pH-measuring devices: crucial for a successful grow

Besides the EC Meter, the correct ph value plays the most important role in the healthy and productive development of plants. The pH value provides information on how strongly the soil or a nutrient solution is basic or acidic.
Both in hydroponic systems, but also when growing in soil or substrates, the pH determines the success or failure of the entire grow. If the pH in nutrient solution or soil is not correct, the plants can not optimally absorb urgently needed nutrients and there is the risk of lasting damage!

Preventing deficiency symptoms

Deviations from the ideal pH are dangerous for the plant in both directions and lead to deficiency symptoms. Depending on the cultivation method, the ideal pH value is 5.5 to 6.8.
If, on the other hand, the pH in substrate or water is too low, the soil is too acidic and calcium deficiency may occur. Burnt root tips or black spots on the leaves are the consequences visible to the outside.
If, on the other hand, the substrate is too alkaline, i.e. the pH value is too high, the plant suffers a lack of iron. This is noticeable by yellowed leaves and leaf veins.
Even small deviations from this ideal pH value lead to a very strong overacidification or otherwise an alkalosis of the substrate. For example, soil with a pH of 5.5 is ten times more acidic than soil with a pH of 6.5!

Regular control

Especially in hydroponic systems, regular control of pH is absolutely necessary! Hydroponic systems lack the natural, regulating buffer function of the soil, so that incorrect pH values are passed on abruptly to the plant.
But even when using substrates or soil, the pH value is not to be neglected and can be determined quickly and easily with an appropriate measuring device.
We offer pH meters in a wide range of versions and price classes, making the important control of the pH value for every grower a routine task without any problems.

pH value in nutrient, soil and water

In hydroponic systems or when using substrates, theideal pH is between 5.5 and 6. Different nutrients require different pH values for optimal processing by the plant, so it is definitely recommended to allow the pH to fluctuate within this range.
Of course, fertilizers and additives should be added to the solution before measuring and then stirred well.
The same applies to the pH value in soil, which ideally ranges between 6.0 and 6.8. For this purpose, we carry special pH-optimized soil, which is qualitatively significantly different from the usual and even higher-quality potting soil. For example, the only mildly pre-fertilized Biobizz Light-Mix with a pH of 6.2, whose organic elements form a self-regulating system that keeps the pH at the right level.
Finally, the pH of the water should also be continuously determined and adjusted if necessary. Often, the pH of tap water is not optimal for plants, i.e. it is clearly too acidic or too alkaline.

Determine pH value correctly

With a properly calibrated, electronic pH meter, the determination of the pH value succeeds relatively uncomplicated. The measuring probe of the pH meter is held in the solution and the device shows the pH value in the display only a short time later. Note: all components of the liquid should be added to the solution before measurement and then stirred well. Depending on the measurement, the pH value must be corrected either upwards by adding lye, or downwards by adding acid. Caution: alkalis such as acids are highly aggressive and can cause serious damage!

Calibration and maintenance

Especially with the highly sensitive electronic pH meters, regular calibration and maintenance play a particularly important role.
Thus, it is absolutely necessary that the electrodes of the measuring instrument are always kept moist. We recommend the GIB Industries KCL storage solution, 300ml.
Some meters, such as the ADWA AD11 electronic pH meter, have special waterproof caps that provide a constant supply of liquid and must not dry out under any circumstances. Here, only a few drops of KCL solution are needed to keep the electrode completely wetted.
Regular calibration of the pH meter is also essential for accurate work. Before the first measurement the pH meter should be calibrated in any case, afterwards the calibration should be done approx. every two weeks. If the electrodes dry out, the pH meter must be recalibrated, as well as after cleaning or if the results become too inaccurate.
For calibration, there are üusually two different calibration solutions, pH 4 and pH 7. The calibration process itself is simple and usually well explained in the device's user manual.

Conclusion

All in all, investing in a pH meter is not only a necessary but also a very sensible decision that will have a lasting positive impact on both the quantity and quality of the harvest.