How to Measure Lawn PH Levels

Soil pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of the soil. The soil pH affects the availability of the nutrients to the plants and the activity of the microorganisms in the soil. Key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are readily available at a pH range of approximately six to seven. Soil test kits are available from nurseries and the nursery departments in home improvement store.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soil sample
• Trowel
• Gloves
• Plastic bag
• Test or litmus paper
• Plastic cup
• Distilled water

1. Collect the soil sample by digging two to three inches below the ground with a clean trowel.

2. Put the soil sample in a clean container. Wear the gloves and remove the debris such as stones and pieces of wood.

3. Transfer the sample to a plastic bag and start crumbling with your hands or use a rolling pin to make the soil as fine as possible.

4. Measure about one tablespoon of soil in a clean cup. Add distilled water and stir until the sample thickens. The consistency of the soil should be like that of a milkshake.

5. Let it stand for one hour. Check every 15 minutes and add water if needed.

6. Put a piece of the test paper in the sample and leave it in for about one minute.

7. Remove the test strip and rinse it with distilled water. Match the color of the test strip to the standard color chart that came with the test paper and note down the number. The number represents your soil's pH.

Tips & Warnings

• The soil should not be too wet.
• The test paper is also known as litmus paper.

References

• Soil Test

Resources

• Adjust the Soil pH