pH testing

[smoknjoe]

Hi everyone, hope all is well!

The girls are doing great, but I haven't done any pH testing (tsk tsk), and id like to find out how I'm doing and fix it (if necessary).

1.) How do you guys test the pH of your water/soil?

2.) Whatever you use to test, where do you buy it?

3.) Once I find out that my soil/water is too acidic/basic, how do I fix it, and where I can buy it?

Thanks for all the help,

joe.

smoknjoe Reviewed by smoknjoe on 02-18-2006. pH testing Hi everyone, hope all is well! The girls are doing great, but I haven't done any pH testing (tsk tsk), and id like to find out how I'm doing and fix it (if necessary). 1.) How do you guys test the pH of your water/soil? 2.) Whatever you use to test, where do you buy it? 3.) Once I find out that my soil/water is too acidic/basic, how do I fix it, and where I can buy it? Rating: 5

[justaseed]

you can get a chemical test for 5-6$ at a pet store or test stips or a meter at a hydro store. the best way to fix your ph is to start with the right ph by adding 1-2 tbsp dolimitic lime per gal soilmix when you make it. also use ph up and/or down to adjust the ph of the water and ferts to around 6.4 EVERY TIME YOU WATER/FEED THE PLANTS. if you do this you should not have any ph problems. i suppose if you already have a problem you could repot using the lime when you mix the soil. good luck

[smoknjoe]

Thanks seed, I'll pick up testing supplies tomorrow.

If my soil is too acidic, couldn't I fix it with basic water? I'm not going to repot as they are already flowering.

If anyones got additional input on the above questions, please reply.

thanks,

joe.

[smoknjoe]

ok, so i just tested my tap water (which I have been using on the plants), and it the pH is 7.3.

Im guessing my soil is also too alkaline, since I've been using that water all this time. Should I flush the plants now to fix the soil (the leaves have started curling a little)? Or should I wait till next watering and use, say, pH 6.0 water to balance it out?

First grow here, so help me out please!

THanks!
joe.

[smoknjoe]

also, I would add gypsum to the water to make it more acidic?

[smoknjoe]

hmmm, just read to use aliminum sulfate to lower pH... anyone done this?

[Herbus]

Hi Joe,

Just get yourself some sodium bicarbonate and sodium biophosphate at the pet store. Add this to adjust your PH. They do sell soil test kits also. Another thing you can do is capture some of the water as it runs out of the bottom of your pot and test it for PH. Bring your PH down to 6.0-6.5 and your plants will grow faster and produce more.

H

[scobbie]

:stoned: this might help:stoned:

Testing on a regular basis allows you to monitor the available nutrient, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium and add what is needed




Alkaline Soil-pH above 7.0 pH too low--Adding sulfur will lower the pH

Acidic Soil-pH below 7.0 pH too high--Adding lime will raise pH

Poor Nitrogen Content Addition of fertilizers Natural (preferred) or synthetic will increase the soilâ??s nitrogen content.


Nitrogen Levels Too High It is possible to have soil that is too rich. Too reduce the nitrogen content water well and often and add no additional fertilizer till levels are reduced.


Low Phosphorus Levels Bone meal or super phosphate will bring up the phosphorus levels.

Phosphorus Level Too High Use a fertilizer that is lower in phosphorus and plant densely to use up the excess.


Low Potassium Level Add potash to raise the potassium

High Potassium Levals Add no additional potassium till levels are reduced.

Side Note Gardeners who practice Organic methods have often found chemical additions to be a temporary fix. It has been shown that the addition of vegetative matter, in the form of compost, worked into the soil every year will usually have the effect of leveling out chemical unbalances. This often will have a much more permanent and positive effect.

Improving Soil Texture/Drainage (Tilth)

Soil falls into a number of categories. Clay, sand, loam, and many combinations. Each has distinct characteristics. Poor draining, unable to retain nutrients, dense and hard to plant in or work.

In most cases the addition of organic materials will improve the condition of whatever type or soil you may have.

A few of the things that are effective are:



Compost
Peat Moss
Leaf Mold
Shredded Leaves