Optimum soil pH is essential for obtaining maximum efficiency from fertilizers and herbicides.
This is especially true for artificial growing media which, without buffering capability, are much more pH sensitive than natural soil. In addition, the pH of artificial soils can vary greatly when new, and must be adjusted (leached) before use.
Dissolved salts (salinity) in soil must also be monitored to guarantee healthy plants. Salt build-up in soil can be due to high TDS (total dissolved solids) in water, excess fertilizer, or poor drainage. Each plant has its own salinity tolerance level. If excessive salts accumulate in the soil, roots will take in little or no soil solution, resulting in reduced plant growth and quality.
Using a Myron L® Model AG6/PH for checking soil salinity and pH is easy. Simply mix one part soil with two parts pure water. Some organic media, such as peat moss, need a 5:1 water:soil dilution ratio. Only a heaping tablespoon of soil is required. Agitate container vigorously. Let settle for 45-60 minutes and decant the water into the instrument cell cup. Push buttons to read directly in millimhos/ conductivity (salinity) and soil pH.
