Measure the degree of acidity (pH)
Photo: eurohydro.com
In recirculating systems the pH value should be noted on a daily basis, since the variations in the nutrient solution made from the plants themselves may cause fluctuations important.
In any case, it is essential the measurement every time they are added water or the fertilizers.
To maintain the acidity stable you can resort to the use of nutrients that offer a " cushioning effect "or buffer , and to a regulation of the temperature (less than 30 degrees) and humidity (greater than 50%) such as to reduce the 'excessive evaporation.
To make the measurement will proceed as for the EC, to mix the solution thoroughly and take a sample with a clean container.
It 's good not to take measurements immediately after the addition of fertilizers or regulators.
At this point you can opt for a manual tester or an electronic one.
The tester manual is very simple: just fill the tube that you 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 assuming a color ranging from yellow (low pH) and blue (high pH) through orange, red and green.
It will be sufficient to pull the tube to the color scale provided to determine the pH value.
It is a system easy, fast and economical, but not very accurate. Many people also have trouble distinguishing the colors clearly.
The tester electronic presents itself similar to that for the EC. Even here we will have to calibrate the instrument, calibrating it with the aid of two envelopes of liquid at pH balanced.
The first electrode immersed in one go (pH 4) and calibrated, then rinsed with distilled water and immersed in the second envelope (pH 7 ), then re-calibrated. Following a second rinse.
Now it is ready, and just soak in the sample solution for measurement.
Usually the water tends to be alkaline. In any case it will be sufficient the addition of appropriate cleaning products (pH down and pH up) to bring it to the optimal values (5-6, for most of the plants).
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Tags: acidity , growing in water , hydroponics , hydroponics , pH measurement
