What the pH level actually means
Growing cannabis commercially requires strict attention to detail, with one of the most critical factors being the pH level of the growing medium. The growing medium’s pH level, or acidity level, directly affects the availability of nutrients to the cannabis plant, and a proper pH level is crucial for optimal growth and yield.
Potential of hydrogen, or pH, is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Numbers below 7 indicate an acidic substance, while numbers higher than 7 indicate an alkaline substance.
How pH affects plant growth
The growing medium’s pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.0 for cannabis plants. This range is considered neutral and allows the plant to absorb the necessary nutrients from the soil or growing medium.
If the pH level is too low, the growing medium will be too acidic, and the plant will not be able to absorb certain nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium. On the other hand, if the pH level is too high, the growing medium will be too alkaline, and the plant will not be able to use other specific nutrients, like iron and zinc. A pH level that is too acidic or too alkaline can lead to stunted growth, nutrient deficiencies, and a lower yield.
The ideal pH range varies slightly between the vegetative and flowering phases of the plant’s life. The ideal pH range for cannabis plants during the vegetative stage is between 6 and 7. This range allows the plant to absorb all necessary nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. During the flowering stage, the optimal pH range increases slightly to between 6.5 and 7.5. This range enables proper nutrient uptake and flower development.
It is also important to note that different cannabis strains may have slightly different pH requirements. Some strains may be more tolerant of higher or lower pH levels, while others may require more precise pH levels. It is important to research the specific pH requirements of the strain you are growing in order to ensure optimal growth.
Testing and adjusting the pH level of your soil
It is important to regularly test the pH level of the growing medium, and adjust as necessary. This can be done with a pH test kit or pH meter, which can be purchased online or at a local grow store. If the pH level is too low, dolomite lime or agricultural lime can be added to the growing medium to raise the pH level. If the pH level is too high, sulfur can be added to lower the pH level.
In addition to adjusting the pH level of the growing medium, it is also important to monitor the pH level of the water used to water the plants. The ideal pH level for water is between 6.0 and 7.0, and can be easily tested with a pH test kit or pH meter. If the water is too acidic or too alkaline, it can reduce the growth and yield of the cannabis plants.
Adjusting pH levels can be done by adding pH-lowering or pH-raising solutions to your water or soil. It is important to adjust pH levels slowly with small increments to avoid shocking the plants.
A pH meter is a simple tool that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. With cannabis cultivation, the solution being measured is the soil. The pH meter will give a reading on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral, below 7 being acidic, and above 7 being alkaline. The optimal pH range for cannabis growth is between 6.0 and 7.0, so it is important to ensure that the pH falls within this range.
First, use a pH meter to gather a sample of soil from the growing area. Take a small amount of soil and mix it with an equal amount of water to create a soil suspension. Next, turn on the pH meter and insert the probe into the soil suspension. Wait for the meter to give a reading, and note the pH level. It is important to repeat this process in multiple areas of the growing area because the pH can vary by location.
Conclusion
Maintaining the proper pH level of the growing medium and water is important for growing cannabis commercially. It directly affects the availability of nutrients to the plant, and appropriate pH levels lead to optimal growth and yield. Regularly testing and adjusting the pH level as necessary is an essential part of commercial cannabis cultivation. With the right pH level, growers can expect healthy, productive plants and a higher yield of quality cannabis.
ARES Scientific offers the finest pH meters and stir plates from Ohaus to accurately measure the pH of your soil and keep your plants healthy. Ohaus is a leading manufacturer of laboratory equipment and is known for its high-quality and reliable products.
Our pH meters are designed with precision and ease of use in mind, making it simple to measure and adjust the pH levels of your soil. Our selection of Ohaus pH meters range from basic handheld models to more advanced models with built-in data logging and automatic temperature compensation.
In addition to pH meters, our company also offers Ohaus stir plates. These devices are used to mix and stir your soil samples, ensuring a more accurate pH reading. The Ohaus stir plates are designed with a powerful motor and a smooth, quiet operation, making it easy to use in any lab setting.
By using Ohaus pH meters and stir plates, you can be confident that you’re getting the most accurate and reliable readings of your soil pH levels. This will allow you to make the necessary adjustments to keep your plants healthy and thriving. Our company is committed to providing the best equipment and service to commercial cannabis growers, and we’re positive that our selection of Ohaus products will meet your needs.
If you’re a commercial cannabis grower looking for the finest pH meters and stir plates to accurately measure the pH of your soil, we’ve got you covered. With Ohaus, you can trust that you’re getting the most reliable and precise equipment to keep your plants healthy and your yields high. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of Ohaus products and how they can benefit your business.
