A soil pH tester is one of the most essential tools to have for those who own a piece of land. Whether you have a small garden or a large farmland, you would need a reliable soil pH tester to determine the pH level of your soil and its overall health at regular intervals.
Having a soil pH tester is important to find out whether the soil is acidic or alkaline. Once you determine, you will get a fair idea about the type of crops that can be grown on it. So what’s the significance of the pH level of your soil and why is it important?
The pH level tells you whether the plants you grow on your soil will get sufficient nutrients or not. Soil pH testers are of two types, electronic and chemical. Based on your preference and convenience, you should buy a good quality soil pH tester for your soil to keep yourself abreast of its health.
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Sonkir 3-in-1 Soil pH Tester (Best Electronic Soil pH Tester) WINNER
What makes this product one of the best soil testers out there is its versatility. Apart from measuring the pH value of the soil, it determines the amount of moisture content in the soil and also gives you a fair idea about the health of the soil. This soil tester also lets you know whether the plants that are growing in the soil are receiving adequate sunlight. This pH meter is suitable to be used in both indoor and outdoor locations. One of the modern features that this pH meter comes with is the advanced pH detection technology that provides results that are as accurate as the ones you get in a professional laboratory.
The probes are very long and manage to reach the deep ends of the soil. This serves as a good assurance of the fact that the readings you will be getting would be accurate. The weight of the device is 2.89 ounces and it is made with high-quality durable components. The brand also offers a 12-month long warranty on the product. It covers a 3.5-8 which is good enough for a precise reading. Along with the product, you also get an elaborate chart that helps you get a better understanding about readings and the way this device works.
Pros
- 3-in-1 design
- Lightweight and durable
- Long and sturdy probes
- Works in both indoor and outdoor areas
Cons
- Not suitable for rocky or hard soil
- Could have been more sensitive
Dr.meter Soil Moisture Sensor Meter (Best Scientific Soil pH Tester) RUNNER-UP
If you have been looking for a compact and easy-to-hold soil pH tester, then getting this product by Dr.meter would be a good idea. The tester lives up to its name and proves to be a ‘doctor’ for your soil. The readings have been clearly marked on the device and using it is as simple as it gets. If the reading is between 1 and 3, you know that the soil is dry. A reading between 4 and 7 indicates towards the soil being moist. An 8-10 reading is indicative of a wet soil. It is important to clean the device from time to time.
This device does a good job of letting you know about the appropriate time to water your plants, farm or garden. The sophisticated design of this machine should not lead you towards believing that its usage involves complexities. If you read the manual provided with it, you will learn to use the device in no time. No batteries are needed to run this device. Owing to the single probe design, the roots remain firm even when you insert the tester very deep inside the soil. This tester is not suitable to be used on hard soil or any substance that contains a large amount of liquid.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- No batteries required
- Safe for plants and roots
- Easy to understand and use
Cons
- Not water-resistant
- Build could have been better
Bluelab Pensoiph pH Meter (Best Battery-Run Soil pH Tester)
Bluelab is known to come up with innovative and high-utility products consistently. This pH meter serves as a testimony to the brand’s commitment towards manufacturing products that are technologically advanced and offer great usability. The dimensions of this pH meter are 8 x 2.16 x 0.98 inches and it weighs 4.3 ounces. The brand offers a one-year long warranty on the product. Apart from being long-lasting, this soil tester is also water-proof. It runs on AAA battery and is known to produce accurate readings quickly.
Because of being water-proof, you can also use it on fish tanks, aquariums and swimming pools. The tester also features an ATC that contributes towards providing accurate readings. The double junction probe doesn’t get easily damaged despite repeated usage. Some of the most advanced features that it comes with include a low battery indicator, auto temperature unit, backlight display and auto-off function. The device boasts of a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users of all age groups to use it.
Pros
- Waterproof
- One-year warranty
- Modern features
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Not very long-lasting
- Screen is too small
Bearbro 3-in-1 Soil Testing Kit (Best Multi-Purpose Soil pH Tester)
This soil testing kit by Bearbro proves to be an ideal choice for those who are particular about the convenience offered by an electronic device when they buy one. This is a battery-less device that comes armed with advanced double-needle detection technology that makes the process of detecting the pH level or the moisture content in the soil very easy. The screen is large enough for you to see the readings properly. If you are concerned about the growth of your plants and have been looking for a device to monitor their health regularly, you must invest in this soil tester.
Accuracy and speed are two areas which this soil tester excels in. Whether you are growing plants indoors or in an outdoor area, you can use this device to check the quality of the soil they are growing on. Since this device has been designed only for checking soil quality, you must ensure that it stays away from water or any kind of liquid substance. While inserting it into the soil, make sure that it doesn’t come in close contact with coarse materials. Also, remember to wipe the device thoroughly with a dry cloth after every single usage.
Pros
- Convenient to use
- Battery-less operation
- Adequately large screen
- Double-needle detection technology
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Limited brand support
Abafia Soil pH Tester (Best 4-in-1 Soil pH Tester)
This soil tester by Abafia performs four distinctive functions and that’s the major reason why it stands tall as a value-for-money product. Apart from checking the pH value of the soil, it also takes into account the moisture content, temperature and sunlight intensity. This helps the users in getting a 360-degree idea about the health of their plant. One of the biggest selling points of this soil tester is its large LCD screen that helps you have a good look at the readings once the test is conducted.
The green backlight on the screen ensures that you have no difficulty in reading the parameters on it even when you are in a dark or poorly lit area. The device operates on a 9V battery which one has to buy separately. There is an auto power off function on the device which helps significantly in conserving battery life. Very few soil testers in this price range offer the kind of efficiency it does. While it is perfectly safe to use it on highly moist soil, it would be advisable to keep it away from water.
Pros
- Versatile
- Easy to store
- Highly efficient
- Large backlight screen
Cons
- Not suitable for all kinds of grounds
- Takes a while to understand
Essentials Soil pH meter (Best Cost Effective Soil pH Tester)
The brand guarantees that you will be able to do at least 365 tests on your soil using this tester. For a soil tester, this device is a bit expensive but when you look at all the features it provides you with, you get the feeling that it is worth the price. It is a modern pH meter that is made with good quality components and is easy to use. It is water-resistant and the brand provides a robust case for storing it. Batteries are also provided by the brand.
It also comes equipped with Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) feature that adjusts the reading according to the temperature. Based on the frequency with which you use it, this pH meter can last for 2-3 years. Apart from soil, this device with a special probe is designed to check the pH level of liquid as well. Even if you drop the device by mistake, it is strong enough not to end up being cracked or broken.
Pros
- Offers good lifespan
- Water-resistant and shock-proof
- Can be used on both soil and liquid
- Automatic Temperature Compensation
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Resetting takes time
Garden Tutor Soil pH Test Strips Kit (Most Accurate Soil pH Testing Strips)
If you are looking for soil pH test strips, then buying this bunch of strips from Garden Tutor wouldn’t be a bad idea at all. Among other things, these strips are known to show accurate results as quickly as in 60 seconds. The three-pad design plays an important part in ensuring that there is not even the slightest of inaccuracy in the overall test. In one package, you get test strips that are enough to conduct around a hundred tests on your soil.
These strips are designed keeping the needs of the plants and the environmental conditions around them. While a large number of people use this product in outdoor areas, it is extremely well-suited for indoor applications as well. The brand deserves brownie points for providing a 16-page long handbook containing sulphur and lime charts. This product is already calibrated properly for applying to soil.
Pros
- Easy application
- Calibrated for soil
- Good value for money
- Well-packaged product
Cons
- Too many strips for an individual user
Dooppa 3-in-1 Soil pH Tester (Most durable Soil pH Tester)
This multi-purpose soil tester by Dooppa boasts of an excellent build and each of the components are clearly defined. Even if you have never used a soil tester, you will be able to identify the different components on this device including the readout scale, moisture sensor, light sensor and the pH sensor easily. Neither will you need a supply of electricity nor do you need batteries to run this tester. It has a compact design that makes it easy for one to carry and store it.
The double needle design of the rods helps in getting an accurate reading of the pH value of the soil. Using the same device, you can check the moisture content in the soil and the sunlight level of the plants. If you want to have a good hold over grasping so that you can look after your plants better, this device would help you out. Whether you have a small lawn area or a sprawling garden, you can use this tester to check the quality of the soil in any given area. The interface of this device is user-friendly and it won’t take long for one to understand it fully.
Pros
- Multiple uses
- Portable design
- Registers high accuracy
- Does not require a battery or electricity
Cons
- Reading does not stay for long
- Highly aversive to liquid
Luster Leaf 1612 Rapitest pH Soil Tester (Best Soil pH Tester That Shows Quick Results)
There are many who prefer electronic testers over chemical testers owing to the ease and convenience they offer. However, if you use this chemical tester from Luster Leaf, you will realise that many chemical testers offer the same amount of convenience which electronic testers do. As the name suggests, it helps you test the pH level of your soil step-by-step but the process doesn’t take a lot of time.
It has all the material that one requires for doing the 10 essential tests on one’s soil to check its quality. The brand deserves credit for writing down the instructions to use this tester in simple language on the package itself. While an experienced gardener will certainly find this tester useful, somebody who has just started learning the ropes of gardening will also benefit from this product. The product has been made keeping a preference list that includes the names of more than 450 plants.
Pros
- Convenient to use
- Quick testing process
- Works on any soil quality
- Elaborate instructions provided
Cons
- Fluctuations are observed at times
- Only a single trial is possible
Bearbro 0-14 Soil pH Tester (Most Well-Packaged Soil Testing Strips)
This Bearbro pH Tester package consists of 150 strips that cover a detection range of 0-14. With the help of the colour chart drawn out on the packaging box, you can determine the pH level of the soil accurately. Once you get the final soil test result, you can chalk out a scientific planting plan properly. Even those who do not possess a great amount of knowledge on gardening or chemicals can use these strips without much difficulty.
One of the first things that strike you once you open the box is how neatly the strips have been packaged. Even if you don’t use them for a long time, there is no risk of them getting damaged or becoming unusable. It is very easy to carry them while travelling and you can use them on any type of soil. The popularity of these strips can be gauged by the fact that they are used in homes and in professional setups like a laboratory almost equally.
Pros
- Contains 150 strips
- Well-packaged
- Versatile features
- Suitable for both personal and professional use
Cons
- Instructions can be confusing
Buying Guide
If you are determined to get the most accurate results as far as the pH level of your soil is concerned, you must invest in a good quality and reliable soil pH tester. While older or popular brands do evoke a sense of trust and confidence, you can also try out testers manufactured by newer companies if you find them to have all the features that will help you get a fair idea about your soil quality.
Here are some of the factors you must consider while buying a soil pH tester.
Portability – Since you will most likely be using a soil pH tester in an outdoor area, you must try to look for a device that is portable. If you are travelling to your farmhouse which is several miles away from your home, you can’t move around with heavy equipment. While most soil testers come in compact sizes, you must opt for the one that suits you well. If you have an indoor garden area and you need a pH meter to check its pH level, you can buy a slightly bigger device.
Calibration – When you are considering buying a particular pH meter, you must make it a point to check its calibration settings. A calibrated pH soil tester results in the most accurate reading. You must also remember that some pH soil testers work best in certain environmental conditions. There are many pH meters that fail to take an accurate reading of the soil in a hydroponic garden. Then there are some meters that prove to be unsuitable for testing dry soil. So, before you invest in a soil tester, read the instructions that have been laid out for calibrating the tester.
Accuracy – One of the important things to check while buying a soil tester is the accuracy it provides. A soil tester that does not show accurate readings is not worth investing in. A reliable soil tester is one that observes and informs the user about the slightest fluctuation in pH level, temperature or moisture in the soil. Apart from buying a good soil tester, you need to do a few things to ensure that you get accurate readings. The probe should be in close contact with the roots and four inches deep inside the soil.
Durability – Soil pH testers consist of probes that help in checking the pH level in the soil. Inside the device, the probes must be transfixed in a sturdy manner. Since you will be inserting the electrodes into the soil, you have to ensure they are well-built and durable. If the probes are not made of good quality components, the various rough elements in the soil can damage them.
Waterproof – Since you will be putting a soil tester into moist soil, it would be better to invest in one that is made with waterproof material. Probes, which come in testers that are not water-resistant, tend to rust faster. Inferior quality probes also result in corrosion. If you have a waterproof tester, you can also use it to test the pH level in a particular liquid-based product. There are a handful of brands that manufacture high-quality waterproof soil pH testers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soil pH testers work on a very simple mechanism. With the help of the pH test, one can measure the amount of hydrogen ions present in the soil. The testers, therefore, take the help of electrodes to attract ions to it. The methods used in both electronic and chemical tests remain the same. Once the electrodes on the tester attract the hydrogen ions, a reading is sent to the pointer which is responsible for providing information on the level of ions.
If you have a liquid tester and want to test the pH level of the soil with it, you can start off by putting some soil into a small container. After that, add chemical liquid to it and shake it gently. Keep shaking until you see a mild change occurring in the colour of the liquid inside the container.
A pH meter’s resolution is higher than a pH paper. That’s the reason the accuracy offered by the former is higher than the accuracy offered by the latter. A pH meter also proves to be more effective at providing more consistent or reliable measurements. Also, a pH meter is far more durable than a pH paper.
The process of using a digital soil pH tester is very convenient. All you need to do is to insert it inside the soil and wait for a few seconds to have a look at the reading. You can also make a mixture containing soil and distilled water and put the electronic device inside it to get an accurate reading.
No, soil pH testers are not designed to work on water. These devices are made to check the quantity of hydrogen ions present in the soil and not in water. That being said, some companies do manufacture soil pH testing strips that work on water.
It is important to know that even if you use a testing strip that is said to work on water, it won’t provide you with an accurate reading. You will come across a large number of soil sensors featuring a limited pH range. Therefore, if the acidity level in water in higher than the range covered by the sensor, it will go undetected.
A pH meter works only if it’s inserted into soil which is sufficiently moist. So you must not insert a pH meter’s probe into dry soil. If the soil is too dry, watering it before getting the probe inserted inside it would be a good idea. Do not insert the probe immediately after watering the soil. It is important to wait for a few minutes to ensure that you do not take the reading of soil that is too watery.
It depends on how frequently you use the tester. Most brands recommend calibrating a pH meter after every single use. However, that’s not necessary. To get accurate results, it would be sufficient to calibrate it once in 10-15 days. If your pH meter is not calibrated, you will not be able to get accurate measurements.
