PH Soil Meter
Soil Meter Technical
The EL-SM-METER3IN1 is an
electronic soil measuring instrument but which requires no batteries or external power. So let’s explain that apparent contradiction first... It is well known that electricity can be obtained from batteries, and more recently using solar power. This Monitor incorporates a light sensor in order to give a measurement of sunlight, and this sensor works by generating a voltage that depends on the strength of the light. Although it is small for a solar cell, there is enough power to operate the Monitor. But that is not the only power source available because this Monitor actually makes a battery every time the probes are inserted into moist soil. The probes are made of different metals (there are 4 separate contacts on it’s 2 probes, using 3 types of metal) and when placed in an electrically conducting environment like moist soil, all the components of an electric cell (battery) are in place. So the Monitor will still work even in the dark.
Basically, the light meter displays the voltage generated by the light sensor, the pH meter displays the voltage generated by its probe/soil ‘battery’, and the moisture meter displays the current passing through the soil which depends on its moisture level.
The indicating meter is basically a spring-loaded electric motor that manages to rotate the indicating ‘needle’ further if more electrical voltage is generated.
To select the meter function, a clearly labelled 3-position switch gives the choice.
The pH function measures acidity/alkalinity, where a lower value below 7 is increasing acidity, whereas a higher number above 7 is increasing alkalinity. A pH measurement of 7 is the perfect balance being neither acidic not alkaline. Note that different plants prefer different pH, and not necessarily 7.
Vegetables Ideal pH Reading Ideal pH Reading
Bean 6.0 - 7.5 Lettuce 6.0 - 7.0
Broccoli 6.0 - 7.5 Onion 6.0 - 7.0
Brussels 6.0 - 7.5 Pea 6.0 - 7.5
Cabbage 6.0 - 7.5 Pepper 5.5 - 7.0
Carrot 5.5 - 7.0 Potato 4.5 - 6.0
Cauliflower 5.5 - 7.5 Radish 6.0 - 7.0
Cress 6.0 - 7.0 Spinach 6.0 - 7.5
Cucumber 5.5 - 7.5 Swede 5.5 - 7.0
Leek 6.0 - 8.0 Tomato 5.5 - 7.5
Fruit Ideal pH Reading Ideal pH Reading
Blackberry 5.0 - 6.0 Melon 5.5 - 6.5
Cherry 6.0 - 7.5 Peach 6.0 - 7.5
Currant Black 6.0 - 8.0 Raspberry 5.0 - 6.5
Currant Red 5.5 - 7.0 Rhubarb 5.5 - 7.0
Gooseberry 5.0 - 6.5 Strawberry 5.0 - 7.5
Grapevine 6.0 - 7.0 Lawns 6.0 - 7.5
Flowers/Shrubs Ideal pH Reading Ideal pH Reading
Alyssum 6.0 - 7.5 Gladiolus 6.0 - 7.0
Azalea 4.5 - 6.0 Hydrangea Blue 4.0 - 5.0
Carnation 6.0 - 7.5 Hydrangea Pink 6.0 - 7.0
Chrysanthemum 6.0 - 7.0 Hydrangea White 6.5 - 8.0
Clematis 5.5 - 7.0 Marigold 5.5 - 7.0
Daffodil 6.0 - 6.5 Rhododendron 4.5 - 6.0
Dahlia 6.0 - 7.5 Rose 6.0 - 7.0
Fuchsia 5.5 - 6.5