Barium sulfate substitute

[vlclabbie]

Hi, do any of you very experienced & knowledgable labbies out there know of a substitute for barium sulfate to test the pH of soil??

Thanks! Kel

[Anastasia]

I believe you can use baby/talcum powder instead.

[Jen1]

Anastasia, please tell more! Talcum powder to test soil pH? Does it change colour like the barium sulphate?

[Anastasia]

The barium sulfate is usually sprinkled on the soil and then universal indicator dropwise on top of the barium sulfate. The colour of the barium sulfate can then be compared with a colour chart. So replace barium sulfate with baby/talcum powder, I have heard it works but have not seen it myself.

[smiley]

Two ways to test soil pH:

1. Get a layer of soil, level the surface, put drops of Universal Indicator over the surface, sprinkle talcum powder over the top, about 4-5mm thick. The UI will soak through the powder, showing the pH colour result.

2. Place one or two (I use two) UI pH paper strips across the bottom of a beaker. Cover with two filer paper circles. Add soil to the beaker. Wet it if it isn't damp, using distilled water. Spread newspaper over a desk or level surface. Carefully dump out the soil, so that the filter paper remains on top of the pile of dirt. You should be able to see a colour change in the pH paper. We use this method for mangrove mud, and it is wuite successful. We compare it to a pH meter for soil that we got from Bunnings.

Good luck.

[vlclabbie]

Thanks guys! As usual - total heroes!!

[Robb]

Hi All,

Strontium Sulfate.

Cheers,

Robb.....