How do YOU lower pH?

[DonovanC]

This might be laughable... I searched and found nothing on the forum referencing it, and found little on Google. But has anyone use sodium bisulfate to lower pH?
What do you use?

 

[MrWunderful]

I used to use “ph down”.

But then @Leo in N E Illinois gave me a lot of actual info on water quality, and I realized I didnt need it even though my water hovers around 9.2

 

[rollwithak]

I used to use “ph down”.

But then @Leo in N E Illinois gave me a lot of actual info on water quality, and I realized I didnt need it even though my water hovers around 9.2

Really? Isn't nutrient uptake affected by pH?

 

[Shogun610]

This might be laughable... I searched and found nothing on the forum referencing it, and found little on Google. But has anyone use sodium bisulfate to lower pH?
What do you use?

What’s your water pH at now?

 

[DonovanC]

This is what prompted this post. I’ve never had a problem with chlorosis, and my watering practices have not changed, but the new growth on many of my F. microcarpa and benjamina is coming in this way.
My water has a pH that’s apparently beyond the range of my test strips (swimming pool tests) - I’ve always known it was really high, but I’ve honestly never tested because I’ve never seen a need to do so.

 

[Shogun610]

Gotcha, do you think soil medium could be the only remedy to lower your pH?

 

[DonovanC]

Gotcha, do you think soil medium could be the only remedy to lower your pH?

I’m not sure I understand the question lol. You’re suggesting that I switch soil? I’ve been using the same soil for about 4 years now and haven’t had a problem. I use the Nigel Saunders 1:1 perlite and turface mix.

 

[Shogun610]

Some soils are more acidic so mixing acidic substrate could counteract the high pH water you have acting as an acidifier before root uptake.

 

[parhamr]

I just throw Ironite onto the top of the soil

The tap water around here tends to run at 7.4 to 8.4 pH. This thread is a good reminder I should be more deliberate about pH … I have had a fair bit of chlorosis in recent years.

 

[Bnana]

What's the alkalinity? And what's the pH of the water in the pot?
If the water is low alkalinity it might have a high pH but hardly affect the pH in your soil and therefore not affect your tree, especially if the soil has a good buffering capacity.

 

[DonovanC]

What's the alkalinity? And what's the pH of the water in the pot?
If the water is low alkalinity it might have a high pH but hardly affect the pH in your soil and therefore not affect your tree, especially if the soil has a good buffering capacity.

I’m not sure of a way to test the soil in the pot, I only have testing strips at the moment. But I have high alkalinity anyways, pH and total alkalinity are both quite high.

 

[DonovanC]

I just throw Ironite onto the top of the soil

The tap water around here tends to run at 7.4 to 8.4 pH. This thread is a good reminder I should be more deliberate about pH … I have had a fair bit of chlorosis in recent years.

How often do you do this?

 

[parhamr]

I’m not sure of a way to test the soil in the pot

From what I understand: take perfectly neutral, distilled water, add a little soil, shake it up, and then test the water.

I’m hopeful a chemistry pro will come in to prove me horribly wrong, tho

 

[parhamr]

How often do you do this?

About once a year for any tree looking a little chloritic.

 

[River's Edge]

This might be laughable... I searched and found nothing on the forum referencing it, and found little on Google. But has anyone use sodium bisulfate to lower pH?
What do you use?

Altering PH is not as simplistic as many people make it out to be. It involves understanding the make up of your water supply and adjusting the buffering capacity as well as adjusting for PH. Thus the process and components used will vary with the water supply condition. It is not enough to say the PH is high therefore it needs to be lowered.
I suggest consulting your local water supply department for information and specific advice.
Typically one needs to increase the buffering capacity before lowering the PH so it remains stable after lowering!
Sodium Bi-phosphate ( bakling soda) is useful for increasing the buffering capacity
Phosphoric Acid is useful for lowering the PH. ( do not use this product without appropriate safety measures)

 

[Shogun610]

If you were feeling handy.... in months that it rains a lot. Collecting rain water from your gutters may work too.

 

[cmeg1]

Yes this is soil too....natural buffer...not the easiest to change ph of.
Get volcanic aggregate.
Look calcium and magnesium deficiency.........can be promted by toxicity of potassium.........ph related for sure.

Get volcanic and be hydroponic........then wrk ur way to organic if that is what u like.....keep in mind cakes will slowly turn volcanic rocks into a soil really

 

[VERMONT USA !!!!]

I used to use “ph down”.

But then @Leo in N E Illinois gave me a lot of actual info on water quality, and I realized I didnt need it even though my water hovers around 9.2

!!!!!! WTF they give you "javel like" water !!!!!
Wow really surprised by your PH. Mine is at 7.4

Does the water is safe to drink or you had to buy bottles ?

Anyone on the use of white vinegar?

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

@NorwaySpruce
If your municipal water is pH 7.4 have yourself & children checked for lead poisoning. Municipal water must be above 7.8 to prevent lead leaching out of the feed lines. Call your health department now.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I do not adjust my pH, my pH runs 8.3. My tds is only 225 ppm, and my total Alkalinity is only 179 to 189 mg/liter as calcium carbonate. This is low enough that my azalea are fine with my municipal water. I do get weekly rain, which helps. People worry about pH without understanding the more important feature, the minerals dissolved in their water. Total alkalinity is the important measurement.