Is it normal for soil run-off water pH to be lower than the water going in?

[ninjagaiden]

Hey all,

I always pH my water and nutes to 6.7-6.9 and for fun i decided to test the run off water.

The run off water read 5.9-6.0 for my plants.

Is this normal?

Thanks

 

[sagensour]

yes..........

 

[machnak]

Remember your run-off water contains a lot of salts and nutrient build ups in the soil.

 

[Total Head]

that's not bad. it's when it starts to dip below 5 or so that you want to make an adjustment like a flush. you should check the runoff as often as possible so you won't be the last to know if something takes a turn for the worse.

 

[NYCrez]

Yeah the runoff water is the true measure of your "soil pH". A lot of changes happen after you put the water/nutes in the soil. Adjust the pH of water/nute solutions according to the pH of the runoff.

 

[sagensour]

Not always can u tell the soils condition by the run off. Old school myth. Its like kickin a tire. It might be full but whats it really at. Know whats in there to begin with

 

[NYCrez]

True, but it's the closest you can get without any crazy technology.

 

[toquer]

is there actually a crazy technological pen that'll measure the soil pH?

 

[jackholexxxx]

is there actually a crazy technological pen that'll measure the soil pH?

YES

 

[Beansly]

Yeah, they're just called soil pH meters if you search for them. You can get on at a plant nursery for like $7-$12.

 

[XxK2xX]

The best and most accurate way to test your run off ph is to water then collect those first drops that come out first. Anything after that being collected to test is not accurate at all.

 

[Spanishfly]

The best and most accurate way to test your run off ph is to water then collect those first drops that come out first. Anything after that being collected to test is not accurate at all.

I always thought a MID STREAM sample was required?? Or am I thinking of something else??

 

[Total Head]

I always thought a MID STREAM sample was required?? Or am I thinking of something else??

lol. i think that's a pregnancy test. i check the same runoff about 3 times for this very reason. the first bit is the hottest. 5 minutes and a gallon of water later the runoff does sometimes change enough to be detected.

 

[skiweeds]

Hey all,

I always pH my water and nutes to 6.7-6.9 and for fun i decided to test the run off water.

The run off water read 5.9-6.0 for my plants.

Is this normal?

Thanks

yes it is normal. nutrients are usually acidic and being build up over time. the run off is just absorbing some of this.