Have you been using mushroom compost? I think it's fairly common in PA, and I also think it's fairly high pH.

Sulfur is the quickest way to lower pH, but if your soil is naturally acidic, time should do the trick.

I wouldn't worry about 7.5, that won't kill anything, but it may indicate mineral imbalances - and no telling how accurate the test was - your sample more than their technique

I'd just avoid things that raise pH, like forms of calcium, and keep shoveling the compost to it, as good compost should normally be in the 6.5-7 range

Bill

Is your water hard? Does it contain calcium carbonate? If you water the garden with hard water, the pH is going to be raised a bit. I don't think pH = 7.5 is going to damage most garden vegetables, but our blueberry shrubs would yellow and die at that pH level.

ditto on what bpgreen said about mushroom compost.

Another possibility- Penn State f'd up the test, or your previous ones had a bias. There's always a chance that the measurement is the problem (gauge R&R).

I agree with previous posters--especially the possibility of high pH irrigation water or an inaccurate test.

7.5 isn't anything to get too worried about, as long as it doesn't continue to get higher. Most of Texas has high pH soils (often well above 8) and we grow plenty of vegetables here. There's earthworms here too.

High pH is difficult to correct--organic matter and sulfur are helpful. Watch for micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron, though you probably won't notice any problems at 7.5 unless you attempt to grow blueberries.

Jason

Included with the test report is an explanation of what was found. What was found and reported with your soil test other than the soils pH is in the 7.5 range? What is the ratio of Magnesium to Calcium? What is the level of organic matter.
This is another illustration of why gardeners should not use those "soil test" kits from the garden centers. There is a tremendous difference in the pH scale between 6.5 and 7.5 because the scale is logrithmic and each division, number, is ten times different than the previous.
A soil that is somewhat alkaline can repel earthworms. They, like most plants, do best with a soil pH between 6.2 and 6.8 where most all plant nutrients are most readily available.

What does "over the counter" pH test mean?

Karen

Elemental sulfur or flours of sulfur are antibiotic when added to the soil. Sulfur is supposed to be a trace mineral and should only be added as some form of sulfate compound.

Hose siphons or injectors can add weak acids (vinegar) into a waterline if desired.

http://www.groworganic.com/item_WMX150_BrassSiphonMixer.html

http://www.groworganic.com/item_WMX345_GrowMoreSiphonMixerInjector.html

Terran

Here is a link that might be useful: Siphon Mixer

An "over the counter" soil test kit is one of those very unreliable soil test kits sold at garden centers.

No mushroom compost, rather composted leaves and yard waste. I have used hard tap water in the garden, but this year I'm banking on two 60 gallon rain barrels during the dry spells. My calcium and magnesium levels are very high my CEC ratio is 17.8, whatever that means. Organic matter -6.7%. Is that a good level for organic matter? I will add peat moss and some sulfer to try to bring down the pH down a bit. Thanks everyone. This is great information.

Peat moss is unnecesary although the sulfur can help. The soil test report should have some recommendations on what to do to get that soil ready for the type of use you should have specified on the soil test application.