Measure the degree of acidity (pH)
photos: eurohydro.com
In recirculating systems the pH value should be measured on a daily basis, since changes in the nutrient solution made from the plants themselves can cause significant fluctuations.
In any case, it is essential to measure every time they are added to water or fertilizer.
To maintain stable acidity can resort to the use of nutrients that provide a " cushioning effect "or buffer , and temperature control (below 30 degrees) and humidity (above 50%) to reduce the 'excessive evaporation.
To make the measurement will proceed, as the EC, to mix the solution well and take a sample in a clean container.
And 'well not make measurements immediately after the addition of fertilizers or regulators.
At this point you can opt for a manual tester or an electronic.
The meter is very simple: just fill the tube will find in the box with your sample, pour a few drops of reagent and wait a few seconds.
The water will be colored by taking a color ranging from yellow (low pH) and blue (high pH) through orange, red and green.
Will be sufficient to pull the tube to the color scale provided to determine the pH value.
This is an easy, fast and cheap, but not very accurate. Many people also have problems with clarity in distinguishing colors.
The electronic meter is similar to that for EC. Here too we calibrate, calibrating it with the help of two bags of fluid pH balanced.
The first electrode will be immersed in one (pH 4) and calibrated, then rinsed with distilled water and immersed in the second envelope (pH 7 ) and then readjusted. Following a second rinse.
Now the instrument is ready, and just soak in the sample solution for measurement.
Usually the water tends to be alkaline. In any case just the addition of special products (pH up and pH down) to bring it to the optimum values (5-6 for most of the plants).
Related articles:
- Measurement of CIs, PPM and TDS in Hydroponics
- Cleaning idrosistemi
- The art of growing indoors
- Measurement of CIs
- BioSevia, organic soil and hydroponics
Tags: acidity , growing in water , hydroponics , hydroponic , pH measurement
