How to Properly Measure EC and pH – Cannabis Grower’s Guide
Measuring the EC and pH in your grow room is essential if you want to pump out premium cannabis flower. These two metrics are vital for development and must be monitored closely throughout the plant’s lifecycle.
In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about electrical conductivity (EC) and potential of hydrogen (pH). We include how these metrics pertain to cannabis and how to measure their values correctly.
What is Electrical Conductivity (EC) When Growing Hemp?
EC is an index of salt and electrolyte concentration in the growing medium (soil or water). It measures the number of ions available to plants in their root development zone. EC is an essential part of all plant development but specific to the type of crop. An EC in cannabis plants that is too low leads to nutrient deficiencies; too high of an EC will result in salt or nutrient burn.
What is a Good EC Level for Cannabis?
You’re likely already aware that cannabis plants require nutrients to reach their full potential. However, many growers don’t understand the role EC plays in nutrient absorption. We recommend keeping your EC between 1.2 and 2.0. During the seedling stage, you can error on the low end; many growers even recommend an EC lower in the range of 0.8 to 1.2. However, as your plants mature, they require more nutrients. We recommend 1.3 to 1.7 during the vegetative stage and 1.5 to 2.0 during flowering.
How to Measure EC
Measuring EC is straightforward as long as you have the right instruments. You can use a direct tester or an EC meter. With direct testing, simply insert the probe into the medium to measure EC. You’ll get a quick reading without the need for any additional steps. An EC meter is more complex. You’ll have to prep the reader and test the solution by measuring a slurry test or runoff after a nutrient feeding.
Regardless of how you choose to measure the EC of your cannabis plants, ensure you are calibrating the equipment regularly using the instructions from the manufacturer.
What is pH in Hemp Cultivation?
Monitoring pH delivers a unit of measurement indicating the concentration of hydrogen ions in your growing medium. Deionized water has a neutral pH of 7.0; values less than 7.0 indicate acidity, and values greater indicate alkalinity.
Optimal pH Levels for Cannabis Soil
Measuring your plant medium’s pH balance is essential in producing a successful crop. A pH that is too high will stunt growth, and too low will cause nutrient burn. We recommend a pH level between 5.8 and 6.2; however, an optimal pH balance should be determined based on the strain.
How to Measure pH in cannabis
There are numerous ways to measure your grow medium’s pH balance, including pH test strips, drops, and a meter.
For test strips or drops, follow the steps below:
- Create a soil slurry or fill a glass with your water solution.
- Insert the test strip or dropper into the solution.
- Wait for the stip or dropper to change color.
- Compare with the provided chart to determine pH balance.
The process for a pH meter is similar but requires a few extra steps:
- Calibrate the pH meter.
- Create a soil slurry or fill a glass with your water solution.
- Insert the meter’s probe into the solution.
- Wait for the meter to provide a reading.
We recommend measuring pH balance every two days at a minimum.
Contact Trilogene for More Growing Tips
Measuring EC and pH for cannabis plants is essential to growing a premium product. One advantage of utilizing a renowned seed bank like Trilogene Seeds is the resources you’ll unlock.
Precise EC and pH balances are strain-specific, so feel free to contact our cultivation experts to gain a deep understanding of your cannabis plants.
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