Now, I have been searching the internet for a bit about adjusting pH in an organic setup.As I continue to search I will update this thread to with links to pages and a little something from me on the subject . Now, there is much debate over if you even have to worry about pH if you are using organic nutrients. Some people think that you can just throw your pH meter away because you don't need it anymore.. Now depending if you are talking to organic soil people or organic hydro people you will get differing opinions on that subject. Now for my point of view on the subject.I believe that every grower should always adjust their nutrient solution to the proper pH before watering.After checking my nutrient solution using the Metanatural's line i noticed that I had been watering with a pH of around 3.5-4.5 !!:icon_confused: That's insane! I had listened to the people that tell you pH doesn't matter in organics, well I am here to tell you that they are wrong...Now to start this off, Having the proper amount of Dolomite lime is the correct way to start off any grow. Two teaspoons per gallon of soil will take care of most pH problems, but eventually by flowering time some of it has leached out and it's time to start checking your solutions again.. A good Organic pH down is Apple Cider Vinegar, or even white vinegar also lemon juice is a great organic source for pH down. Now pH up is a whole other problem, I find dolomite lime to be the best source for pH buffering, but to bring say your nutrient solution up, you are going to have to use baking soda.. And if anyone would like to comment on the use of pool water pH adjustments and their use with organics would be much appreciated! What 's the best pH adjustments that you have used that is organic? Or that works with Organic applications? Okay to start the linkfest off here is one from icmag that has some great info in it. http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=30995&page=1&pp=15&highlight=adjusting+pH here's one on a debate about pH adjustments in organic soil gardening http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=27244&page=1&pp=15&highlight=adjusting+pH
Good stuff dude. I wasn't going to use any dolomite lime with this grow being that I'm using ocean forest but I put some in anyway. "Gut feeling" I guess. They are doing great though and PH is fine.
Interesting as I just brought home some crushed oyster shells from a feed store. I have tested my soil after over a year of being fallow ind it's a uniform 6.5. Shows me that organic decay has continued. I'm fine with 6.5 but want to add calcium so I figure a slow release lime will do.. I'm guessing these crushed oyster shells will do. I'll be adding new material including the 2006 compost harvest soon but first the oyster shell. /monthly_2006_10/oyster_shell.jpg.901d31a53e369a09771af49ba1bef727.jpg
i een burn1 at og,was using a ph organic feed at9.0....also lik to mention ,it also depends on how the organic stuff is made,and organic label laws...:eusa_shifty:
Just to let people know that the oyster shells have raised the PH just a wee bit. It's closer to 7 but not on 7. I had a period of high microbe activity and that prolly aided to balllance out the PH since part of what the microbes could eat is the oyster shell. Anyway I am happy with the addition.
The only organic solutions that I know is Dolomite Lime and Organic pH Down.And Dolomite lime has a good amount of Calcium in it which is good.The Organic pH Down is very strong so use very small amounts.
i have noticed that a pH of about 6.5 keeps my plants just perfect.. when they get up around 7 they start getting lockout quick.. everytime...good suggestions guys keep up the good work! also Baking soda and Apple cider vinegar are two that i dont know if i have mentioned yet.. I know Baking soda may not be organic but it works well with organics.
Personally Mikey....Im with the no-need for PH readings of the ORGANIC grower, even though ive looked through your links you have kindly posted, i still firmly believe that the PH will be FINE in an organics set-up indeed and iff needs be the plants in time will sort themselves out regarding the PH value of the medium being used, but then again, "its ONLY my opinion"..... Peace Mikey,MUCHO RESPCECTO!!!! Cheers for the links too my friend!!! UrBigBuddie..........:sign13:
man i hate to hear that UBB. cause there are alot of organic growers that experience pH problems with their solutions. Like the Metanaturals i use run around 3.5 PH and that's wayyy to basic for my plants, not to mention the suden drop in pH can kill bacteria in the soil.. I am not really one to stress to many things, but adjusting your pH of your feed solution before watering is key... I found this out this past grow the hard way.. This time around there is a much diminished yeild than it would have been if i wouldve been adjusting my pH of the nutrients this whole time.. .. maybe you don't have to worry about it but there are a lot of growers out there who do, and also many organic pro's tell me to do so...it just makes sense
Another quick note, i didn't realize that bubbling your nutrient solution raises the pH of the solution ...any thoughts on this guys? any experience with it?
doc 420- Man i really don't know, I've had it but haven't had to use it to just adjust my water as my water is normally just to alkaline and I have to add 1 capful of vinegar to bring it down to 6.5 which is what i water at. But I would start with a 1/4 teaspoon and work up from there. I use my analog pH soil tester to check my water and nutrient solutions before i give it to the plants... but as far as baking soda goes just start small, mix it up, check it, then give it a little more if needed, mix check repeat.. it takes a while to do but once you know how much to put youll always have it handy..
