Rating of the best soil acidity meters (PH-meters) for 2020

According to numerous observations of gardeners over the process of growth and development of various crops, it was concluded that the same plants do not feel equally comfortable on different types of soil. One of the most important reasons for this is the acidity level of the substrate. Therefore, it is so important to have a soil acidity meter or pH meter on hand.

Soil acidity scale

Since acidity is the presence of hydrogen ions in the structure of the earth, more or less of them determines its level. It is designated pH and has its own scale. The 7.0 is the middle of the scale and means that the soil is neutral. The values ​​to the left of this figure indicate that the acidity of the earth increases with decreasing numbers on the scale. And, conversely, with their increase, the degree of acidification becomes alkaline.

The optimal acidity level for horticultural crops

All vegetable plants, fruit shrubs and trees are very sensitive to acidic soil, and many of them are not able to thrive and bear fruit well in such an environment. Therefore, before planting, it is recommended that experienced professionals check the acidity of the soil and, if necessary, reduce it by neutralization.

So, for example, below is a table with an acceptable pH level for vegetable crops:

Culture	Optimal pH
Watermelon, strawberry, rhubarb, potato, chicory	5,5- 6,4
Tomatoes, peas, cucumbers, corn, carrots, beans	5,8-6,4
Asparagus	6.2
Cabbage, broccoli, beets	6,2-6,6

What is the need for measurement?

One of the most important reasons why it becomes necessary to check the degree of acidity of the soil, to obtain the maximum and high-quality yield. To achieve this, the plants grown should be provided with the most comfortable and favorable conditions. For the nutrition of crops, substances are needed that are in the ground in an appropriate state. The same structure should be applied to fertilizers applied to the soil. But in the presence of high acidity, such a result is very difficult to achieve. As a result, the plants will be sick, develop poorly and will not give the expected yield.

Therefore, experienced agronomists very carefully prepare the soil before sowing, adding certain necessary means to neutralize or alkalize it.

Methods for determining the value of acidity

There are several ways to find out the degree of soil acidification. This can be determined visually, chemically or by measuring with special devices.

The first method is very general, as it is determined by the plants growing on the measured area.

• If sorrel, blueberries, horsetail, oxalis and moss grow violently on it, then we can safely say that the ground under them has a pH level of 5.3 to 6.0. It's a sour land.
• A shepherd's purse, common chicory, wheatgrass, feather grass, creeping clover, carnation, sow thistle, bells, who feel comfortable in the area being inspected, indicate a neutral degree of acidity. Its values ​​are in the range from 6.0 to 7.2.
• The presence of pines, sowing chestnuts, as well as thickets of field bindweed, alfalfa, coltsfoot, thyme, sedge, May lily of the valley or Venus's shoe indicates an alkaline structure of the soil. Its value ranges from 7.3 to 8.1.

The second method is more laborious and not entirely accurate. It only allows you to recognize whether the soil in the area is acidic, neutral or alkaline. To do this, it is necessary to carry out certain experiments with the soil, adding vinegar, soda or other components to it. By the received chemical reactions or their absence, it is possible to determine the quality of the earth. But it is quite problematic to achieve a digital value from such an option. But even a tenth of the value can have a significant impact on the cultivated crop.

Also, the determination of a strip of litmus paper on a color scale belongs to the chemical method of measuring the pH of the soil. By contacting it with a well-damp ground, it changes color depending on the condition of the soil. After comparing it with the gradation presented on the package, you can find out how sour, neutral or alkaline it is.

The third option is very convenient, accurate and practical. By immersing the electrodes in the ground, the pH level or lack thereof can be determined with great accuracy.

America is currently the main country-developer of such meters. For several years, manufacturers of Western companies have produced only highly specialized pH meters, but recently they have switched to the creation of more universal models that allow measuring not only the level of soil acidification, but also moisture, the amount of nitrates.

Rating of the best electronic pH meters for measuring soil acidity for 2020

Without a doubt, the first positions in many ratings of the best soil pH meters for 2020 are universal, which include several functions.

ATM - 300 - made in China

A universal meter that includes functions of 4 features:

• acidity;
• luminous flux;
• humidity level;
• temperature conditions.

Specifications:

Luminous flux measurement	9 steps
Determination of the degree of acidification	12 levels
Humidity level	5 values
Temperature range	-9 ° C to + 50 ° C (16 ° F to 122 ° F)
Batteries	by 9 V
Parameters	12.2 x 6.3 x 3.6 cm
Dimensions of electrodes	length - 20 cm, diameter - 0.5 cm
Weight excluding batteries	70.5 gr.

The kit includes:

• tester;
• instructions for use in English and Russian;
• packaging.

Mode of application:

1. To use the meter, it must be held by the electrode body.
2. Lower it into the ground to such a depth as to ensure a firm contact with it.
3. Leave for 30-60 seconds. to completely fix the results on the screen. Remove the electrode from the soil, press the "OF" button and clean it.

• Versatility;
• Ease of use;
• The device is equipped with an automatic shutdown function, which is activated after 5 minutes. after the end of the measurement.

• In order to obtain accurate average values, it is recommended to take several measurements in the same area.

Multi-monitor Luster Leaf Rapitest 1880 - made in China

This device is equipped with 4 functions and detects:

• pH degree;
• stream of light;
• soil fertility;
• moisture contents.

Specifications:

Measuring range for pH level	3,5-8,0
Measuring luminous flux gap	0-2000 lux
Moisture measurement interval	1-10 (10% - 100% RH)
Parameters	26 x 6 x 3.8 cm
Bar length	19 cm
Weight	122 gr.
Design and development	USA

• A feature of this meter is that it shows the fertility of the soil in a combination of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen necessary for the life of garden and horticultural crops. In the absence of any of these components in the ground, the multimonitor will immediately notify about it.
• There is no need for batteries to operate the Luster Leaf Rapitest 1880 multimonitor.

• This instrument is only applicable for taking soil measurements. It is prohibited to use the tester in water and its solutions.

Luster Leaf Rapitest 1835 device - made in China

The adaptation of this group is necessary to determine:

• the degree of acidification of the earth;
• temperature regime;
• the level of fertility.

Specifications:

Parameters	15.2 x 3.6 x 4.6 cm
Case dimensions	10.8 x 6.4 cm
Electrode length	16.5 cm
Weight	136 gr.
Wire length	8 cm
Design and development	USA

Equipped with an LR44 power supply unit and 3 batteries, the charge of which is sufficient for 1000-1200 measurements.

• ease of reading measurement indicators on the display;
• guarantee of the accuracy of the results.

The Luster Leaf Rapitest 1835 tester was recognized in 2013 as the favorite among similar inventions. An independent jury as well as experienced gardeners distinguished him from the rest for his innovative technology, exclusivity and ability to perfectly solve the problems of gardening and horticulture.

• There are no significant ones.

pH meter of soil 3 in 1 - made in China

This device measures:

• the degree of acidity of the soil;
• humidity level;
• illumination of the ground.

Specifications:

Measuring range of pH level	3,5-8,0
Moisture determination interval	0-10
Luminous flux scale	0-2000 lux
Parameters	26 x 6 x 3.7
Bar length	20 cm
Weight	65 gr.
Possible deviations in readings:
pH	0.5
illumination	50.0 lux
humidity	0.1

The kit includes:

• device;
• additional electrode;
• warranty card;
• packaging.

Mode of application:

This measuring tool is very easy to use and does not require any special knowledge and skills. It can be used by both a professional and a beginner.

So, to measure the degree of illumination of the ground, it is enough:

1. put the lever in the appropriate position;
2. insert the electrode into the soil to the required depth;
3. direct the screen of the built-in solar panel towards the light source.

In this case, nothing should interfere with the light entering the tester.

To measure soil pH, you should:

1. set the switch to the appropriate function;
2. clean the electrode rod with a piece of fine-grained emery paper for polishing, and then wipe it with a napkin;
3. prepare a certain amount of soil by removing foreign objects and debris from it (stones, glass, plastic, weeds);
4. moisten the earth;
5. immerse the electrode into it until the beginning of the case and wait 5 minutes;
6. fix the received value on the screen.

When measuring soil moisture, it is necessary:

1. set the desired mode;
2. clean the probe of the device from the remains of previous use;
3. lower the tip into the ground;
4. take screen readings.

Depending on the displayed values, soil moisture is divided into 3 types:

• from 1 to 3 (red area) - the ground is dry or slightly wet;
• 3 to 8 (green area) - slightly damp or rather damp;
• from 8 to 10 (blue area) - too moist soil.

• Multifunctionality;
• Easy to use.

• There are no significant ones.

Green Belt 3 in 1 06-091 - made in Russia

This meter has 3 functions:

• luminous flux strength;
• pH level;
• the presence of moisture in the soil.

Exploitation:

Before each use, it is imperative to clean the rods of the apparatus.

Having put the switch on the required function, immerse the electrodes in the ground until they are in full contact with it. After waiting a certain period of time, record the shown result and compare it with the scale presented in the instructions.

When recharging the meter, its screen should be turned towards a source of sunlight and left until the maximum battery charge rate.

• versatility and ease of use;
• profitability;
• recharging from solar battery only.

• Not significant.

Luster Leaf Rapitest 1847 - Made in China

The advantage of this pH meter is the programmed base of the required degree of acidity for 4 hundred fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants. This function also allows the owners of the device to independently compile their own list of crops and the ability to save it in the memory of the analyzer.

Specifications:

Instrument parameters	19.5 x 6.5 x 3.0 cm
Body dimensions	10 x 6 x 3 cm
Bar length	16.5 cm
Wire size	8 cm
Weight	150 gr.
Acidity measurement interval	3.5 - 9.0 pH
Design and development	USA

Method of application: Supplied with a power supply unit and 3 batteries intended for 1000-1200 measuring procedures.

In order to start measuring, select on the screen from the provided list the required plant or crop, next to which the optimum soil pH value is indicated, and then carry out the measurement process. The result will be highlighted next to the already existing value. By comparing the values, decide on the pH adjustment.

• Having your own base with values;
• The ability to supplement the basics with plants grown on a specific site.

• Not.

Luster Leaf Rapitest 1845 - Made in China

The digital tester has 1 function - measuring soil pH.

Specifications:

Machine parameters	26 x 2.5 x 4.5 cm
Case size	11 x 4 x 2.5 cm
Electrode length	14.5 cm
Weight	85 gr.
Measuring range	3.5 - 9.0 pH
Interval between divisions	0.1 pH

The device is completed with a power supply unit and 3 batteries. Their charge is sufficient for 1000-1200 measurements. In addition to the instructions, a booklet is attached with information on the recommended degree of soil acidity for 400 plants.

• comfortable in using;
• the values ​​on the display are easily visible.

• Monofunctional.

ETP-330 - made in China

The representative of this brand performs only one function - measuring the degree of soil acidification.

Specifications:

Dimension gap	3-10
Possible deviation of the result	0.5 pH
Electrode rod length	20 cm
Design and development	USA

Included:

• device with 1 electrode,
• Russian-language instruction,
• packaging.

Working rules:

• lower the probe rod into the ground until it makes good contact with it;
• after 40-60 seconds. fix the position of the arrow on the screen;
• determine the acidic, neutral or alkaline soil level by the color of the pointer location.

• Ease of use;
• Understandability of the obtained values.

• Only one function.

BIOGROD of Klioma Service company - made in China

The device has one function.

Specifications:

A type	Portable, portable
Measuring range	2.0 - 7.0 pH
Possible deviations +/-	0.1 pH

Mode of application:

1. Clean the electrode tip if necessary.
2. Remove foreign objects and debris from the soil.
3. Moisten the soil.
4. Insert the rod vertically to the required depth.
5. After holding for 20-30 seconds, fix the readings of the device.

• ease of use;
• accuracy of readings;
• profitability;
• no need for power supply.

• Only one function.

Luster Leaf Rapitest 1817 - Made in China

A very comfortable, simple and miniature analyzer of pH and moisture levels in the ground, it is quite popular among gardeners and indoor flower lovers. It allows you to effectively measure close to the roots of crops, without causing significant harm to them.

 

 

 

Specifications:

Measuring range of earth acidification	4-8 pH
Humidity span	A-B-C-D
Design and development	USA

Usage method:

Immerse the electrode vertically into the prepared soil 2/3 of its length. The distance to the plant stem should be at least ½ the radius of the pot. After a few seconds, the display will show two indicators - the pH level and soil moisture.

• This analyzer does not need additional power supply and batteries, as it is charged using a solar battery;
• It includes a booklet with a list of the optimum acidity for 50 crops and moisture for 100 plant species.

• There are no significant ones.

Luster Leaf Rapitest 1810 - Made in China

This miniature soil acidification analyzer is very easy to use. It can be used to take pH measurements both in indoor flower pots, in flower beds and in backyards.

Measurements should be carried out in the same way as other devices, but, according to the recommendations of experts, it is advisable to do this procedure at some distance from the plant, and not at the root system itself.

Important! This device is not suitable for measuring values ​​of water and solutions.

To extend the life of the pH meter, after each measurement process, it must be rinsed with water and wiped off with a napkin.

• the stem is made of stainless steel;
• does not need electric power supply;
• in addition to the instructions, it is completed with a handbook on the required pH level for 50 plants.

• For soil only, you cannot measure values ​​in liquids.

Litmus paper

Measuring the acidity of the earth using strips of litmus paper is the simplest and most budgetary option. A set of color-scale strips is available from some pharmacies or online stores.

Mode of application:

To carry out the procedure for determining the pH of the soil, it is necessary to take a quality sample. It is recommended to use the earth from a depression 20-25 cm long. Place it in a deep bowl and add some distilled water. Mix thoroughly and leave for 15 minutes. Then stir well again. Then put a strip of litmus paper on the ground and wait a few minutes. By the obtained color, which the litmus acquired, it is possible to determine the degree of acidity of the soil by comparing it with the scale presented on the package.

Indicator value by color

• Bright red color or its shades indicate high or increased acidity of the soil.
• Green and the shades closest to it speak of its neutrality.
• Yellow and pale yellow represent the alkaline degree.

For the general determination of acid in soil, litmus paper with a large color scale can be used. To find out a more accurate value of the result, it is advisable to use litmus strips with a fine scale step.

Of course, with so many possible options for choosing pH meters, there is no need to rush to buy, but it is advisable to carefully think over and determine your occupation, the required range of functions of the device. Having chosen the most convenient, high-quality universal or specialized meter, compare prices and give preference to the most optimal option.

We hope that the selection of characteristics and preferences of users of devices of this category, presented in the article, will become an indispensable assistant for everyone in their choice.