LaMotte Soil pH ST-T User Manual

SOIL pH KIT

MODEL B · CODE 5803

QUANTITY CONTENTS CODE

60 mL pH Indicator Solution 5701DR-H
2 Test Tube, 1-8 mL 0755
1 Color Chart, pH 1353

COL LECTING THE SOIL SAM PLE

1. Divide your garden into areas for sampling so that each
sample is representative of the soil in which the plants are
to be grown.

2. Take soil from at least five spots at random in each area.

3. Scrape away surface litter and take the sample to a depth of

six inches. Avoid sampling the soil when it is very wet.

4. Take each sample from an area and mix well.

5. Place these samples in a suitable container, such as plastic

bag or paper cup.

6. Number the samples and keep an accurate record of the
area represented by each sample. A sketch of the area
noting the location from which the sample was taken is
often helpful.

7. Open the containers to allow the soil samples to air dry.

8. Spread each sample on a piece of paper and remove foreign

material such as stones.

9. Crush this soil with a rolling pin or plastic spatula and put
through a sieve (such as screen or flour sifter).

10. Return this prepared soil to its proper container and
proceed with your soil tests.

SOIL pH TEST

1. Use the plastic test tube cap as a measure to place 1 1/2
measures (capfuls) of prepared soil into a test tube (0755).

2. Add pH Indicator Solution (5701DR) to the 4 mL line on
the test tube.

3. Cap the test tube and shake to mix the contents (30
seconds).

4. Allow the soil to settle and the color to develop in the
liquid above the soil.

5. Match the color in the test tube to the colors shown on the
pH Color Chart.

6. Record the reading which represents the nearest color
match between the color in the tube and the colors on the
chart.

7. This is the pH value of your soil.

8. Note if an adjustment in pH value is necessary for plants to

be grown in your soil.

To adjust the soil pH to favor the plants you select to grow, refer
to the plant preference list and determine to which group these
plants belong. Then, consult the lime-alum tables and determine
any adjustment in soil reaction necessary to give the best results.

It is sometimes desired to make an on-the-spot check for soil
(pH) without previous preparation of a soil sample. This may be
done following the regular test procedure but avoiding soils with
an excessive amount of moisture. The resultant reading should
be checked later using the recommended procedure for a
prepared soil sample.

LaMOTTE COM PANY

Helping Peo ple Solve An a lyt i cal Challenges

PO Box 329 • Chestertown • Mary land • 21620 • USA

800-344-3100 • 410-778-3100 (Out side USA)

Visit us on the web at www.lamotte.com

®

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