pH meter recommendations?

[ChingfordHarry]

I'm thinking about investing in a soil pH meter to replace the paper strips that I've been using (disclosure: I'm a professional chemist who has been using both these technologies for decades - the meters I use in the lab tend to cost ££££ and are very accurate, but need plugging into mains electricity, which I don't have at the allotment) - something that I could bung in a pocket or back-pack that will still be working in a couple of years would be great.

Any recommendations?

[Nicos]

Would you be permitted to take soil samples into the lab?

Cant help you out I’m afraid. I was advised to check out which weeds are flourishing as they are a good indicator.
Sounds like you want to be more accurate than that though.

[ChingfordHarry]

'Fraid not - the lab has to be kept quite clean, and introducing random biological samples would certainly be considered unacceptable.

I don't actually need that level of accuracy - it's just that I know garden pH meters are available so wondered if there are any that should be avoided. pH strips are okay, but fiddly enough to make me want to try something a bit less so.

I'll have to check what pH the cinquefoil, bindweed and couch grass prefer, because they are the most common weeds on my plot.

[Andraste]

I've bought one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aliangting-...=ACW6LPL0TRQUZ (other suppliers/prices are available, link for picture & info purposes only).

Not sure how reliable/accurate it is though

[ChingfordHarry]

Not sure how reliable/accurate it is though

The advert says it's both accurate and reliable...

[Andraste]

I'm a cynical soul CH - something about them being cheap & simple makes me think it's too good to be true really - but I'll be happy if it will give me a guide rather than a proper scientific/precise reading ( haven't used mine yet).

I do have a similar one that just reads moisture & that's a God-send for checking seedlings/pots etc. at home.

[Plot70]

Look carefully and you will be able to see that the probes are made of different metals.
The probes act like the electrodes of a battery and will after some time dissolve.
You must take readings quickly for it to last longer.
No PH meter will work in very dry soil.

[Andraste]

That's useful info Plot70 - thank you.

Anyone have any idea how the 'fertility' bit is alleged to work?