desertsquirrel
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I have often heard of this mythical "perfect" or even "stable" pH. However this approach has failed me both practically as well as theoretically.
Practically i documented running a static pH at the start of the thread "UC actual available nutrient profiles" and it was a nightmare. Link:
Deficiencies right and left as well as constant attention to and lowering of the pH to hold it stable. In general i see a correlation between pH rise and ec reduction to a tune of .5-.6 pH rise/.25-.3 reduction in EC over each 24 hour period.
Which brings me to theory. Initially i rely upon the pH rise to do 2 things. First the rise tells me that the plants are both removing acids (nutes) as well expelling hydroxyls, both of which raise pH. Also, working with the natural swing, allows the solution to cycle through the entire spectrum of essential elements optimal uptake point; as illustrated in the chart below:
So, my question is, if it exists, what does "perfect pH" mean to you?
Practically i documented running a static pH at the start of the thread "UC actual available nutrient profiles" and it was a nightmare. Link:
Deficiencies right and left as well as constant attention to and lowering of the pH to hold it stable. In general i see a correlation between pH rise and ec reduction to a tune of .5-.6 pH rise/.25-.3 reduction in EC over each 24 hour period.
Which brings me to theory. Initially i rely upon the pH rise to do 2 things. First the rise tells me that the plants are both removing acids (nutes) as well expelling hydroxyls, both of which raise pH. Also, working with the natural swing, allows the solution to cycle through the entire spectrum of essential elements optimal uptake point; as illustrated in the chart below:
So, my question is, if it exists, what does "perfect pH" mean to you?