The ideal pH value of a medium is a very important, but also the most done wrong factor.
A plant transports the elements in water. It is therefore important that the elements can be connected to the water for optimum absorption by the plant. This depends on the pH of the element.
For example, if the pH is too high in the root zone, Phosphorus, Manganese and Boron will be absorbed a lot less.
This will result in long-term deficiencies of these elements and a burning of the leaf due to an overabundance in the medium. Because with every watering these elements are added again without being absorbed, and they accumulate.
If the PH is too low in the medium, there would not be an optimal intake of all elements, which results in deficiencies again resulting in similar symptoms; 'leaf burn' effect.
The best pH for almost each medium is between 5.0 and 6.2. There is no difference between the pH for soil or the pH for hydroponics.
This does not apply for the pH value of Coco peat as a medium.
At a pH below 5.4, the Coco viber retains the element Copper and does not release it to the roots of the plant.
Measure pH value
The pH must then be measured in the medium and not in the vessel or drainage water.
The best way to measure the pH in hydroponic or nft systems is by withdrawing some water from the medium with a syringe and then measuring it.
The best pH value for soil or coco peat mediums you measure the pH with a special (electronic) soil pH meter. If you do not have a special pH soil meter, take a wet sample from the pot half an hour after watering and keep in the hand, push the pH meter in the soil.
By squeezing the soil with the hand, releases some moisture with which the meter can do an exchange so that you can see the exact pH value for soil or coco peat.
The pH depends on the buffer quality of the medium and the water (number of bicarbonate). If the buffer is complete full or empty, the pH changes very quickly up or down.
Many problems with a too low pH can easily be solved by applying new buffer elements in the medium.
When a soil or coco medium is treated well with quality fertilizers and a good buffer product, the medium can last for years.
For foliar feeding there is another pH schedule to absorb the nutrients by the leaves or fruits.
