Field pH testing

[beefarm]

Hello,

I have acquired an electronic field pH tester. The instructions call for deionized/distilled water to mix the soil sample in (1:1 ratio).

Not having the tools to create 'fresh' deionized/distilled water, I am using store bought distilled water. However, the pH of the water is ~ 5.5.

My question is how professionals using field kits to test soil with acquire their water AND how they mitigate using 'pure' water whose pH will never be 7.0.

It is unclear to me if using a 7.0 buffer is an alternative or if the pH of the 10mL distilled water is enough to cause false readings of the pH meter.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JTRdirt]

I believe that we can get pH 7.0 water (and/or DI/distilled water) from the labs that we use to analyze environmental samples.

Finding a lab like that (if you don't already use one with regularity) might be a good first step.

 

[Ron]

Check a few more water samples or check the calibration on your meter...5.5 is way too low for deionized water.

You should be able to get pH 7 water as JTRdirt noted.