I totally agree that a true soil test is the way to go...... What I was looking for was a quick way to determine the ph of a possible future plot location, primarily due to the fact that lime would be VERY difficult to transport to these remote places (mostly boat access only). A "ballpark" ph would let me know the places that need the least amount of lime, so I could then send off a soil test for a more accurate ph reading and fertilizer prescription for the plants I intend to grow. The plots I intend to grow are only about 1/4 - 1/2 acre each due to the remote locations and the manual labor involved. Perhaps fertilizing natural vegetation in these remote areas is the key -- it might save me a whole lot of back pain!