How to determine soil acidity using soda: a method that has earned respect among experienced gardeners

31.01.2023 15:00

The experiment with soda and vinegar was probably conducted in every school during chemistry class.

It is also the basis of the method that some gardeners use to determine the acidity of the soil, said Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication Belnovosti, an agronomist, and a landscape designer.

Let us make it clear right away – the procedure cannot give an exact result, although it is suitable for finding out the approximate state of affairs.

So, to determine the acidity of the soil using soda, you will need a container in which to place pre-moistened and mixed soil.

Add baking powder here and stir again.

Potato beds
Photo: © Belnovosti

If you notice foam and hear hissing, this indicates that the soil is acidic.

The less acidified the soil, the weaker the reaction will be. If the substrate is alkaline or neutral, there will be no reaction at all.

By the way, the same sodium bicarbonate can be used to deacidify the soil. It is enough to add a pinch of soda when planting or sprinkle the powder on the area when digging. The main thing is not to overdo it.

Elena Shimanovskaya Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources