I have a problem in which I need to measure the pH of soil directly (without making any soil solution). Is there any method by which I can accomplish the same?
I understand that this problem is pretty non-trivial, but still I want to check if somebody has succeeded in doing this.
Thanks in advance,
Best,
Jose
Dear Jose,
There are several in situ instruments - electrodes provided by different companies, e.g. Hanna instruments.
Regards,
Tatiana
Hi,
All pH electrodes need a solution to measure the pH. The very definition of pH is the -log of the concentration of H+ (Moles per litre)
Even soil specific pH electrodes (e.g. ISFET) require a small amount of DI water to be added to unsaturated soils: https://pure.au.dk/ws/files/48062322/S_e2012_Abstract_In_situ_soil_pH_EUROSOIL2012_SMK2.pdf
can you you split or take a sub-sample of your soil to do the pH? That would be the only way of attaining a reading, however make sure your sample is representative of the bulk via Homeginisation of the soil.
regards,
brett
Thank you Tatiana Kaletova and Brett Turner for your answers.
I have seen few commercial soil pH sensors that can detect pH upon direct insertion into soil. There are few videos available in YouTube describing the use of them. Though they do not yield high resolution of pH values, the values they yield makes sense. They are realized using two metal electrodes. Can anybody suggest which two are the apt metals that can help me in measuring pH of soil?
Maybe this link can answer your question
https://www.quora.com/How-do-pH-probes-work
I will make my question a bit more clear.
I understand that there are few commercial products available, that can measure pH of soil insitu. Most of them consists of two metals. Can somebody tell me what are those two metals used in these pH meters?
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