Soil pH Meter PCE-228S

The soil pH meter PCE-228S is used to measure the soil pH value. The pH and temperature can be stored directly on the SD card. The special pH electrode of the pH meter PCE-228S is manufactured so that it is possible to measure with the pH meter in loosened soil. Temperature compensation is either manual or automatic via the supplied temperature sensor.
Please always make sure that the measuring principle requires a minimum residual moisture in the soil. Thus, this soil pH meter is the ideal solution for the accurate measurement of soil pH, in substrates, for horticultural irrigation solutions used in greenhouses and also in agricultural products and plants. 
The meter is always factory calibrated. A continuous re-calibration of the pH meter is carried out by means of the supplied calibration standards (buffer solutions). The calibration data remains stored when the battery is changed. In general, you can simply pierce the electrode into the ground and read the pH directly on the digital display. If you would like to carry out a measurement according to DIN or if you can not penetrate deep enough into the soil due to soil hardness, then you should prepare a DIN soil solution and use it for the exact measurement.
 

Application Gardeners 

Serious gardeners, homesteaders, and small-scale farmers know soil condition is everything—fertile ground means thriving crops, while the wrong pH can lock out nutrients and stunt growth. Soil pH (acidity/alkalinity), along with moisture, temperature, and light, directly impacts plant health in gardens, fields, greenhouses, raised beds, or even potted herbs.

This precision soil pH meter features a slim, durable electrode designed for easy penetration into soil samples—no digging up large clumps required. Get instant, accurate readings to reveal if your soil is too acidic (below 6.0) or too alkaline (above 7.0). Most vegetables and crops prefer 6.0–7.0 for optimal nutrient uptake, but acid-lovers like blueberries, potatoes, or raspberries do best at 5.0–6.0, while asparagus thrives closer to neutral.

Spot issues early, amend with lime or sulfur as needed, and match your soil to what you're growing—whether it's tomatoes, berries, or pasture forage. Handle the electrode carefully (avoid rocks/gravel to prevent glass damage), clean it after use, and store properly for long-lasting reliability. Quick checks like this save time, boost yields, and turn guesswork into confident homesteading decisions.

The Importance of the Soil pH In Agriculture 

Soil pH is a game-changer for crop success—it's one of the key factors (alongside water and nutrients) that determines how well plants absorb essential elements. When pH is off, even nutrient-rich soil or added fertilizers can become "locked up" in forms plants can't use, leading to stunted growth, lower yields, and wasted inputs.

An accurate soil pH meter lets you spot imbalances quickly and make targeted fixes—like adding lime to raise pH in acidic soil or sulfur to lower it in alkaline conditions. Most homestead crops thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0–7.0), where nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and micronutrients are most available. Examples:

• Tomatoes, peppers, beans, and corn: 6.0–7.0
• Potatoes and many berries: 5.0–6.5
• Blueberries and cranberries: 4.5–5.5
• Asparagus and cabbage family crops: closer to 6.5–7.5

Regular testing helps you dial in the perfect range for your garden, greenhouse, raised beds, or pasture—maximizing yields, cutting fertilizer costs, and building healthier soil over time. Simple, reliable pH checks turn guesswork into smart, profitable homesteading.

pH Value Measurement in Soil 

The soil pH is a distinctive mark of its acid or base content. The pH of a soil, as in all the other aqueous systems, is affected by natural buffer systems. The determination takes place either in a suspension (extraction procedure) of soil in a neutral salt solution (0.01 N calcium chloride or potassium chloride) - lab measurement method. Here, since the absorbed H + ions are replaced by the CaCl2-ions, the pH measured in such a way is about 0.3-1.0 units below the pH, which is measured in purely aqueous suspensions. However, not all the data in the literature are corrected accordingly. 

Specifications

Delivery Scope

1 x Agricultural measuring device PCE-228
1 x Electrode PCE-PH-ES
1 x SD memory card (2 GB)
1 x Temperature sensor
6 x Battery
1 x Operating instructions