Insert the meter directly into the soil that requires testing , embedding its metallic surface completely and tamping down the surrounding soil so that it adheres closely to the meter's metallic electrode surface.
About ten minutes after inserting the meter in the soil, the pointer will indicate the correct value of ph or moisture.
The meter may sometimes register different values depending on the soil condition,adhesion to the meter's metallic surface, moisture content,etc. Therefore it is advised you take an average of several measurements.