The Importance of pH

[kiwipaulie]

I only ever check my ph whenever I have added something to it. After a while you know what nutrients or additives that really blows your ph out.

Other than that I don't ph as I'm in organic soil, however ill occasionally add some dolomite lime and that sorts it out anyway.

 

[tyke1973]

What does the Yellow and Purple represent?

Think yellow is around 6.0 to 6.5 but you should have a chart

 

[DesertGrow89]

Nutrient Antagonisms

Excess Nutrient/Induced Deficiency

N/K
Ca/Mg
Ca/B
PO4/Fe, Mn, Zn, or Cu
Fe/Mn
Mn/Fe

Before one corrects a nutrient deficiency, be sure which nutrient is the cause of the problem. Potassium deficiencys caused by an excessive amount of nitrogen are a common example of nutrient antagonisms. This list was taken from notes in Greenhouse Operation and Management by Nelson (fifth edition).

 

[HydroRed]

For soil grows, pH probably isnt quite as important since you have a sense of "Mother nature" to help buffer things out. With hydroponics/DWC it is very important since you dont have the element of "mother nature" involved and you are essentially playing mother nature. For hydro, I keep a lower pH (approx 5.2 or so) and knowing my pH climbs every 4 days or so, I let it "swing" upwards of 6.0-6.2 before I try to correct it. I try not to chase my pH and let it work for me instead of the other way around. When you allow it to swing up like I mentioned it enters the perfect ph for every macro/micro uptake in the plants according to charts inbetween pH corrections. Just my .02 but it seems to work well for me and I dont stay too busy chasing pH's.

 

[Doogan]

What does the Yellow and Purple represent?

Purple is Calcium... Not sure on the yellow. I just found this and thought is was simply representation.

 

[Doogan]

The biggest issue that I have experienced and see other growers do, which isn't exactly the worst thing you can do......but Nitrogen is is a mobile nutrient within the plant, there are many purposes plants use nitrogen for. Normally a nitrogen deficiency will tend to yellow the leaves... However, a lockout can cause a Nitrogen "deficiency". The lock out can be due to over or under nutrient loads or from a pH imbalance. if your pH is to low or drops during cycling, then the nitrogen will not be utilized or taken up by the plant...

 

[Doogan]

I researched AN pH Perfect nutrients..

Basically they use a highly chelated blend to start with, which for some is used as a standard or stand alone base nutrient. Also, the proprietary blend of acidic and "alkalinic" ions that coat molecules for a "Smart" release at particular pH levels. This creates the pH window for the The nutrients are also coated to heterogeneously procure a high blend of micro and macro nutrients for optimal root development and opening the cellular uptake. Rosebud magazine and a rep from AN spoke about these blends and how they work. There is also a video that is a lament overview of the process.

Im still curious as to what these blends are, how they remain adhered to the nutrient and how does that effect the plants, also what happens to the residual unused coating of acidic or alkaline coatings?

 

[bryan oconner]

I don't want to get to technical . you can quote me on this . ( TO HIGH PH BAD . TO LOW PH BAD . IN THE MIDDLE PH VERY GOOD )

 

[Doogan]

I don't want to get to technical . you can quote me on this . ( TO HIGH PH BAD . TO LOW PH BAD . IN THE MIDDLE PH VERY GOOD )

Wow thanks for that great input. You must be a sevant.

 

[Doogan]

ppm or ph? Which is more important?

 

[fast & loud]

I would say PH because if its not right your ppm wont mean shit due to possible nutrient lockout. But then again ppm of course is important due to the different stages of plant growth. My rule of thumb when using something that I am not really used to using I just use half the recommended dose that it calls for on the bottle then work it up from there while keeping a close eye on your plant for any drastic changes. Also keep week one through harvest journal on feedings so that at harvest if everything went well and is great you can then easily repeat the same grow with ease. Just my opinion take it for what it is.

 

[Doogan]

I only PPM. PH ing takes longer than I want to spend on mixing nutrients. Dialing in my regimens and mediums allows for less work. Using a PH perfect product like "Connoisseur" from Advanced Nutrients works well as a base nutrient and is actually effective at regulating PH to keep it within limits. Now adding amendments can change thing completely...

 

[Kingrow1]

Im with the soil growers who dont ph and thank god theres enough of them saying it

 

[Doogan]

Im with the soil growers who dont ph and thank god theres enough of them saying it

I am looking to a more Coco based mix... Any thought on how it will effect the pH? Would a straight coco mix or low amended coco mix disrupt the pH of the medium? I understand that Botanicare Coco mix dose not need to be amended with CalMag like traditional coco...

 

[MoodyShoes]

It's a stupid question....it entirely depends upon the medium. Soil - unimportant, Hydro - important.

 

[Kingrow1]

I wouldnt ph soil, i would in coco.

 

[RM3]

Have not checked PH in years and have never owned a ppm or ec meter

and I grow in peat

can't say how important it is ,,,,,,,,,,,, or isn't

 

[Doogan]

It's a stupid question....it entirely depends upon the medium. Soil - unimportant, Hydro - important.

Hydro is not a form of grow medium. It is a system of growing. Peat is considered a "Soilless" MEDIUM, coco is as well. These mediums require more attention than a "Soil-medium". Hydroponics requires the cultivator to complete the natural balance of nutrients, minerals, and bacteria.

 

[MoodyShoes]

Hydro is not a form of grow medium. It is a system of growing. Peat is considered a "Soilless" MEDIUM, coco is as well. These mediums require more attention than a "Soil-medium". Hydroponics requires the cultivator to complete the natural balance of nutrients, minerals, and bacteria.

I think it's fairly obvious what i meant but thanks for the informative post. Any advice on how i should tie my shoelaces, or how to ride a bike? Maybe you can tell us all why it's important to wrap up warm in winter...

 

[Doogan]

I asked because I haven't pH'd in a long time. I have been running into strains where they never really filled or got as dense as I would have liked. Almost all of the environmental anomalies have been fixed (Humidity, temps, light leaks, CO2). So Im beginning to think that some strains really need to be dialed in on their pH. Since I haven't pH'd in a long time I can't really give a comparison. I know for the most part that things grow well in the environments Im providing but at times the buds are airy, but usually with particular strains. Its not an OG strain issue (Grew Diamond OG and Red OG. ROG was fire and the Diamond was not quite as loud) or Heavy sativa strains like GG#4.