Earth Partnership for Schools
WOODLAND RESTORATION INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP > HOW TO RESTORE WOODLAND AT YOUR SCHOOL > STUDY THE SITE > SOIL REACTION (pH)
Measure soil pH to determine the acidity of your soil. Acidity is measured on a scale of 1 to 14. The pH of 7 is neutral, < 7 is acidic; > 7 is basic or alkaline. Most natural soils usually have pH values between about 3.0 and 8.4. Soils in wetter regions tend to be more acidic; soils in dry regions tend to be more alkaline. To measure the pH of your soil, purchase pH indicator paper from a lab supply company. Bottle Biology by Mrill Ingram describes how to make your own indicator paper.