When it comes to growing marijuana, what is least often thought about is the pH, both of the water and the soil, that they need. This is a very frequent error, since for example if it is watered with alkaline water, its leaves will present iron chlorosis, or lack of iron; that is, they will yellow to the point that only the nerves will remain green.
How to avoid this? Well, there is only one way, and that is knowing in advance the pH of the water that we will use to irrigate, and that of the soil. Although you may think that it is complicated, nowadays the use of pH meters is very, very simpleand in fact it will only take you between a few seconds and a minute depending on the model.
What is pH?
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You cannot use a meter without first knowing what pH is. This is a meter that indicates the concentration in a hydrogen ion solution, which can be -1 to 15. The lower the pH scale, it will be represented by a darker red color; and the higher it is, it will be represented by a bluish tone without reaching lilac.
For example, milk has a pH of 6.5, so its color is green; lemon juice on the other hand is 2.5 (approximately), so its color is red. If we go to the other end of the scale, to the bluish tones, seawater is very alkaline, as it has a pH of 8, although it is surpassed by bleach (11.5) and lime (12.5), among others.
How are pH meters used?
There are different types of pH meters, and they can all be purchased at eurogrow at very interesting prices. Of course, depending on the model, its mode of use varies:
Digital pH meter
With this type of meter, knowing the pH is as simple as remove the protective cover and insert them into the water or the ground (depending on whether it is for liquids or specific to analyze different types of land) that you want to analyze, and wait five seconds. The measurement range is 0 to 14, with 0 being extremely acidic, and 14 being very, very alkaline. To grow marijuana, for example, it is important that it is 6.0 to 6.2; in this way, their roots will be able to have phosphorus and potassium in the concentration they need to grow and especially flourish.
Many models are also Total Dissolved Solids, or TDS, meters. This value can be very useful when growing delicate plants. If this is equal to or below 200mg / l, then it is ideal for them.
‘Manual’ pH meter
This is the classic meter. They are test strips that turn one color or another depending on the pH of the water. They are sold accompanied by the pH scale, so that it is much easier for you to know the potential of hydrogen without having to look for it anywhere.
Knowing the result takes a little more time than with digital meters, but not much longer either: maybe 20 seconds or 30 at most. But yes: it is the cheapest type of meter on the market. To use it, you have to insert a strip into a container with the liquid you want to analyze, wait a few seconds, and then remove it.. Now, identify the color that has taken on the scale, so you will know its level of acidity or alkalinity, and that’s it.
PH kit with drops
This meter is similar to the previous one, but instead of being strips, it is a kit that consists of a small plastic bottle with a liquid: GHE drops, as well as a measuring cylinder. This last You have to fill it with a little water that you use to irrigate, and then add a few drops.
After a few seconds, you will see that it takes on a specific shade that you will have to compare in the table, which generally represents a pH measurement range of 4.0 to 11.0.
Continuous pH meters
If you need to know at all times the pH of the water you will use to water your marijuana plants, you have to opt for these. As usual they have a probe, which you simply have to put in contact with the liquidand that’s it. As simple as that. You will almost automatically see that it indicates what its pH is.
Some models can be attached to the wall, saving space. And although they are more expensive, if you store irrigation water in tanks, you will be interested in knowing its pH so that your plants only have to worry about growing.
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