How to test the pH level of soil

The ph scale is a scientific measurement of how much alkaline a soil simple contains. The pH is a measure from 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything about 7 is increasingly alkaline, anything below, increasingly acid. There are three elements that determine the nutrient description of the soil types; alkaline, acid quality and environmental region. Here how to check you soil type before planting.

Things You'll Need

• Hands
• Lime
• Sand

Instructions

1. 

   To determine which type of soil you have, squeeze some slightly moist soil in your hands. Clay soils will form a compact lump and retain it shape. The consistency of clay soil is sticky, smooth, and easily molded when wet. Clay soil is dense, with little air circulation. Plants planted in this type of soil will suffocate because of lack air circulating to and through its roots. To correct this balance of soils add Lime to help break up lumps to form crumbs to raises the soil pH balance.

2. 

   Sandy soil contains finely particles of rock. Air is abundance in sandy soils, but the finely particles make it loose and grainy. Sandy soil won't hold it shape. Water runs straight through. Both sand and clay soils can be improved in the same way; by adding organic matter. Add one-third peat, compost, manure, and mix well. Sandy soil is specific to certain type of plants such as those in the cacti and succulent family that have smaller stronger rooting systems. Proper soil should be moist to touch and slightly spongy.

3. 

   The type of environmental regions plays a part in the texture and structure of the soil contain. Average western soils pH level range between 7-8 being slight alkaline. Neutral soil p H level ranges between 6-8, which is ideal for Marjory of floral and vegetable planting where climate season varies from hot to cold. Eastern soil range from 7-8 where the climate is mostly wet and moist.