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Soil ph - Tests, Kits and Meters for Soil ph measurement
       



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Soil ph is an important part of gardening in Australia. Our soils are very different to those of many of the areas from where we get plants such as roses, tomatoes and vegetables and soil acidity or alkalinity affects plant growth.

The ph scale goes from 0 -14 with most soils being between 4 and 8, different plants prefer different levels and we need to lower or raise ph to optimize growth.

The two main methods of measuring ph are meters and test kits. Meters are the most accurate, test kits are the cheapest and instructions are easy to follow.

Test Kits are widely used in the home garden to measure the acidity of soil for vegetables, roses, camellias, dahlias and other plants. These kits are simple with a solution being added to a small soil sample and then dusted with a powder the color is matched on a chart. The ph level is indicated by the color.

ph levels

Camellias, Conifers, Gardenias, Japanese Maples and other prefer a ph between 4.5 and 6.

Vegetables and MOST other plants 5.8 - 7.5

Cacti and Succulents 7- 7.5

Changing the ph of the soil.
We suggest that if soil ph needs adjusting that you consult your local garden supply center for advice before attempting any corrections, a rough guide is :

  • To raise the ph of soil try a mix of dolomite and agricultural lime at 200grams per sq metre
  • To lower ph use agricultural sulphur at 60grams per sq metre

 
Soil ph Test
Soil ph test

 

 

 

 
Soil ph test kits for : Sydney (New South Wales - NSW), Brisbane (Queensland - QLD), Melbourne Victoria VIC), Adelaide (South Australia - SA), Perth (Western Australia - WA), Hobart (Tasmania - TAS), Darwin (Northern Territory - NT) and Canberra (ACT)