Soil tester made in China
Inexperienced summer residents face many problems when arranging their own garden. Why do potatoes grow beautifully on one plot, but instead of beets you get miserable "tails"? The key lies in the type of soil, depending on which you can get an idea of the set of necessary elements, its density, moisture capacity and air permeability.
An equally important parameter when choosing vegetable crops is soil acidity. Submitting a sample to a specialized laboratory is considered the most reliable way. In addition, the acidity can be determined by the plants on the site. Recently, however, advanced owners of "six acres" have been using special soil testers.
The cost of a miracle device in Russian online stores is from 500 to 700 rubles. The most important advantage of the tester is unlimited shelf life. All data is obtained on the basis of a chemical reaction, which means that power supplies for the device are not needed. As a rule, the tester gives three parameters at once - illumination, acidity and soil moisture.
The device allows you to measure not only the quality of the soil, but also to adjust the frequency of watering plants. Even a novice gardener can handle testing. A special probe must be inserted to a depth of 10 cm and wait at least two minutes. Correlate the obtained data with the table that is supplied in the kit, and only then take measures for soil correction.
Soil testers are especially popular on the AliExpress website because of the attractive price - 200-300 rubles per product. Despite experimenting with soda and vinegar, buyers still have doubts about the accuracy of the devices. In addition, the process of soil measurement is complicated by the lack of instructions in Russian. After each use, the tester probe should be cleaned with a dry cloth.
Some reviews advise making a choice in favor of digital testers (the price is 900-1100 rubles in China and 4000-5000 rubles in domestic stores). The only drawback is the long delivery time - up to 70 days, but if you shop before the summer season, then feel free to place an order from one of the sellers on AliExpress.
The differences between Chinese and Russian testers are minimal, and the money saved can be used to buy seeds or special fertilizers.