How to Identify the PH of Soil
First, learn about the source of soil
Generally the humus soil like pine needles humus, peat humus soil and so on, taken from the mountains and gully, its color mostly is dark brown as well as this kind of soil is relatively loose, fertile and has good permeability. It is the ideal acid humus soil.
Second, observe the soil color
Acid soil generally is darker than other soil, and mostly it is dark brown. The color of Alkaline soil mostly is white, yellow and other light color. In addition, in some saline and alkali areas, soil table often have a layer of white powdery alkaline substances.
Third, observe the surface plant growth
When we digging in the wild, you can observe the growth of the surface plant. Generally, the wild rhododendron, pine and cedar plants mostly grow on acidic soil as well as the Tamarix, millet and sorghum mostly grow on alkaline soil.
Fourth, study the soil quality
Acid soil is loose, breathable and permeable; alkaline soil texture is hard, easy to board into block and it also has poor ventilation permeability.
Five, with a feel
If you hold the acid soil in the hands, you will have a “soft” feeling, and if you let the soil go, the soil is easy to spread, not easy to agglomerate; alkaline soil hold in the hands will have a “hard” feeling, and let soil go, the soil is easy to agglomerate and without dispersing.
Six, observe the situation after watering
After watering, the acid soil infiltration is faster than other soil, and it also does not take white foam, the water is more muddy; while alkaline soil infiltration is slow, the water will have white foam, sometimes there is a layer of white alkaline material.
Seven, using the pH test paper to measure the soil pH
The method is: taking part of the soil sample soaked in cold water and immersed the test paper in the soaking solution, and then remove the paper to observe the color changes. Take the test paper compared with the color card, if the pH = 7, the soil is neutral, if the pH <7, it is acidic; if the pH value> 7, it is alkaline.