Why are pH levels important for cannabis growth? How do I monitor and adjust the pH in my growing medium?
One answer “Importance of pH levels?”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Why are pH levels important for cannabis growth? How do I monitor and adjust the pH in my growing medium?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
When it comes to growing cannabis, one of the most important parameters to keep an eye on is pH. Even minute changes in the soil’s pH can have a dramatic effect on cannabis growth and even cause nutrient deficiencies. The pH level of your soil can ultimately determine whether a plant is able to absorb the nutrients it needs or not.
The pH level of soil measures how acidic or alkaline it is on a scale of 0-14. Soil with a pH level of 7 is neutral, soil with a pH lower than 7 is acidic, and soil with a pH higher than 7 is alkaline. Ideally, cannabis prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH level of around 6.0 and between 6.3 and 6.8, although some types of cannabis such as those grown outdoors can tolerate a wider range.
Monitoring and adjusting the pH level of your soil is not only important to maintain the health of your cannabis plants, but also to ensure they are able to absorb all the essential nutrients they need. If the pH level is incorrect, then the cannabis plants will not be able to absorb the nutrients which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and even stunt their growth.
To monitor and adjust the pH level of your growing medium, the easiest and most accurate way is to use a pH meter or pH test kit. After making sure your pH meter or test kit is calibrated properly, you can then use it to measure the pH level of your growing medium.
If the pH of the soil is not within the ideal range then there are a few ways you can adjust it. To increase the pH level, you can add hydrated lime to the soil. To lower the pH level, you can add sulfur or compost, or use an acid such as vinegar or citric acid. You should also avoid over-watering your plants in acidic soil as this can further lower the pH levels.
To maintain optimal pH levels it’s important to check the soil often, at least once a week or after heavy rains or flooding. Regularly checking and adjusting the pH level of your planting medium can have a huge impact on the health and growth of your cannabis plants, so it’s important to make sure that it’s always in the ideal range.