Changes

==Testing==

==Testing==

Soil pH can be determined in the field using inexpensive soil pH testing kits where a small sample of surface soil is mixed with water and reagents which change colour according to the acidity/alkalinity. The soil pH value is determined by comparing the colour and shade to calibrated scales. Soil pH can also be determined using a portable pH meter which involves inserting a rod into a soil-water slurry mixture. Such soil pH tests should be conducted by creating a shallow (5 to 10 centimetre deep) hole in the soil, filling it up with distilled water, stirring to create a slurry mixture, inserting the pH meter rod into the slurry mixture and recording the value displayed on the meter. Alternatively, surface samples can be submitted to a soil testing laboratory accredited by

Soil pH can be determined in the field using inexpensive soil pH testing kits where a small sample of surface soil is mixed with water and reagents which change colour according to the acidity/alkalinity. The soil pH value is determined by comparing the colour and shade to calibrated scales. Soil pH can also be determined using a portable pH meter which involves inserting a rod into a soil-water slurry mixture. Such soil pH tests should be conducted by creating a shallow (5 to 10 centimetre deep) hole in the soil, filling it up with distilled water, stirring to create a slurry mixture, inserting the pH meter rod into the slurry mixture and recording the value displayed on the meter. Alternatively, surface samples can be submitted to a soil testing laboratory accredited by

the province of Ontario for testing by saturated paste method<ref>. An acceptable procedure for testing soil pH is provided in [https://www.astm.org/Standards/D4972.htm ASTM D4972 - 13 Standard Test Method for pH of Soils].

the province of Ontario for testing by saturated paste method<ref>Ontario Ministry of Agriculture F and RA. Soil Fertility Handbook. (Reid K, ed.). OMAFRA; 2006. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub611/pub611.pdf. Accessed October 17, 2017.</ref>.. An acceptable procedure for testing soil pH is provided in [https://www.astm.org/Standards/D4972.htm ASTM D4972 - 13 Standard Test Method for pH of Soils].

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture F and RA. Soil Fertility Handbook. (Reid K, ed.). OMAFRA; 2006. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub611/pub611.pdf. Accessed October 17, 2017.</ref>.

 

==Evaluation==

==Evaluation==

When media test results fall outside of the specification range or acceptance criteria range, corrective actions are only needed if problems with vegetation cover, condition or composition (i.e., dominance by weeds) are also detected through visual inspection.  

When media test results fall outside of the specification range or acceptance criteria range, corrective actions are only needed if problems with vegetation cover, condition or composition (i.e., dominance by weeds) are also detected through visual inspection.