pH Soil Meter Technical

How does soil acidity affect plants?

Acidic soil

Ericaceous and calcifuge plants thrive in acidic soil conditions. These plants have adapted to flourish in such environments and must be better suited to alkaline soils.

If grown in alkaline-heavy soil, these plants may display yellow leaves, a condition known as lime-induced chlorosis.

This occurs because alkaline soil lacks essential nutrients like iron, which are crucial for their growth. As a result, plants suffering from this condition will struggle to develop and may eventually perish.

Examples of ericaceous and calcifuge plants that are ideal for planting in acidic soil include:

• Rhododendrans
• Azaleas
• Heathers
• Blueberry
• Camellia
• Lily
• Pieris
• Magnolia

Alkaline soil

Calcicole plants are well-adapted to thrive in alkaline or lime-rich soil. Calcicole plants grown in acidic soil exhibit comparable effects, such as chlorosis, stunted growth, and curling leaves. These effects stem from the availability of nutrients in the soil.

Alkaline soil contains elevated levels of calcium when compared to acidic soil. Due to the presence of chalk and limestone in Britain, many commonly find soil rich in calcium, resulting in chalky soils.

Examples of calcicole plants that are ideal for planting in alkaline soil include:

• Ash trees
• Honeysuckle
• Lilacs
• Clematis
• Syringa
• Phacelia
• Polemoniums
• Lavender

How does the soil pH meter work?

The EL-SM-METER3IN1 is an electronic soil pH tester instrument which requires no batteries or external power. So, let’s explain that apparent contradiction first. Both batteries and solar power provide electricity.

This Monitor incorporates a light sensor to give a measurement of sunlight. 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 other power sources are available. Every time the probes are inserted into moist soil, this monitor makes a battery. The probes are made of different metals (there are four separate contacts on its two probes, using three types of metal).

When placed in an electrically conducting environment like moist soil, all the components of an electric cell (battery) are in place. The Monitor will still work even in the dark.

The light meter displays the voltage generated by the light sensor. The pH meter displays the voltage generated by its probe/soil battery. The measure moisture meter displays the current passing through the soil, which depends on its soil moisture level.

The indicating meter is a spring-loaded, electric motor that rotates the indicating needle if more electrical voltage is generated.

A clearly labelled 3-position switch gives the choice to select the meter function. Insert the probes into the soil and turn the meter on. The device accurately measures the soil acidity level and provides a much more accurate reading than other testers on the market.

The pH function measures the pH. A lower value below seven increases acidity, whereas a higher number above seven increases alkaline levels. A pH measurement of 7 is a perfect balance being neither acidic nor alkaline. Note that different plants prefer different pH, and not necessarily 7.

Avoid leaving the meter and probes in the soil. Ensure the probes are cleaned after each use for more accurate results and reduce damage to the probes.

Changing your soil pH

There are several ways you can alter the pH of your soil, including:

• Nitrate-based Fertilisers for acidic soil to raise the pH level.
• Mineral fertiliser and sulphur to lower the pH level.
• Lime for acidic soil to raise the pH level.
• Wood ash for acidic soil to raise the pH level.
• Aluminium for alkaline soil to lower the pH level.