If you’re looking for a garden tool to measure the soil moisture content of your soil, light, and help control pH levels in the soil, then you’re talking about the three-way meter pH/light/moisture. It is a three different soil tester in one device, isn’t that awesome?
You may come across this gardening tool being called various names such as 3-in-1 soil tester, 3-way soil meter, soil analyzer, multi-purpose soil meter, and so on. Whichever name you see, they are all the same.
The three-way soil meter for plants allows you to easily monitor the conditions of your plants. Therefore, you get to give your plants the best care by using this gardening tool. In this article, we will be discussing more info on the three-way PH/light/moisture meter, how to use it, and more. So, let’s begin.
More Info On The 3 Way Soil Meter
The three-way meter PH/light/moisture is a piece of long metal equipment that is usually pushed into the soil. It is used to test measure moisture levels, soil pH, and light intensity.
- Firstly, the three-way meter will help you monitor the pH range in the soil as they become acidic or alkaline. This way, you get to adjust the pH levels to the appropriate range that is required by the particular plant you are growing.
- Secondly, the meter will help you test if your plants are receiving optimal sunlight for proper growth.
- Then lastly, the meter will test for moisture level to let you know if your plants require more watering or less watering.
Generally, this 3 in 1 meter is a great way of keeping in touch with the conditions of your growing plants. So, you get to offer your plants the appropriate care they need to grow strong and healthy.
Let’s dive in further by looking at the 3 things this meter measures and their importance.
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Importance Of Soil PH In Plants
One crucial factor that can’t be ignored when growing different plants is the soil pH. The availability of various nutrients and how they are been absorbed by plants largely depend on soil pH.
If the pH of your soil is out of range, your plants will not grow well and produce a good yield. They will end up looking stressed and if this is not resolved on time, your garden stands a chance of being futile.
This is why you need to always monitor your soil pH and you can do this using the three-in-one soil pH meter.
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Importance Of Sunlight
Sunlight is a key factor in the growth of your plant as it is an important source of energy for all plants. Light gives off energy that is absorbed by plants which feed the process of photosynthesis. This process of photosynthesis where plants make their food is needed for the survival of your plant.
The rays of sunlight give off different color spectrum needed by your plant in its various stages of growth. The vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages, all require a specific spectrum to flourish. It’s crucial you give your plants the required light.
Kensizer Soil Tester, 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Meter
So, with the three in one soil pH meter, you can as well test for light and always give your plant the right intensity for its growth.
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Importance Of Moisture
The third important measurement the three in one pH meter detects is moisture level.
When you underwater your plant, it can cause wilting, brown tips of leaves, dryness of leaves, as well as leaf curling. This shows your soil is dry and requires moisture. Overwatering on the other hand can cause brown tips of leaves, yellowing of leaves, root rot, and wilting.
Overwatering and under watering are both detrimental to your plants and the three-way meter pH/light/moisture can help you prevent this.
How To Use Three-Way Meter PH/Light/Moisture
Step 1- Soil PH Testing
To test for soil pH, dip the pointed forks into the soil. The first reading you see should be the pH and it’s measured on a scale of 1 to 14. Reading from the first value 1 which means most acidic. So, the value 14 reading most alkaline and the number 7 means neutral.
Most plants prefer a slightly acidic medium and will preferably grow between the 6 and 7.5 pH range. You can adjust the soil pH to suit your various plants by adding limestone to increase the pH and add sulfur to lower the pH range.
Step 2- Moisture Testing
For moisture readings, inset the pointed fork into the soil to be tested and press the button on the meter. Go ahead and see the moisture readings. The moisture content level can be read in a 10 percent increment and it will move from no moisture to total saturation.
Usually, the majority of the soil will prefer mid-range moisture value. So, you can always detect if you are over watering or under watering. If you find yourself overwatering, you can simply add sand to your soil to improve drainage.
Step 3- Light Testing
To detect light, simply push the button on your 3 way meter till it falls on light testing. The light testing can calculate the intensity of light in foot candles from the range 0 to 2,000.
The light intensity for different plants varies. Some plants prefer full sun, while some others prefer partial sun or shade. Therefore, be aware of the type of plant variety you have and their light requirements.
However, the light requirement for average indoor lightning is about 100-foot candles.
Note: After every use, ensure you wipe clean the forks of the tester using distilled water and a clean cloth. Always do this between every use. This is to ensure all your readings are not contaminated or affected and to get the correct readings.
FAQ’s
What is a three Way PH/Light/Moisture meter?
This 3-in-1 meter is designed to measure the relative humidity (RH) and the soil/plant water potential in one unit. It is also able to measure pH.
It usually has an LCD screen and a touch screen and is a very compact unit that's easy to use, and a very handy tool to have in your garden.
They work on the same principle as an analog thermometer (a little bit more expensive). You insert a probe into the soil, and the meter will indicate the current temperature of the soil, which is the same as the air temperature, minus the water vapor content in the air, plus the humidity in the air. If there is no water in the soil, then the meter will indicate that the soil is at the dew point. If there is water in the soil, then the meter will indicate the temperature of the water.
What is the difference between a soil probe and a moisture meter?
A soil probe measures the relative humidity of the air around the roots of plants. It has a tip that goes into the soil, and it measures the relative humidity of the soil. A moisture meter on the other hand, measures the water potential of the soil. It does this by measuring the pressure inside a sealed chamber which is connected to the soil.
It is not as precise as the soil probe, but it is much faster. The soil probe will tell you how moist the soil is, and it will tell you how dry the soil is. The moisture meter will tell you how dry the soil is. Both are important, and knowing both can help you get the most out of your plants. A soil probe is the best way to measure the relative humidity of the air around your plants. It will tell you if there are any problems with the air around your plants. A moisture meter is great for measuring the water potential of the soil, and it will tell you how wet or dry the soil is. It is very useful to know what the water potential of the soil is, because it tells you how much water the plant needs.
Is it costly?
It is a very expensive tool, which isn't surprising as many people even have trouble figuring out how to use all of its features. In part, you're paying for the easiness with which it is to set up.
Most people use it as a tool to determine when it is that they should add fertilizer to their lawn, vegetables and flowers.
Conclusion On Three Way Meter PH/Light/Moisture
We can see the three-way pH/light/moisture meter is a great way of closely monitoring the conditions of your garden. It can be used for both outdoor and indoor gardening. Therefore, this is a great tool to have in your garden.
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.