Do you have an awkward patch of land where nothing will grow? It has happened to anyone who grows plants, from mass farmers to the humble gardener. It can be frustrating and hard to locate the problem. However, there are a number of tools that can help you diagnose the type of soil you have, and work toward fixing your barren patch.

Below, we go through a collection of must-have soil probes. From measuring tools to sampling, read on to find the equipment you need for the job.

1. Collect N Go

Collect N Go is one of the most revolutionary soil probes around. In fact, it is so easy and simple to use it is a wonder how no one thought of it before. You can now sample your soil in record time with its amazing bundle and kit. 

The product is made of a bucket, auger, and a security tie. The product is essentially a bucket with a hole in the bottom, with a special downward extending lip. You place the auger through the hole, drilling into the soil, and when it comes back up your sample is caught in the bucket.

The security tie prevents any escape. All you need to provide is the drill motor, which can be any household drill you may have lying around. What may seem like a simple bucket is packed with features to make the collection easier, such as left and right-hand grips.

The auger itself is machine hardened with a 16" steel 3/8 shank. The kit has left and right-hand positions, a pour spout, and a soil collector tube. They are ideal for any land, such as orchards, golf courses, farms, vineyards, and just about anything you can think of.

2. AMS EZ Eject Soil Probe 33"

This soil probe is a more traditional soil sample probe, but with a host of features that make it easier and more efficient to use. Each probe operates by using an internal piston, so the soil can be ejected quickly and efficiently. You can choose to eject it from the tip or from the soil sample slot.

A very useful feature is the locking mechanism for taking samples at given depths. The piston can be locked into place by twisting the side handles. Locking it anywhere you like inside the slot allows you to get samples from specific soil depths.

It comes with a heat-treated tip for extra strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. It also allows for easier penetration and extraction. It has an overall length of 34.5" and comes in two widths.

3. AMS Samplers 1" x 36" Replaceable Tip Soil Probes

The AMS 1 x 36 combines a more traditional soil sample probe with a few extra modern features. Firstly, it comes with replaceable tips and a handle for extra purchase in even the toughest of soils. This is combined with a comfortable 10" cross grip handle.

It is supplied with a regular coring tip but works with other AMS product probe tips. It is compatible with AMS threaded slide hammers and extensions for deep sampling. The probe itself comprises chrome plated alloy steel with a heat-treated tip to prevent long term corrosion damage.

4. Agratronix 4-in-1 Soil Tester

Once you have taken a soil sample, then you need to test it. The Agratronix 4-in-1 Soil Tester is a great product for this, as it allows you to test for all the main factors in soil.

It is a soil temperature probe, a soil PH probe with moisture and sunlight testing facilities in one. The temperature setting can switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit depending on your preference. It can give fast and precise measurements with an extremely high level of accuracy.

It can survey the light intensity of the surrounding area. The device is backlit so that you can use it in any lighting conditions. It comes with an auto power-off system to preserve battery life.

5. Agratronix Soil Compaction Tester

This measuring tool allows you to check the compaction of your soil at various depths. Soil compaction can impact a number of elements, such as the level of water retention, and an increase in yield due to root and plant development. It can increase the effectiveness of fertilizers and even reduce the power and time needed to till a field.

The compaction tester itself comes with two separate tips. These are for both firm and soft soil. Tests are measured in a range, with green, yellow, and red ranges indicating good conditions, fair and poor.

The large and small tip allows convenient storage options in the tester housing. The housing is durable, molded and with rubber grip handles for ease of use.

6. Knife

When testing soil, always keep a knife handy. They can be used for fine probing, looking for seeds, and planting depth. You can use them to check compaction and density and break up tougher pieces of soil crust.

7. Marking Flags

When testing soil in different areas, take a number of marking flags with you. These can show you where you have already tested, and they can be labeled to remind you of any results you may have found for a real-time assessment.

Testing

For smaller scale gardeners and those who own nurseries, it may not be able to buy all of these soil probes to locate the problem. Try contacting local agricultural rentals, who may be able to loan you some of the equipment.

For any gardening and growing needs, Barn Door had a huge range of products on offer. In addition, you can order online and get free shipping on orders over $149. Come and see our range then claim your free shipping so you can begin your next project immediately.