Often referred to as the power of Hydrogen. It is the measure of Alkalinity or acidity of solutions based on hydrogen ion content. pH is measured from a scale of 0-14, acids are in the 0-7 bracket (0 the most acidic), and bases at the 7-14 range (14 the strongest). Introduction of nutrients affect the pH of the solution as they activate the hydrogen and hydroxide ions. Constant monitoring is required to ensure proper pH levels are maintained.

 Ideal pH for Plant Growth

 Different pH levels are recommended for each and every plant. Attention to research should be done to ascertain the proper pH level for your plant. Findings however have found out that a pH level of 5-7 is safe for most plants, 6-6.5 being the most ideal.

 Be Careful When Handling Chemicals

 Solutions having a pH of between 3 and 10 are usually safe for handling. Caution is advised for solutions outside this range as they would likely be strong acids or bases. Gloves and goggles are advised as a precautionary measure every time you work with any type of chemical.

 Controlling pH Level

 Checking pH levels should be second nature when nutrients are introduced to your solution. When solutions acid levels are observe to be always high, solutions should be changed more frequently. When nutrients are absorbed by the plant, this action makes the solution acidic and leads to nutrient “lock up.”  pH level are signs of nutrient deficiency, be sure to constantly check them. Check your water this may be the cause and not the nutrient solutions.

Various types of pH test kits are available in the market today. Some are fairly accurate with the more expensive one showing an increased degree of accuracy. Litmus paper and liquid pH tests kits used in swimming pools are an inexpensive way of measuring pH. This works for most of the plants, but plants with more sensitive pH reactions require more elaborate ph test kits. pH UP and pH DOWN chemicals are used to adjust pH levels in your solution