Learn What You Need for Proper Readings!
The art and science of growing cannabis has changed immensely over the past few years. Gone are the days when you simply threw a seed into dirt and hoped that through sufficient watering, you’d eventually harvest something. Instead, modern technology has taken over, allowing you far superior insights into the vital aspects of growing marijuana. The most important element of them all is your plants’ growing environment. Maintaining an optimal 
growing environment is not only crucial to the health of your seedlings, but it will eventually help you achieve a higher quality bud yield. Above all else, the first step towards creating a prosperous growing environment is maintaining proper pH levels.
The pH level of your soil will affect a plant’s ability to transport nutrients and carbohydrates throughout its systems, which will directly impact your end product’s quality level. As a general rule, cannabis thrives at a pH level of around 6.5. Thus, keeping a soil’s pH range between 6.0 and 7.0 (5.5-6.5, if growing hydroponically) will help your plants grow to their ultimate potential. To keep your grow within the proper pH range—let’s state the obvious here—you will need a tool that accurately measures your soil’s pH level. The most efficient solution to this problem is to purchase some type of pH testing kit. Discussed below are our top tips for operating and finding an appropriate pH meter to help you achieve success in your own cannabis-growing operation. Note, as we point out here, that not every pH meter on the market is optimal for your cannabis business.
Types of pH Testing Equipment
- pH Indicators
pH indicators are liquid organic acids or bases that transform into different colors based on the sample they are added to. Simply add a few drops of the solution into your sample and wait for it to change color. Once an obvious color has formed, compare it to your testing kit’s chart and find the specific pH level associated with your result. This form of testing kit usually presents an accuracy level down to about 0.5pH units.
pH indicators are only truly effective when the sample you want to test is a clear liquid. This form of pH testing is by far the least expensive option on the market, however it is not recommended for cannabis-growing operations due their noted issues with accuracy and reliability. The most common applications of pH indicators include aquarium and pool testing.
- pH Test Paper
Another type of pH testing comes in the form of pH test papers. Litmus paper is the most common form of pH test paper and comes in three different types: red, blue, and neutral. The testing procedure is relatively simple: the red litmus turns blue in basic solutions; blue litmus turns red in acidic solution; and neutral litmus (usually light purple) turns red in acidic solutions, and blue in basic solutions. For more precise measurements, you will need a pH test paper other than litmus.
There is a huge selection of pH test papers available, with capabilities from a wide pH range down to a highly sensitive, narrow pH range. Some forms of pH test strips can even give test results down to the accuracy level of 0.2pH units. While pH test strips have far greater accuracy levels than the pH indicators listed above, it’s still not the recommended form for monitoring your marijuana grow. Again, this solution is best suited to test the pH of liquid samples; trying to test soil would prove to be a great difficulty utilizing this method.
- pH Meters
The last effective application of pH testing is a pH meter. pH meters are unanimously the most accurate form of the three testing options. They measure a sample’s pH by comparing the electrical potential difference between the pH electrode and a reference electrode. The meter then uses computer processing to convert this potential into a precise pH reading. Most meters offer an accuracy level down to 0.01 pH unit. pH meters are also available in a few different forms, ranging from portable pens to a technologically advanced laboratory bench.
Most pH meters are easy to use: simply swirl the end of the pen—called the electrode—around in water or insert it into the soil you wish to test. After sample insertion, the opposite end of the device will read out the pH level on a digitalized computer screen.
All pH meters also need to be calibrated to ensure accurate measurements are being reported. For a typical pH meter, two calibration solutions are needed: storage solutions and cleaning solutions. pH meters are highly delicate and precise tools, so you must treat them with care to reliably achieve accurate results. If you keep up with cleaning and schedule calibrations regularly, your pH meter will be your greatest accomplice in helping you reap the long-term benefits of maintaining a healthy cannabis growing environment.
About Alliance
Alliance scale has dozens of pH meters perfectly suited for cannabis operations. Not only can we provide you with the pH scales to run your business, but we can also inspect them for use. Alliance Scale provides expert repair and inspection services across a broad range of commercial and retail applications in the greater New England area. With recreational dispensaries in Massachusetts having already opened their doors, now is the perfect time to enter the cannabis industry. Alliance Scale is your source for cannabis equipment and inspection services. Contact us today to find out how we can help grow your business!
