Why Monitoring pH Levels is Important in Hydroponics

Are you new to hydroponic gardening, or are thinking about getting started with hydroponics in general?

If so, there are several aspects that are essential to running a successful hydroponics growing system, such as monitoring pH levels and correcting them as needed.

Read on below and learn why monitoring pH levels is important in hydroponics and how to test pH levels with a testing kit!

Why Monitoring pH Levels is Important in Hydroponics

Hydroponic gardening relies on nutrient solutions to provide essential minerals and nutrients for plant growth. However, the correct balance of these nutrients depends on the pH level of the solution. That is why Monitoring pH levels is crucial for successful hydroponic gardening; because it directly affects plant growth and health.

Importance of Maintaining Proper pH Levels

When it comes to running a healthy, productive, and profitable hydroponic garden, the importance of maintaining proper pH levels is among the top priorities.

Let’s have a look at a few of the most significant reasons why:

Nutrient Availability Suffers When pH is Unbalanced

Different nutrients are available to plants at different pH ranges. If the pH level is too high or low, certain nutrients may not be available for uptake by plants. Keeping a well-balanced pH is the best way to assure your plants get the sustenance they require

Plants’ Growth Slows and Their Leaves Yellow or Die

Incorrect pH levels can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, or even the death of your hydroponic plants. Regularly monitoring and maintaining proper pH levels combats and prevents these common issues caused by incorrect pH levels.

Maintaining Proper pH is a Form of Disease and Pest Prevention

Plants grown in environments with incorrect pH levels are more susceptible to diseases and pests. When pH levels are out of whack, your plants aren’t able to uptake the food, water, and oxygen they need – this leads to poor health and puts your hydroponic plants at serious risk.

How to Test pH Levels with a Testing Kit

Now that you understand why monitoring pH levels is such an essential aspect of proper hydroponic gardening, let’s have a look at how to test pH levels with a testing kit (and how to adjust pH as needed):

1. Prepare a sample of your hydroponic water/nutrient solution

Take a sample of nutrient solution from your hydroponic system using a clean container. Most kits provide a container and eye dropper for this purpose.

2. Add indicator solution to the sample

Add a few drops of indicator solution provided in the testing kit into the sample, then set it back and wait for the magic to happen. Eventually, your sample will reveal a specific shade of color.

3. Compare colors from the sample against the chart

Compare the color of your sample against the chart provided by the testing kit manufacturer to determine its corresponding pH level.

Take your time on this step, making sure that your sample is done changing colors. Likewise, take care to match it to the proper corresponding color on the chart.

4. Adjust nutrient solution in your hydroponic system as necessary

If your reading indicates that your nutrient solution’s pH level is outside the desired range, add buffering agents or adjust accordingly with organic materials until you reach desired range.

For this purpose, we recommend using a test kit that not only includes a container and eye dropped for taking samples, but also includes pH adjusters.

A Final Word About Monitoring and pH Levels in Hydroponics

By monitoring and maintaining proper pH levels in your hydroponic system using testing kits, you can ensure that your plants have access to all the necessary nutrients they need for optimal growth and health!

Hopefully, our article helps you understand the vital importance of monitoring your hydroponic garden’s pH levels – as well as teaches you how to correct them as needed!

If you’re brand new to hydroponic gardening, or still in the research phase, we recommend reading our guide on Hydroponic Gardening at Home as well.

Thanks for reading – do you have questions or comments? If so, feel free to leave them below!

Suggested Reading: 10 Must-Have Tools and Supplies for Hydroponics