Growing a cannabis plant will require extra effort and attention. On top of that, it’s a must for growers to observe accuracy and precision when it comes to various measurements. One of the most crucial factors to look out for is the chosen environment for your plant. According to research and as shown by actual demonstration, Cannabis plants prefer a slightly acidic environment. To obtain the said requirement, we have to gain control of its pH level to maintain balance and restore the thriving quality of the cannabis plant. The pH of the marijuana plant significantly affects its growth and overall appearance, which is why growers will need to educate themselves about the mentioned matter.
Define pH level
For starters, the pH level measures the quantitative amount of an aqueous solution’s acidity or basicity. It has a range of 0 to 14 where seven is the neutral, numbers less than seven is an acid, while those with greater than 7 is a base or alkaline.
As backed by science, there are two trusted ways to calculate a solution’s pH level. The first and the most accurate is a pH meter, which will interpret the results into pH readings, whether through digital or analog means. Also, a portable, battery-powered pH meter is being extensively used to decipher the pH level of soils and is usually useful in the field of agriculture. Then there’s the infamous litmus paper that will indicate acidity and basicity through dyes that if a blue litmus turns into red, it is an acid. When the red ones shift into blue, it is a base or alkaline.
Why does pH levels matter?
Modifying the proper pH level will determine the chemical elements present in a water solution. Because of that, we can assert if the liquid solution contains too much toxicity or not. Thus, we can now decide if the water is safe to drink if life can survive in it, or it’s better to be left alone. For instance, a contaminated water’s possible pH level is 2, making it highly acidic. That alone can bring impacts to aquatic animals living in it as well as its potable ability.
In agriculture, moist that accompanies the soil has a pH level that might influence the growth quality of a growing crop. Unlike the condition in the first paragraph, acidic soil is more beneficial than alkaline or base. However, that doesn’t mean that it should have a quantitative measure of lower than 5 in the pH level due to the increasing quantity of aluminum and manganese, which some crops cannot tolerate. In conclusion, equilibrium is a must to dodge the possibility of killing the plants.
What is the Best pH Level for a Cannabis plant?
Since 7 is the neutral level, numerous assumptions formed a perception that the cannabis’ pH level should be at the middle where you won’t have to worry about having too much acid and base. But like other crops that can thrive well in an acidic environment, cannabis also does the same. A precise pH level makes a cannabis plant to gain access to supplemental nutrients they will need to live.
Along with that, the pH level will also need to be in a balanced state to avoid having a nutrient deficiency, which can be lethal to cannabis plants that have yet to step foot on its maturity period. Also, note that having a modified pH will indicate bigger yields, healthier leaves, and a well-grown overall appearance. On the other hand, there are several situations that growers get fortunate that they need not worry about the pH level. Choosing the right soil with water equipped with the perfect pH level is probably the main reason. Still, the chances of getting lucky are less likely to occur.
For soil cultivation, adjusting the pH level is not as essential as having it in an aqueous medium. Nonetheless, to get the best results, you should manage the pH level of the moisture that exists in the soil. The best pH ranges from 6.2 to 6.9. To eradicate complication, growers should cover the said range rather than turning it in the exact quantity of pH.
The most challenging is having a cannabis plant in a hydroponic environment where it solely relies on the water solution. You should be able to manage the accurate measurement of the pH since it goes directly to the roots. Furthermore, the most troublesome part is that you won’t be able to correct your mistakes due to the absence of the soil that helps in diluting the improper quantity. With that, the lower number is the most suitable with a pH level that ranges from 5.5 to 5.7. Aside from that, adding a liquid or powder nutrients may affect the pH level, which is why you should observe the slight changes and correct it immediately.
How to correct the pH level?
As a responsible cultivator, you have to observe and take note of the changes happening to your crop. Signs of nutrient deficiency or incorrect pH levels include brown or yellow leaves, underdeveloped stature, and sagginess. To take action, you must first take note of the pH level by reading it through color kits, where each color will determine the number of pH and the pricey pH probe that will digitally exhibit the results. Either way, both works precisely.
In correcting the pH level, there are two valid solutions. First is through pH down and pH up products that will decrease or increase the pH status of your plant. Another option is to apply one cup of dolomite lime to your liquid solution and note that the mentioned amount is for every square foot measurement. It’s not as instant as the first product, for you will have to wait days to test the pH level again and see if it already been balanced.
When is the best time to test the pH level?
You should perform pH level reading every time you water your plants or better yet do a daily assessment of your plant’s pH level. Ensuring the correct and proper number of its pH can exclude your plant from the list of most-likely to dying plants. Besides, you will also receive a massive production rate, shorter flowering period, and a healthy marijuana plant.
Not only will you help yourself from the stress it would cause, but it will also assist your plants to have access to the nutrients they deserve.
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