This post is information for my Journal regarding pH. Easy place for me to find it.
ph Basics
pH lower than 7 is an acidic soil.
pH higher than 7 is an alkaline soil.
Nutrients available based on soil pH levels
Alkaline soil: limited availability of iron, zinc, and phosphorous.
Acidic Soil: limited availability of magnesium and calcium
Organic matter will also alter the pH level, such as compost. The higher the organic matter the more lime or suplhur is required to adjust pH by one point.
What I learned today is when I increase organic matter I'm actually increasing my plant's tolerance for acidic or alkaline conditions and not really changing the soil pH. Fascinating.
Lowering pH
Adding nitrogen into the soil can lower pH a half point from 7 to 6.5. Compost, alfalfa meal and manure are higher in nitrogen and can also help drop pH by increasing bacteria over time.
As some of you know I have been using coffee grounds mixed in with my water, but apparently most of the organic acids in coffee flush out in the brew. Coffee grounds are close to neutral, about 6.8, therefore will not do much to lower pH. However, they do contain small amounts of nitrogen so it can help reduce pH over time.
Still in the coffee mode, to drop the soil pH quickly, leftover coffee diluted 50/50 with water works well as I have learned.
Raising pH
A common soil amendment for raising soil pH is dolomite lime, except it should not be used in soils with adequate or excess magnesium. If your magnesium is high then alternatives such as ground oyster shells, crushed eggshells, both applied at 1 to 2 lbs per 100 sq ft. will work.
Balanced Organic NPK Fertilizers
Worm Castings:
Quick-release nutrients for early growth; slowly releases nutrients to maintain growth through the season. Provide beneficial bacteria to help your plants absorb these nutrients.
Alfalfa Meal:
Provides a steady release of NPK, and some sulfur during growth, with most of it available during peak growth. Another benefit is that it doesn’t attract animals.
Summary
So, for me I learned alot about pH. My plants are very healthy but my readings show over 7 which is high. I'm thinking at one point the girls may not like it, so I'm gonna try the slow route and pick up some alfalfa meal and will report the results later. I think most of my pH problems I will ever encounter are easily adjusted, since I use soil in my grow. I was looking at purchasing the standard pH Up/Down but think I can get back to good readings organically.
