all equipment is clean.  Directions are below for your convenience.

This method will often provide mixed results!

Materials Required:

• Small container for mixing that is able to hold at least 4 -5 cups of soil
• A qt. or slightly larger size container that is narrow and deep.  The container must be watertight. Something about the size of a small plastic coffee can works well. 
• Shovel
• Stirring utensil
• Either rain or distilled water
• Polishing cloth and electronic soil tester - the polishing cloth is the small green felt looking pad in the shed by the tester.

Procedure:

• Gather 1/4 cup of soil from several different parts of your garden bed paying close attention to gathering from about 6" deep.  It is also wise to omit taking a sample from any areas that look off in color.  The final quantity needed is approximately 4 - 5 cups.  
• Remove any large pieces of things such as pebbles or sticks.
• Remove any earthworms to prevent drowning.
• Mix all samples until well blended.
• Placed mixed soil into a clean watertight container.  Add enough distilled or rainwater to fill to the same height as the soil.  Stir with a clean utensil and allow the soil to become thoroughly saturated for about 15 minutes.  
• Once the soil is thoroughly saturated, pour off the excess water.
• Make sure probes are clean and free of debris.  Polish if necessary.
• Insert probes into the muddy water and slide the selector switch to the desired test.  Wait two - three minutes for the most accurate reading. 
• Clean meter, remember to turn it off, and return to shed.
• Make adjustments to bring your soil back into balance.   

Green Meadows Healthy Garden Tip:

Electronic soil testing meters are a wonderful option for keeping an eye on things and providing a ballpark of where your soil stands.  The downside to these meters is they are only able to test pH and give a general overview of nutrient availability.  

The Burpee meter has a scale function of 16 nutrients required for optimal plant growth.  However, it is not able to express how much of which element is deficient or in excess. 

Adding elements to the soil that are already in excess can do more harm than good not only to the soil, but to the plants as well.  While these meters are an excellent tool in our chest for keeping the garden healthy and productive, nothing replaces periodic soil testing by the Extension Service for more accurate lab based results as well as a total soil picture.  

The link below takes you to the Burpee site that has information on the Electronic Soil Tester as well as their recommendations for what to add based on your results.  There is also a wealth of many sustainable organic options for adjusting the pH level as well as nutrients in many of the garden references.

http://www.burpee.com/gygg/content.jsp?contentId=sunandsoil - link to Burpee's information and recommendations based on results.

Happy Gardening,

Denise, Beds 25 & 29