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  • From: "Richard MURPHY" <murphman108@msn.com>
  • To: "North American Fruit Explorers" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [NAFEX] soil tester
  • Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2008 20:29:05 -0500

The 4 way tester is questionable.
I might believe the light / moisture readings to +/- 20%, but...
not the Ph or Nutrient scales. Not at all.
Even the $80 pH testers can be off quite a bit, so I still use chemicals / ph test papers.
If you do, it is very important to STAY AWAY from curly light bulbs.
They make your pH paper read all sorts of WRONG DATA colors. Off by a LOT.
You can buy curly ones that mimic the Sun's spectrum for another dollar; they work fine.
I actually did the indoor / outdoor measurement challenge on some wines.
 
 
Good (amateur) soil test kits are available for $15
I think I got mine at Jungs. Nitrogen Phos. Potash, Ph, etc.
Neat little kit.
 
Murph
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Lee Reich
Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2008 7:55 PM
Subject: Re: [NAFEX] soil tester

I also would be skeptical about the pH and especially the fertility tests. I have an electronic testor that does only pH and it's of dubious value. I also have one that tests light and moisture. I find the moisture probe very valuable, much easier than digging holes and feeling the soil. Soil is often dry at the surface but plenty moist only a few inches down. I've had and used my moisture testor for over 25 years!

Lee Reich, PhD

Books by Lee Reich:
The Pruning Book
Weedless Gardening
Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden
A Northeast Gardener's Year


On Feb 5, 2008, at 11:12 AM, Jerrydana5@aol.com wrote:

Do any of you have any experience with these 4 way soil testers?  Stark sells one and Gurney's sells the same one.  They test light, moisture,ph, and fertility--n,p,k. Moisture and light seem pretty unnecessary-I have eyes and hands, but ph and fertility would be nice.  But I am sceptical.  Jerry in southern Indiana



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