Like...How does it make such a big difference to grow in hydro than soil...since the nutrient intake is optimal in the correct pH range? I dont grow in soil, strictly hydro so obviously you have to keep the pH in the correct range for best results and to reduce risk of lockout/shock.
To answer your question, because were growing in SOIL NOT WATER like in hydro, whats the water pH got to do with the soil pH when growing in soil, two different things which a lot of soil growers seem to think are the same thing. Your digital pH meters dont read soil pH only water pH.
People think because they are growing in soil its all to do with the pH of the water, FALSE, its to do with the hydrogen ions which are loosley bound to the soil particles. Alkaline ions may replace them to bring the soil pH up, this in soil is called a BUFFER and FU#K ALL to do with water although water may posses a small amount of alkaline ions which is why over the LONG TERM water may be able to alter the pH of the soil but we are talking a long time here and not for normal 3/4 month grows.
Ill futher simplify this for new growers who dont want to get mixed up in the myth-
If you grow in hydro or in soil with chemical ferts then adjust and pay close attention to your water pH but if using natural inorganic or organic ferts in soil the only thing you need to be wary off is not raising water pH above 8.5 and below 5.5 as this will shock the roots, other than that water away and rest assured its no big deal, your soil has a pH regardless of water, if you wana know it look at the back of the bag or send it away to a lab, this is the only way you'll ever get an accurate soil pH, the fact that your soil is pH 6.5 and you add water at pH5.5 means your soil is still 6.5.
Since when did people get confused that soil pH is directly related to the pH of the ferts and water you add???? Its called a soil grow for a reason.
Too many people are saying the same thing about water in a soil grow and i am slowly giving up trying to explain. Peace
