Soil pH Tester! How to Test Soil pH in Food Plots

A soil pH tester is a handy tool for those looking to quickly assess the pH level across their food plots, gardens, or even yards. Having a balanced pH will allow the food plot, garden, or yard to more efficiently extract nutrients from the soil. Did you know you can use less fertilizer if you have a balanced pH? Why? Because the plants can easily utilize the nutrients in the soil when the pH is balanced.

There are many options and products available, ranging from dirt cheap (no pun intended) to very expensive, that can give a reading on soil pH. Many of these products are not dependable and can't produce accurate or consistent results needed for professionals or serious wildlife managers.

For wildlife managers it is important to get accurate pH results so you can address any deficiencies and bring your food plot, garden, or yard up to maximum potential.

For years, I have used soil pH testers to test the pH in my food plots. I found it challenging to find one for professionals that was made specifically for soil. Two years ago I finally came across a soil pH meter called the Bluelab soil pH Pen. After doing some research and reading reviews I decided to give it a try. I've been very impressed with the accuracy of this soil pH tester! It is easy to calibrate and use. Having this soil pH meter or pen allows me to quickly run through my food plots to get an accurate reading.

In this video, I will show you how to test soil pH in your food plots. This Bluelab soil pH pen has become a tool I can't do without. It actually saves me money by allowing me to pin point areas of deficiency within a food plot so I can focus my resources there while leaving stronger areas alone.

Amazon Link to pH tester & solutions:

Thanks for watching and God Bless!
Contact: Steve

[CoxaBranca]

FYI, one of our students used the pH pen without the dibber/probe and the tip membrane broke. The dibber should be used to make a well before inserting the pH pen to touch the bottom and get a reading. The tip is very fragile, not meant to be pushed into the soil.

[stanacho]

Thank you so much for taking the time to include us in your demo. I just purchased my BL PH Pen and looking forward to using it.

[heyderelict]

Thank you, and nice soil! First time to see this tool in action.
Just got one in the mail today. I had already bought the ph pen for nutrients, not knowing this one did soil and nutrients. I blew it. hopefully someone reads this before making the same mistake!
BlueLab suggests you to calibrate 7.0 before 4.0. Could be the reason for your occasional error code.

[BubbleWash]

Those little meters cost a lot but are well worth the money. I don't want my plants to burn.

[MrOldclunker]

The soil needs to be saturated with distilled water for 5 minutes before testing. Otherwise your meter cannot derive the proper amount of Hydrogen molecules. The meter cannot test drier material and soils. Your pH is probably higher than you are actually are measuring if the soil is only damp.

[benhogan]

Thank you for the video this is exactly what I was looking for.

[maxgeorge]

Great idea. Have you compared it to lab testing?

[dapperlink]

Is the calibration fluid reusable if you clean the probe thouroughly? If so can you just dip directly in the bottles? Just wondering. Thank you! I’m sold!

[breakburrito]

I had this meter and the probe only lasted about a year, even with correct storage. This is only worth owning if you're a large operation.

[Eric-dzwe]

This is a good pen, but one year replacement for $200.00 and everyone's pen go's bad after 1 year
You can also buy a cheap ph pen every month cheaper than bluelab

[robwasnj]

Interesting, I have a Hanna instruments testing meter along with probe but the probe dried out and needs replacement, a new probe for my tester is $260... wondering if I should just replace it entirely/sell the tester itself. It was $600 for the one I bought years ago.

[emilybh]

Does the calibration fluid expire? How often (or after how many tests/uses) do you calibrate the tester? Thanks.

[BobBilger]

the new model is for soil and solution and is ph pen

[mattgolf]

That last test actually failed, you should see a check next to Ph if complete.

[ozzy_fromhell]

Can you check EC (electric conductivity) with the soil one

[KrazyKajun]

were you using distilled water in your spray bottle?

[musashimiyamoto]

Many customers on Amazon complain that they have problems with the calibration, but most are unhappy about the product breaking (glass) easily and/or not working any more after a year or so. Is that your experience, how long have you had it and is it still working without problem? Thx

[michaelraffa]

I thought when you calibrate you get a 7.0 first and then 4.0

[breakburrito]

Don't buy this. It is not serviceable and only lasts about a year. This guy fails to mention this critical bit of info.