Soil pH significantly affects how well plants can access nutrients, and many Central Illinois soils run more alkaline than ideal for certain plants. This service tests current pH and provides guidance on amendments -- like lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it -- to bring soil into the right range for your specific lawn or plants.

  • Tests current soil pH
  • Recommends lime or sulfur amendments as needed
  • Tailored to what you're growing on the tested area

pH Testing & Amendment Guidance FAQs

How much lime or sulfur should I add to change my soil pH?

It depends on more than the pH number. How much lime it takes to raise pH, or sulfur to lower it, depends on the soil's texture, organic matter and buffering capacity, which a lab measures and a home kit doesn't. Two soils with the same pH can need very different amounts. That's why lab reports give a specific rate per 1,000 square feet for the plants you're growing. Lowering pH in Peoria's naturally alkaline soils is especially slow and sometimes impractical, so for some plants choosing species suited to the soil works better.

This content is reviewed by the Peoria Soil Testing editorial team and informed by licensed-contractor sourcing, manufacturer documentation, and established industry standards for Soil Testing. Read our editorial standards.