Bluelab Soil pH Meter Mode d’emploi

(6 months for pH probe)

Probe cable lengths:

2 meters / 6.5 feet

soil pH meter

Contents page

Features 2

Bluelab Soil pH Meter 2

Introduction 3

Preparing for use 3

Calibration 4

Information about measuring

the pH of soils/media 6

Measuring the pH value 8

Measuring soil solution

pH value 8

Battery replacement 9

Cleaning the Bluelab

Soil pH Probe 9

Hydrating the soil pH probe 10

Storing the Bluelab Soil

pH Meter 10

Error messages 11

Technical specications 11

Troubleshooting guide 12

Bluelab Soil pH Probe

replacement 13

Bluelab Soil pH Probe Care 13

Bluelab limited warranty 14

Contact details 15

Care and use guide

English

Bluelab Soil pH Meter

Low battery

indicator Successful pH

calibration indicators

pH unit

Keep your soil pH probe tip wet

at all times to avoid permanent damage

Soil pH probe

connection

socket (BNC

tting)

Display

Dibber / Auger

Power button

Bluelab Soil

pH Probe

Calibrate

button

Soil pH probe storage cap

The soil pH probe tip must not be allowed to dry out.

Always place the storage cap back onto the soil pH

probe after each use. Ensure the cap contains enough

Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution to cover the

probe tip.

Features

Lightweight and portable Successful pH calibration indicator

Large easy to read display 2 x AAA alkaline batteries included

Simple push button pH calibration Auto off function

Replaceable soil pH probe included Low battery indicator

Over range and under range indicators

English

1.0 Introduction

The Bluelab Soil pH Meter has two press buttons; ‘calibrate’ and power. The power button

requires a short press; release in about one second. The ‘calibrate’ button requires a long

press; hold for at least three seconds and release when the display starts ashing.

Turning the soil pH meter on and off

A short press of the power button will turn the soil pH meter on. The soil pH meter

automatically turns off after approximately four minutes if no buttons are pressed.

If the soil pH meter turns off before the reading is taken, short press the power

button to turn the soil pH meter on again.

2.0 Preparing for use

The following tasks must be performed before the Bluelab pH Meter is used for the

rst time.

Insert batteries.

See section 8.0.

Connect soil pH probe

Connect the soil pH probe to the soil pH meter

by lining up the lugs of the BNC ttings. Fasten

securely by pushing the pH probe connector on

and twisting one quarter turn.

Remove the storage cap

Remove the pH probe storage cap by gripping

the top of the cap and gently twisting the base

one rotation clockwise to loosen slightly. Next

slowly slide the cap off the pH probe. DO NOT

completely remove the base of the cap from the

top of the cap.

CAUTION: When the soil pH probe is not in use,

add enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage

Solution to the storage cap so the probe tip is

covered. Then replace the cap and store in a

secure place.

DO NOT use RO (Reverse Osmosis), Distilled

or De-ionized water. Pure water changes

the chemistry in the reference, causing the

probe to die.

Calibrate the pH

Calibrate the soil pH meter by following the

instructions in section 3.0 of this manual.

This must be done before the

soil pH meter is used for the rst time.

Attaching the

Bluelab Soil pH Probe to the Meter

Removing soil pH

probe storage cap

Ensure probe tip is covered by

the KCl storage solution in cap

Inserting Twisting Attached

See section 3.0

for calibration

steps

English

3.0 Calibration

pH calibration is required before rst use and then monthly to ensure readings are

accurate.

For accurate pH readings the soil pH probe is cleaned and recalibrated when:

• The reading is different to what you were expecting.

• The batteries have been removed or changed.

• The soil pH probe is replaced with a new one or is disconnected from the soil pH Meter.

• The pH calibration indicators have disappeared.

When calibrating the pH after rst use the soil pH probe needs to be cleaned. See soil

pH probe cleaning in section 8.0. The soil pH probe does not need to be cleaned for

initial calibration.

For best pH calibration

pH reading accuracy is dependant on the accuracy and age of the calibration

solutions used, and use and cleanliness of the soil pH probe tip.

• Ensure the soil pH probe has been cleaned and rinse the soil pH probe tip with clean

water between calibration solutions to reduce contamination of the pH solutions.

• Only fresh uncontaminated solutions should be used.

• Calibrate the pH at the same temperature as the solution to be measured.

• ALWAYS calibrate the soil pH probe with pH 7.0 then pH 4.0 or pH 10.0.

The pH calibration involves cleaning the soil pH probe tip and then calibrating in

TWO SOLUTIONS.

If a reading below pH 7.0 is expected, use pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 calibration solutions.

If a reading above pH 7.0 is expected, use pH 7.0 and pH 10.0 calibration solutions.

Follow the steps below for soil pH meter calibration.

Storage and use of calibration solutions

• Always place the lid back onto the bottle after use or evaporation will occur rendering

the solution useless.

• Store in a cool place.

• DO NOT measure directly into the bottle. Tip a small amount into a clean container

and discard after use.

• Never add water to solutions.

pH reading accuracy is dependant on the

accuracy and age of the calibration solutions

used, and use and cleanliness of the soil pH

probe tip.

English

3.0 Calibration cont.

To calibrate the pH

Clean soil pH probe tip.

See section 8.0 (the soil pH probe does not

require cleaning before the rst use).

pH 7.0 calibration

a) Turn meter on. Rinse pH probe tip in fresh

water, shake off excess water and place in a

pH 7.0 calibration solution. Long press until

display ashes. Leave probe in solution

while the display is ashing. If Calibration is

successful pH7 will be displayed.

The pH4 indicator will now ash indicating pH 4.0

or pH 10.0 calibration is now required.

b) If Err appears during the calibration process

see Section 11.0.

d) The Soil pH meter must be calibrated to two

points. If after an hour the soil pH meter has

not been calibrated with a second calibration

point the calibration indicators disappear and

the combo meter reverts to an uncalibrated

state. Calibration is required.

pH 4.0 / 10.0 calibration

a) Rinse the pH probe tip in fresh water, shake

off excess water and place the pH probe tip in

either pH 4.0 or pH 10.0 calibration solution.

b) Long press until display ashes. Leave probe

in solution while the display is ashing. If

Calibration is successful pH 4.0 or pH 10.0 will

be displayed.

pH 7 / pH 4 is displayed

or pH 7 / pH 10 is displayed

c) The Soil meter is now calibrated and ready for

use.

d) After 30 days, the calibration indicators

disappear to let you know calibration is

required.

Store the soil pH probe

Add enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution

into the probe storage cap to fully submerge the

soil pH probe tip. Place storage cap on probe.

Successful pH 7

and pH 4 calibration

pH 4.0 or

pH 10.0

calibration

solution

pH 7.0

calibration

solution

clean the soil pH probe

rinse in tap water

Ensure probe tip is covered by

the KCl storage solution in cap

English

4.0 Information about measuring the pH of soils/media

pH is the measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration (H+) - acidity and

its opposite, alkalinity. Neutral pH is 7.0 pH. Acidity measures below seven

pH (7.0 pH) with alkalinity measuring above it (7.0 pH). See chart below.

In soils or growing media, pH strongly inuences the availability of nutrients and the

presence of microorganisms in the soil.

Certain plants require a particular pH range to enable the required nutrients to be consistently

available to the plant. If the solution is too acidic or too alkaline it can cause “lock up” – a

situation which restricts certain elements essential for growth from being absorbed by the

root structure. This in turn reduces plant health and performance. Deciencies in the required

elements become apparent in plant growth and can lead to crop failure.

Low soil pH causes aluminium and manganese toxicity in plants and reduces the availability

of soil phosphorus. High soil pH also reduces soil phosphorus availability and reduces micro

nutrients such as zinc and boron to plants.

The chart below shows how nutrient pH levels inuence the uptake of certain elements.

Recommended pH range

for plants grown in: can be plant specic

Solution Soil

5.5 - 6.3 6.2 - 7.2

English

4.0 Information about measuring the pH of soils/media cont.

Taking pH measurements of soils with an electronic meter is indicative

rather than absolute.

The following factors are outside the control of any soil pH meter, so to minimise

their effect on the accuracy of the pH measurement you should consider the

following precautions:

Moisture level/raw water

If the sample you are wishing to measure is dry, add RO water or distilled water to

moisten. Ideally wait 24 hours before you take a measurement.

NOTE: If you add tap water, you will inuence the soil pH reading based on the pH of the

tap water.

Calibration of the soil pH meter and cleanliness of the soil pH probe tip

Calibrating the soil pH meter at least monthly will ensure accurate readings. Cleaning the

soil residue from the probe tip and storing the soil pH meter in a clean moist state will

provide reliable readings as well as prolonging the probes life.

Sample selection

For eld testing, remove the top 5 - 10 cm / 2 - 4” of the top of the soil. Samples are

taken approximately 15 - 20 cm / 6 - 8” down into the substrate and from various areas,

then an average of the readings is used.

For container grown plants, it is recommended to check the pH level of the substrate

prior to planting.

Factors affecting pH in the soil or media:

Soil type

Soils formed under high rainfall conditions (e.g. Eastern USA) are more acidic than those

formed under dry conditions (e.g. Western USA).

Growth stage of the plant

Uptake and requirements of particular elements change as the plant progresses through

it’s growing cycle. Recording pH level data to create a history is valuable.

Applications and types of fertilizers

Applications and types of fertilizers can alter the pH level signicantly. The time at which

you take the reading is important. Evaluate the brand of fertilizer to see if it is altering the

pH in the wrong direction.

Applications of sprays

As sprays can soak into the soil/media, a change to the pH level could result.

Soil/media temperature

High temperature soils may have a high concentration of CO2. The higher the

concentration of carbon dioxide pressure results in more carbonic acid which lowers pH.

pH range for soil crops

The recommended pH range for soil crops is 6.2 - 7.2, but this is plant specic.

English

5.0 Measuring the pH value

Once the Bluelab Soil pH Meter has been set up and calibrated, using it to measure a pH value

involves using the Bluelab Soil pH Probe, the green dibber/auger, a soil/media sample and

button functions. NOTE: The soil pH probe tip must not have dried out. If it has dried, soak the soil

pH probe in tap water for one hour prior to taking a measurement.

Remove the top 5 cm / 2 in. from the surface of the sample area.

Insert the dibber/auger into the sample to a depth of about 20 cm / 8 in. and remove.

If the soil/media is dry, moisten with a small amount of distilled water.

Remove the storage cap and insert the soil pH probe to the same depth ensuring the

probe end makes proper contact with the soil.

Turn the soil pH meter on.

Wait for the reading displayed on the soil pH meter to stablize to a constant value. This

can take up to four minutes. Record the reading.

Remove the soil pH probe from the soil/media and wash the soil pH probe tip under fresh

running water (not distilled) to remove any remaining soil residue.

Repeat the procedure in different locations and take the average of the measured data as

the pH level is representative of the sample area.

If the soil pH meter turns off while taking a measurement, simply press the power button

to turn the soil pH meter back on and continue with your measurement.

Store the soil pH probe between measurements. See section 10.0.

6.0 Measuring soil solution pH value

The greatest source of error in soil analysis comes during sample collection. An effort should be

made to ensure each sample properly represents the area being sampled.

• The readings taken with this method could be higher than those taken by other methods

• Consistency of the method used is important to be able to compare sets of results

• The accuracy of this method cannot be guaranteed because of the variables involved

• The results should be viewed as ‘indicative’ rather than ‘absolute’

Collection of sample

Sample in a zig-zag pattern across the required area.

Remove 15 mm / 5/8 in. of top soil before sampling at a depth of 150 mm / 6 in.

Mix all collected samples together thoroughly.

Allow to dry in the air or in an oven at 40 °C / 104 °F.

Weigh out 20 g / 0.7 oz of the collected soil into a 150 ml / 5  oz plastic sample jar.

Sample preparation

Add 100 ml / 3  oz of distilled or deionised water, screw lid on tightly.

Shake continuously for 5 minutes. Leave overnight and shake again the next morning.

Allow to settle for 15 minutes after shaking and strain sample into clean measuring cup.

Take pH readings as follows:

Remove the storage cap and insert the soil pH probe tip into the soil solution sample.

Turn the soil pH meter on.

Wait for the reading displayed on the soil pH meter to stablize to a constant value. This

can take up to four minutes. Record the reading.

Remove the soil pH probe from the soil solution and wash the soil pH probe tip under

fresh running water (not distilled) to remove any possible soil residue.

If the soil pH meter turns off while taking a measurement, simply press the power button

to turn the soil pH meter back on and continue with your measurement.

Store soil pH probe between measurements

See section 10.0.

English

7.0 Battery replacement

Batteries are replaced in the Bluelab Soil pH Meter when the low battery indicator

appears on screen. The low battery indicator remains on and the Bluelab Soil pH

Meter continues to operate until the batteries die or are replaced.

Open battery compartment by sliding the back cover down and

insert 2 x AAA batteries as shown on the battery holder. Slide

cover back on. NOTE: Alkaline batteries are recommended.

IMPORTANT: Check the batteries at least once every six

months for signs of deterioration, rusting or swelling.

If signs of deterioration are found, clean battery holder

contacts and replace batteries.

Battery

cover

8.0 Cleaning the Bluelab Soil pH Probe

To ensure accurate readings the soil pH probe tip needs to be rinsed in water after each

use and cleaned prior to calibration using the following instructions.

The storage cap must always be put back on after cleaning. Always ensure it contains

enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution to cover the probe tip.

Remove storage cap from soil pH probe.

Hold the top of the storage cap, twist the cap to

loosen then remove.

Rinse soil pH probe tip under fresh tap water.

Never use RO (Reverse Osmosis), Distilled or

De-ionized water.

Fill a small plastic container with clean tap water.

Add a small amount of Bluelab pH Probe Cleaner

or mild detergent (dishwashing liquid).

Gently stir the probe tip in the mixture.

Ensure that you do not ‘knock’ the soil pH probe

on the side of the container as this may cause

damage to the probe.

Rinse well under fresh running water to remove all

traces of the detergent mixture.

If the probe tip requires removal of heavy

contamination: Gently brush around the

glassware with a few drops of Bluelab pH Probe

Cleaner or mild detergent (dishwashing liquid) and

a soft toothbrush.

Rinse well under fresh running tap water to

remove all traces of the detergent mixture.

Calibrate soil pH probe after cleaning, see

section 3.0 After calibration, store soil pH probe

in the storage cap, ensuring there is enough KCl

Storage Solution to cover the probe tip.

English

10.0 Storing the Bluelab Soil pH Meter

Store the soil pH meter in a cool, dry and clean place when not in use.

Keep out of direct sunlight.

Keep soil pH meter out of direct sunlight to prevent irreparable damage to the LCD

reading display.

The soil pH meter is not waterproof but will withstand occasional water splashes.

If the soil pH meter is splashed, wipe dry as soon as possible.

Remove batteries if the pH Meter is to be stored for a prolonged period.

Remove pH probe if storing the pH Meter without use for longer than two to three

weeks and check regularly that the pH probe tip has not dried out.

When storing the soil pH probe, the soil pH probe tip must be kept moist.

To prepare the soil pH probe for storage, add enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage

Solution to the storage cap so the probe tip is covered. Then replace the cap and

store in a secure place. DO NOT use RO (Reverse Osmosis), Distilled or De-ionized

water. Pure water changes the chemistry in the reference, causing the probe to die.

9.0 Hydrating the soil pH probe

Hydrate the soil pH probe in Bluelab pH Probe KCl Storage Solution when:

• the probe tip has not always been stored in KCl storage solution, to improve

the reading response speed.

• the probe tip has been accidentally allowed to dry out

Never use RO (Reverse Osmosis), De-ionized or Distilled water.

Pure water changes the chemistry in the reference, causing the probe to die.

Loosen, then remove the storage cap.

Place the soil pH probe upright in a plastic

container.

Clean the soil pH probe tip.

Ensure the probe tip is cleaned before

hydrating. See section 8.0 for instructions.

Add enough Bluelab pH Probe KCl

Storage Solution to a plastic container to

submerge the soil pH probe tip.

Leave to soak for at least 24 hours.

After hydration, always calibrate the soil pH

probe to ensure accuracy, see section 3.0.

Bluelab pH Probe KCl

Storage Solution

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