Haversack Soil Test Kit

I didn't realise I would have to dig a hole 5-7inch deep, weigh it and measure 4 parts distilled or rainwater before letting it settle for 24 hours. Doing the test was easy enough although measuring is crude, but the colour produced looks nothing like the paper version to compare to. Does that mean I did it wrong or is my soil off the scale.Overall doing 7 sites I found it not easy to use and don't feel I can rely on the results. As a rough guide it may be ok.

Worked well, with one caveat: I could not measure pH, but for a good reason. They recommend you use distilled water, if not then rainwater, and if neither is available then as a last option use tapwater. I used rainwater. The soil measured as too acidic to believe. Googling around it seems rainwater is acidic, pH 5.5 to 6.0 or so, due to dissolved CO2. So I will have to get some distilled water from a garage to complete that test.I have one bit of feedback for the makers. The colour coding of the sealed test tube caps, reagent powders' lettering are not consistent. This confused me into doing some kind of random reaction with a bizarre colour outcome. Please make the colour consistent across caps and lettering. Meanwhile, folks, pay close attention to what you are doing.One thing not clear from the sales description is the length of time needed for a test. Having to wait overnight for the soil-in-water sample to settle was a bit frustrating and would be limiting if you want to do multiple tests.

The colours of the test analyte on the powder and liquid labels nominally match each other but two of them seem the wrong way round at first glance, so if you're testing for everything and going down a line of test tubes with tubs in holders and dropper bottles loose it's easy to put the wrong liquid in the wrong test tube. I found two of the analytes, when read at 10 minutes, suggested low levels but, left for a few minutes, they darkened to moderate to high. I think it's likely closer to the later readings.

I like using equipment that gives a good indication of what is going on. This kit does just that. Then knowing what to look for, I can get more detailed analysis. But as an initial method to find stuff, this kit is ideal. Thing is, if I use equipment that gives the good indication, and I do this consistently, then I gain a greater understanding of the environment

This is quite a comprehensive test kit for the price so can't be faulted in that respect. However the sample chemical, 'test tubes' and measuring spoons are so small they are very fiddly to work with, especially in an outdoors environment. We also found that one of the lids on the plastic test tube cracked when being screwed which rendered that test useless.It would be better if the kit was a bit more robust. However all the tests seem to work ok and gave results broadly in line with what we were expecting. Not sure is we will use it again this year, and whether the chemicals will be viable through to next season and beyond.

Product arrived as described. Easy to use, with good clear instructions. One minor quibble - the jars of powder were only approx. one third to one half full. Enough for multiple tests, but they will run out long before the liquids. Maybe consider matching the powder levels to the liquid

Well put together little kit but not as accurate as I wanted for the npk tests

I am certainly not an expert in gardening, but do like to get things right as much as I am able to. This soil test kit certainly does help a lot. As previously stated the test tubes are square and do need a little extra time to clean the much out of the corners, however this kit is pretty decent and has helped me a lot.It will enable you to perform the following tests: pH and levels of Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphate. The small booklet has tiny print so those who are visually challenged may need a strong pair of reading glasses but explains how to perform the tests and basic instructions on how to to treat the soil. It also contains a list of plants (flowers and veg) and their preferred pH range which is most helpful!All in all this is a good product and I would highly recommend it.