How to use a Kelway Soil Ph & Moisture Meter

The Kelway Soil Acidity and Moisture Tester Model is an easy-to-use, handheld device. To test the pH or moisture level of your soil, simply insert the tip of the meter in the soil and wait for the result. Once in the soil, the Kelway meter releases a small electric current that flows between either side of the current. The current takes roughly three minutes to generate a correct measurement, displayed on the Kelway's easy-to-read scales.

Instructions

1. Clean the Kelway's metal plates. Wrap the (included) Kelway Conditioning Film around the tester's metal plate. Turn the tester back and forth two to three times to wipe it clean.

2. Prepare the soil that you intend to test. Use a hand tiller to break up hard, dry soil. Remove any plants, rocks or other debris so that you are left with clean, friable soil.

3. Slide the tester vertically into the soil until the metal plate is completely covered. Use your finger to gently press the soil around the tester so that the metal plates make full contact.

4. Read the soil's pH. Look at the topmost scale on the meter to read the pH. The needle may swing to the right at first. It will stabilize over the next three minutes. Keep the tester in the soil until then. If the needle does not move in three minutes, the soil may be too dry. Remove the tester. Fill a watering can with distilled water and use it to moisten (not soak) the top two inches of the soil. Then re-test in one hour.

5. Read the soil's moisture level. Press the button on the meter and hold it down for three minutes. This also requires a two- to three-minute stabilization period.

6. Wipe the tester clean with a paper towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you insert the meter into the soil, the needle in the top scale should point at 7.0. If it rests to the right or left of 7.0 you must calibrate the meter before you use it to test the soil. Remove the screws in the meters cover. Pull the cover from the base. Then pull off the scale's glass and gasket. Insert a small screwdriver into the calibrating screw slot. Gently turn the slot until the needle points to 7.0. Turn slowly. The needle must not go off the scale or the meter will be irreparably damaged. When you are finished, replace the parts you removed.

• Clean the Kelway meter before every use.

• Do not touch the tester's metal plates with your finger.

• The Kelway cannot be used to test soil with high alkalinity and high salt content.

• Keep the Kelway tester away from magnets.

References

• Rittenhouse: Kelway Soil Acidity and Moisture Tester