This very easy to use soil test kit will allow you to have greener lawns, abundant flowers, fruits and vegetables.
This rapitest Soil Test Kit is designed for simplicity of use and accurate results. At the heart of the system are 4 patented, specially designed testing devices called "color comparators" - one each for pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash. Each comparator has a removable film color chart and color coded top. Capsules for each test are also color-coded.
For lawns, annuals or house plants, take the soil sample from about 2-3" below the surface. For perennials especially shrubs, vegetables and fruit, the sample should be from 4" deep. Avoid touching the soil with your hands. Test different areas of your soil, as it may differ according to past cultivation, underlying soil differences or a localized condition. It is preferable to make individual tests on several samples from different areas, than to mix the samples together. Place your soil sample into a clean container. Break the sample up with the trowel or spoon and allow it to dry out naturally. This is not essential, however it makes working with the sample easier. Remove any small stones, organic material such as grass, weeds or roots and hard particles of lime. Then crumble the sample finely and mix it thoroughly.
1. Fill a clean container with 1 cup of soil and 5 cups of water. (Larger or smaller
quantities may be tested as long as the 1 part soil to 5 parts water proportions
are maintained) For best results use bottled or distilled water.
2. Thoroughly shake or stir the soil and water together for at least one minute;
then allow the mixture to stand undisturbed until it settles (30 minutes to 24
hours, dependent on soil). A fine clay soil will take much longer to settle out than
a coarse sandy soil. The clarity of the solution will also vary, the clearer the better,
however cloudiness will not affect the accuracy of the test.
3. Select the appropriate comparator for the test you wish to make. Remove the
cap and take out the capsules which should be the same color as the cap. Make
sure the color chart (film) is in place. Do not interchange color charts between
comparators.
4. Using the dropper provided, fill the test and reference chambers to the fill
mark on the chart with solution from your soil sample. Avoid disturbing the sediment.
Transfer only liquid.
5. Remove one of the appropriate colored capsules from its poly bag. Holding
the capsule horizontally over the test chamber, carefully separate the two halves
and pour the powder into the test chamber.
6. Fit the cap on the comparator, making sure it is seated properly and caps
tightly. Shake thoroughly.
7. Allow color to develop in the test chamber for 10 minutes.
8. Compare the color of the solution in the test chamber to the color chart. For
best results, allow daylight (not direct sunlight) to illuminate the solution. Judge
colors, if necessary, and note your results for future reference.
Follow the same easy steps for each of the N, P and K tests. When you have the
test results you need, refer to the information below.