Advanced Tips Optimizing pH in Hydroponics
The acidity or alkalinity of a liquid is measured as pH. A low pH indicates high acidity, while a high pH indicates high alkalinity.
More concretely, pH—short for “potential of hydrogen”—reflects the concentration of hydrogen ions. When acids dissolve in water, they release H+ ions, lowering the pH. Bases release OH- ions, raising the pH. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral (Figure 1).
Figure 1. pH scale. Acidic solutions have a low pH. Alkaline solutions have a high pH. Neutral …