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Yreka, CA

Has anyone ever used one of these hand-held soil analyzers? I saw one advertised on another pumpkin site. It costs $20.00, and it is supposed to give you the PH and nutrient content. If it works, it sounds like something that I would like to have. On the other hand, I have never noticed any of you experts mentioning having or using one, which makes me think that maybe it is not much use. So, has anyone used one? What do you think? Are they worth $20? Thanks! Patience

9/2/2002 3:00:21 PM

Key West, FL

well if the soi tests cost 25 then it would be worth it if it worked

9/2/2002 5:35:11 PM

Cologne / Germany

I used something similar for PH and moisture, was 10 $ and not better than putting your forefinger into the soil. You can use a cheap pill-based calcium test to get your PH, but for everything else you need to know as well as to get a fertilizer recommendation, send your soil sample to a lab.

9/2/2002 6:00:45 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I have one of these so called meters> They do not work, ph is O.K. Nutrient content always reads low.

9/2/2002 6:13:00 PM

Rexburg, Idaho (brianchristensenmd@gmail.com )

Save your money and send the soil off for the real thing

9/3/2002 12:14:28 AM

Buffalo, NY

I use one made by Rapitest (I think that's the name) and it was $25-$30. It does pH plus fertility. Been using it for about 2-3 yeaqrs now with good success, however I don't have anything to compare it to for accuracy. The fertility scale has 3 sections, low-ideal-high, so it's not rocket science, though their design probably never took into account 1000+ lb pumpkins. It does register higher fertlity for compost & manure than for soil, so I only use it as a guideline. For those who think it didn't work correctly, the directions said to thoroughly wet the soil being tested--it does make a big difference. It's handy to have around for pH checks when making soil mixes or to see all container plants are equal, so I usually use it for peppers & tomatoes & only 1x or 2x a year for pumpkins; nothing can compare to a lab test however.

Mark

9/5/2002 1:17:51 AM