How to Test Soil and Water on Your Property

Reader Contribution by James White
Published on July 15, 2015
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There are some pretty amazing benefits to living in the country. Most people who live in the country rely on wells. Well water comes from rain, lakes, rivers, ponds and underground streams. There are no regulations or tests done on that water, except for the tests homeowners do themselves.

Because the water comes from natural sources, it’s also important to keep an eye on the soil quality. Native plants play an important role in regards to water – they clean it. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline can prevent or inhibit plant growth, which, in turn, means that the water isn’t being cleaned as thoroughly.

Anyone who owns large areas of land should have their soil tested regularly. That can give you an idea of what to look for when testing the water. Remember, someone is doing water tests for anyone who uses the city’s resources, but you have to look for your own. Doing a water audit early can help you to prevent problemsbefore they impact your life, and will help you to make informed decisions about your land.

Soil Test

We’ll start with the soil test because it’s incredibly easy, and you can do it with items from your pantry. It should take about 15 minutes, and you can do it as often as you like. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline will prevent plants from growing and helping to keep fresh water sources clean. Quick refresher – acidity is measured on the pH scale of 0-14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral.

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