The Rapitest Digital Soil Test Kit uses advanced digital technology and optical calibration systems to quickly and accurately read soil samples to determine the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potash (K) in a soil sample. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently assess your plants' needs and proceed with any adjustments needed to give your plants the healthy soil and nutrients they need for optimal growth and production.
- Contains 25 tests: ten (10) each for pH and five (5) each for N, P and K.
- Batteries required, which are included. Unit will work for approximately 1,000 - 1,200 tests per battery set. Should you need replacement batteries, you will need Three (3) #357 silver oxide, 1.55 volt.
The key to success for this kit is the color comparison system and the Optical Soil Test Chamber. The chamber will recognize the color hues specific to your soil's pH and nutrient levels. The tests are performed in four (4) color-coded test tubes, one (1) each for pH, nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. The testing reagent capsules for each test are color-coded to match the tube caps. A dropper is provided to facilitate transferring the test solution into the test tubes. The kit also contains a convenient test tube holder, which will hold all four test tubes while the color is developing.
Green = pH:
Determines the acidity/alkalinity of soil
Purple = Nitrogen:
Determines the level of Nitrate (NO3)
Blue = Phosphorus:
Determines the level of Phosphoric Acid (P2SO4)
Orange Potash:
Determines the level of Potassium Oxide (K2O)
SOIL pH:
Soil nutrients are most available to your lawn and garden soil when the soil's pH is within a certain range. For this reason, it's best to adjust your soil's pH before adding fertilizer.
Raising and lowering pH is not an exact science and most plants have a reasonably wide pH tolerance, certainly to within 1 pH point. The majority of plants can survive on a pH around 6.5, some need particularly acid or alkaline soil. Altering pH takes time. Do not expect rapid changes. Work steadily towards giving a plant its ideal conditions.
Soil pH can be adjusted to provide more suitable growing conditions for the specific plants you want to grow. Or you can leave the pH of the oil as it is and select plants that like the level revealed by your test. Once you have your reading, check the enclosed Plant pH Preference List for the pH levels of over 450 popular plants, trees, shrubs, fruits and vegetables.
FEEDING PRIOR TO PLANTING:
Adequate reserves of plant food should be available in the soil before planting vegetables, preparing a seed or flower bed, sodden or seeding a lawn, or planting shrubs and trees. To make up deficiencies, apply fertilizers from "Chart C: Test Results" according to your soil test results