Australia's Science Forum

I've just been asked for samples of acid, basic and neutral soils.
I'm thinking to just add vinegar for acid, calcium carbonate for basic.
Does that sound about right?
It's year 7 and they're looking at soil pH.

Carol

sounds good to me we do the same thing

Sulfur will drop the pH as well - used to use Iron sulfate in the nursery game. Ph 5.5 is fairly acidic for soils so you don't need to go overboard, check the soil first as most Aussie soils are naturally acidic. You'll probably have to amend it to make neutral and alkaline samples. Definitely calcium carbonate for increasing the pH.