To ensure the long-term stability of nutrient solutions, it is important to maintain the pH between 5.0 and 6.5. This helps ensure all nutrients are available for root up-take. It also minimizes the risk of plumbing blockages.
pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ion (H+) or acidity in a liquid. The pH values of most aqueous solutions, such as drinking waters, have pH values of around 6 to 8. The more acidic the water the lower the pH. Conversely, the more alkaline the solution the higher the pH.
The pH scale is logarithmic, which means that each 1 unit variation in pH represents a 10 fold change in the hydrogen ion concentration. For example, water with a pH of 4.0 is 100 times more acidic than one of pH 6.0.
This article discusses the following topics:
- Optimum pH of nutrient solutions
- Adjusting nutrient pH
- Measuring pH with 'indicators'
- Measuring pH with pH Meters
- Calibrating pH meters
- pH meter maintenance and accuracy problems
- Buying a pH meter
PH MEASUREMENT & CONTROL: Optimum pH of nutrient solutions | Adjusting nutrient pH
