pH & Macronutrient Soil Tester
A pH and macronutrient soil tester is an agricultural tool that allows cultivators to assess soil conditions and soil fertility. Soil pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity levels in the soil, measured using a pH scale between 0 and 14. A neutral soil pH is preferred for most agricultural soils with a pH value of 7, any value below 7 is categorized as acidic and value above 7 is considered alkali/ basic (Richard Jauron, 2002). Soil acidity is of great importance for soil health as it affects the availability of vital macronutrients in the soil (Jensen, T, 2010). A macronutrient soil test allows cultivators to analyze their soil further as it measures primary soil macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil (Phillip Barak, 1999). Soil acidity and macronutrient content is important for agricultural success as it affects soil fertility, crop productivity and total yields (Piouceau, J. Panfili, F. Bois, G. Anastase, M. Dufossé, L & Arfi,V, 2014). A product example for soil testing that can measure both pH and macronutrient levels, is a product called Rapitest Soil Test Kit 1601. This product includes 40-test capsules/package, 10-test capsules for each of the following: pH, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It includes detail instructions for adjusting pH and has color-coded acidity levels making it simple and comprehensible for the operator. The Rapitest Soil Test Kit 1601 is considered a quick and inexpensive way to check soil pH, pre and post-harvest. Once this product is purchased there are no further costs, as it is electricity-free and can be used in rural areas. This soil tester is manufactured from an American company called Luster Leaf, but is sold in various retailers in North America (Luster Leaf, 2014). Rapitest Soil Test Kit 1601 is just one example of many products available to cultivators, which enables the testing of pH and macronutrient levels in the soil.