Soil Testing

[AIRASSAULT]

I've never really gave much attention to soil testing thus far and have had pretty good luck, however, I'm sure it will bite me in the butt sooner or later... A few years ago, I bought one of them Biologic Soil Tester apparatus'.. It seems like it just reads the same thing no matter what kind of soil I use it in.. Anyone ever tried getting a real soil test and then using one of these to see how they compare..?? The only time I've seen the needle really jump was when I stuck it in a tomato to see what it would do and it dropped dramatically... Thoughts?

 

[Nontypcl1]

Those pH probes probably will read near the same for any soil. They are cheaply made and are highly inaccurate. Your best bet is to spend $8 and send your soil sample to the Iowa state soil testing lab along with an information sheet and have a real soil test done if you are concerned about it.

http://www.agron.iastate.edu/soiltesting/ST8WEB.pdf

 

[KnuckleDragr]

Those pH probes probably will read near the same for any soil. They are cheaply made and are highly inaccurate. Your best bet is to spend $8 and send your soil sample to the Iowa state soil testing lab along with an information sheet and have a real soil test done if you are concerned about it.

http://www.agron.iastate.edu/soiltesting/ST8WEB.pdf

X2.... i got one and its a joke. Soil test will not only get you ph, but will tell you valuable info for fertilizer requirements

 

[LarryM]

A quick search will find several food plot seed companies - Antler King, Biologic, Frigid Forage,etc. that also offer soil testing. But 8 bucks through The Iowa State University is a better deal.