Soil Testing: Types, Sampling and Interpretation of Results

Hello fellow farmers! Don't waste your money when testing soil pH. Someone comes to your farm, collect a soil sample and go away without examining whether your farm has acidic, alkaline or neutral soil. Let me share with you on how to test soil pH in order to obtain good produce in your farm.

Areas to Avoid During Soil Test

1.    Avoid taking soil sample along the boundary take at middle of your farm.

2.    Avoid areas where there is manure.

3.    Avoid areas where there are trees.

4.    Avoid swampy areas.

Methods Used to Collect Soil Sample

1.    Traverse method.

2.    Zigzag method.

How to Test Soil pH Material Required

1.    Soil

2.    Water

3.    Vinegar

4.    Baking soda

Take soil from different areas of your garden.

Put 2 spoonful into separated container.

Add half cup of vinegar.

Result: If it fizzes you have alkaline soil with pH of 7 - 8.

Best Crop at Alkaline Soil

Cabbage, spinach, beans, leek, sunflower, watermelon etc.

NB: If it doesn’t fizz after doing the vinegar test.

·         Add distilled water to other containers with soil until it’s muddy.

·         Add half cup of baking soda if fizzes out you have acidic soil with pH of 5 & 6.

Best Crop at Acidic Soil

Kales, beans, potatoes, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, tomatoes, melon, carrots, bananas etc.

NB: If it doesn’t react either in vinegar or baking soda at all your soil is neutral with pH of 7 and you are lucky

Best Crop at Neutral Soil

Carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower etc.