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PH levels and manure/compost

gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
in Problem solving
Evening everyone

So I’ve decided to do some PH tests on my garden using a soil testing kit. I often add rotted manure every year as a mulch and may dig it in if it’s a bare patch, would this alter the PH level at all? If it does alter it, would it be a lot?

Many thanks 

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I think it would change it, but by how much l couldn't say. I'm sure there is someone on here who has more knowledge, in the meantime l found this which may help a little  :)
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=82
  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    The effect will depend on the source of the manure, chicken, horse, cattle, and on the age of the manure but it won't be significant. Both soil and manure have a very large buffering capacity so it would take a huge amount to make any impact and it would not be a lasting impact.
    Consumer soil testing kits aren't very accurate so don't be surprised if you get different results every time you test. They are fine for getting a general picture but you might find it easier to just look at neighbouring gardens to see what plants grow well e.g. lots of rhodos and camellias, probably acid soil. There is also a useful app from BGS which will tell you the soil type in your location.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's almost impossible to fundamentally change the pH of your soil.

    In a confined space, like a raised bed,  it can be done by adding a lot of varying types of medium, but even then, you'd need to keep doing it on a regular basis.

    It's the reason people with very alkaline soil who want rhodos or similar, grow in large containers. Not always successfully unfortunately, as they need a lot of room to thrive. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    As said above pH test kits are not generally very informative/reliable.
    If you're in England or Wales you can get a good idea of your local conditions from this site -
    http://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes/


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,351
    I disagree with test kits being unreliable. They are much more reliable than pH meters. The only possible problem is that you test a very small amount of soil from one place, it's easy to get some contaminant there (tiny piece of mortar from paving etc.). But they absolutely do what they are supposed to do - show you the approximate pH of the sample.
    According to my experience, amendments like manure or compost (bagged from gc) make my acidic soil more neutral. It's possible that there is some lime in these products. The process of decomposition into the soil should be acidifying but it never made my acidic soil more acidic. It would probably make alkaline soil more acidic but not significantly.
  • gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
    Wow lots of information thanks guys :) well my ground is predominately chalky with elements of clay, and the manure I’ll be using is well rotted stable/horse manure, or there’s a garden centre nearby where I buy ‘blended manure’ so all in all I shouldn’t worry about making it acidic? My moisture/ph prove says I’m neutral I think
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