This kit is used to test the composition of any type of soil. It allows you to test the soil for nitrates, calcium, magnesium, and many other materials, all of which are important for plants growing in the soil.
The procedure for using this kit to test soil differs depending upon the test, but I'll provide the procedure for collecting a soil extract, and for testing the soil for magnesium and phosphates. Magnesium is a key component of chlorophyll, the chemical used by plants to convert sunlight into energy. Phosphates are a form of phosphorus that are required by many living creatures, including people.
Creating a Soil Extract
1: Take 1 level spoonful of soil and put it into a test tube.
2: Add 8ml of distilled water.
3: Add 2 drops of acetic acid.
4: Stopper the tube and shake well for about a minute.
5: Leave the tube overnight to sit.
6: After 1 night, the tube's contents should've separated into normal dirt and a yellowish fluid. This fluid is the extract.
7: Remove the extract carefully, without removing any of the solid matter. The extract will be needed for many of the next tests.
Measuring Phosphates
1: Add 20 drops of extract to a labform.
2: Add 5 drops of phosphorus reagent.
3: Add 1 piece of tin, wait 15-20 seconds.
4: The fluid will turn blue if phosphates are present. The darker the blue, the greater the amount of phosphates.
Measuring Magnesium
1: Add 20 drops of extract to a labform.
2: Add 1 drop of sodium hydroxide.
3: Add 1 drop of magnesium reagent.
4: Wait 30 seconds for a reaction.
5: If the fluid turns pink and cloudy, then there is a large amount of magnesium. If it is brown, then there is enough magnesium for most plants to get by. If the fluid remains yellow/tan then there is not enough magnesium for healthy plants.
Above is a picture of the sodium hydroxide next to the magnesium reagent.
