Extraction and pH Testing Procedures

• Distilled water will give the most accurate test results. It has a neutral pH of 7.0. On the pH scale anything below 7.0 is acid and anything above 7.0 is alkaline or basic. If your tap water is acid or alkaline in nature, your test results may be affected.
• In Step 3, the nutrients Nitrate, Phosphate, and Potassium are "extracted" from the soil in an acid solution. The Floc Ex TesTabs® also contain a chemical reagent that allows the soil particles to settle to the bottom of the cup at a faster rate.
• Some soils with a high clay content will take longer to settle out of solution. The clear liquid above the soil is the solution used to test for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.
• The pH test also uses a distilled water extraction, but there is no acid material in the tablet that can affect the pH test result. Distilled water is recommended as tap water may have a pH of its own that would affect the test result.
• The Soil pH TesTab contains the same chemical reagent as the Floc Ex TesTab that allows the soil particles to settle to the bottom of the tube at a faster rate.
• Some tiny particles of the Soil pH TesTab may be visible once the tablet disintegrates. These particles will not totally dissolve and will not affect the test results.
• Follow all instructions for mixing and waiting times. Test results are calibrated to these times and variation will cause error in the results.
• The sample test result may develop a color that is in between two color values on the color chart. In this case, your result may be interpreted as mid range, for example low-medium or medium-high.
• Thoroughly rinse the tubes and caps after each use. Allow to air dry before storing.
• Store kit out of direct sunlight and in a dry place.
• Do not view the test results in direct sunlight.