The pH and EC of the water are two essential parameters to monitor for successful indoor cultivation. By measuring these two parameters, you can ensure that your plants receive the water they need to grow properly.
Whatever the substrate and plants you are growing, it is essential to regularly monitor the potential Hydrogen (pH) and electro-conductivity (EC). For this, using a pH meter and an EC meter is highly recommended.
These two measuring instruments allow you to optimize the productivity of your plants by adjusting their nutrition (EC) while ensuring better absorption of nutrients through pH control.
The pH meter:
A pH meter, whether manual or electronic, is a tool used to assess the level of alkalinity of the water by measuring the concentration of H+ ions and thus determining its potential hydrogen.
Waterproof pH Tester - Platinium instruments
The EC meter:
An EC meter, or conductivity meter, is an instrument used to measure the electro-conductivity (EC) of solutions, allowing you to evaluate the concentration of dissolved minerals in water or a nutrient solution.
Waterproof EC Tester - Platinium instruments
pH Measurement:
pH, or potential hydrogen, indicates the acidity or alkalinity level of your nutrient solution. Proper pH is vital as it affects the plants' ability to absorb nutrients.
Why measure pH? Plant roots absorb different nutrients at different pH levels. If the pH is outside the ideal range, certain nutrients cannot be absorbed efficiently, leading to deficiencies.
How to measure pH? Use a pH meter to measure the pH of your solution. It is recommended to regularly calibrate your pH meter with calibration solutions to maintain accuracy.
Ionic pH Buffer 4 300 ml Calibration Solution - Growth Technology
What is the optimal pH? For soil cultivation, pH should be between 6.0 and 6.5. In hydroponics or with coco substrate, aim for a pH between 5.5 and 6.0, optimal at 5.8.
EC Measurement:
EC, or electro-conductivity, measures the amount of mineral salts in the solution, reflecting the strength of the nutrient solution.
Why measure EC? Correct EC ensures that plants receive the right concentration of nutrients. Too high an EC can cause root burn, while too low an EC may mean that plants are not getting enough food.
How to measure EC? Use a conductivity meter to measure the EC of your nutrient solution. As with the pH meter, ensure your device is well-calibrated.
IONIC Conductivity Standard Solution (2.76mS/cm) 250 ml - Growth Technology
What is the optimal EC? EC varies depending on the plant's stage of development and the type of plants being grown. Generally, for young plants, start with a lower EC and gradually increase the strength of the nutrient solution as the plants grow.
As a guideline:
For young plants: It is best to start with a lower EC to avoid burning sensitive roots. A range of 0.8 to 1.4 mS/cm is often recommended for young plants.
For plants in the growth phase: As plants grow, they require more nutrients. EC can be gradually increased. Most plants in the growth phase thrive with an EC between 1.4 and 2.2 mS.
For plants in the flowering or fruiting phase: These plants may require an even higher EC to support the production of flowers and fruits. EC values of 1.8 to 2.2 mS/cm are common, but some nutrient-hungry plants may require up to 3.5 mS/cm.
Tips for Maintaining Your pH and EC Meters
EC meter maintenance:
- Calibration: Regularly calibrate your EC meter with a specific calibration solution to ensure measurement accuracy.
- Cleaning: Clean the probe after each use with distilled water to prevent the buildup of mineral salts.
- Storage: Between uses, store the EC meter in a dry place out of direct sunlight to avoid damage.
pH meter maintenance:
- Calibration: Calibrate your pH meter with known pH buffer solutions (usually pH 4, 7, and 10) before each measurement series to maintain accuracy.
- Cleaning: Clean the pH probe with a suitable cleaning solution, especially if you are measuring samples that may leave residues or deposits.
- Hydration: Ensure the pH probe remains hydrated. If it dries out, rehydrate it in an electrode storage solution for at least one hour or preferably overnight.
- Storage: Store the pH probe in a recommended storage solution or, if unavailable, in a pH 4 or 7 buffer solution to prevent the junction from drying out.
By following these tips, you ensure that your measuring instruments remain reliable and accurate, which is crucial for managing water and nutrients in your indoor cultivation.
