Measuring the pH and EC of CANNA COCO

Found this info and thought it would benefit some members.

Canna distributed a brochure on their coco and one section states the following:

"The most reliable method for measuring the nutrient levels in COCO is the 1:1.5 extraction method. The pH and EC of the drain water generally deviates from the actual root situation, as COCO is able to retain and release elements.

1) Take a sample of the COCO from the slabs or pots. This can be done with a soil core sampler or a trowel. To get a respresentative sample the COCO must be collected from as many plants as possible.

2) Collect the sample in a bowl and determine whether it contains the right amount of moisture. The COCO has the right amount of moisture if moisture disappears between your fingers when you squeeze it. Add de-mineralized water if necessary and mix the COCO.

3) Take a 250ml measuring jug and fill it with 150ml of de-mineralized water. Add COCO to the 250ml mark. Fully mix and allow the slurry to settle for at least 2 hours.

4) Mix again and measure the pH.

5) Then filter this material and measure the EC.

A 1:1.5 analysis can best be done after 3 to 4 weeks. The target values for EC are between 1.1 and 1.3 and for the pH, between 5.3 and 6.2.

Very high EC levels increase the risk of burning symptoms. To limit this the COCO can be rinsed with acidified water containing Coco A/B nutrient at an EC of 0.65 (pH 5.8)."

That's it folks. If you're using these products as instructed, I doubt you'll need to check the pH of your medium. It works for me.

Where I live we have 200 ppm water. This works fine with their A/B nutrients; however I've had problems when adding PK 13/14 to this water. Now using 1/2 tap and 1/2 RO water when using 13/14 and all is good. The plants still receive enough minerals and no need for Cal Mag or anything.