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Kutztown, PA

For those that are mixing soluble fertilizers and or nutrients in bulk containers such as IBC totes, drums, etc. what are you using to adjust the PH of the mixture? What's the least expensive additive for upping or lowering PH? Also, I've heard 200 ppm TDS as a general sweet spot for feeding solutions, though I haven't heard what the feed is or the feeding interval for that number. Is there even a sweet spot for that?

11/15/2022 3:41:53 PM

Austin MN

I used highly concentrated sulfuric acid this year. With 100 gallons only 20ml was needed to take my pH from 7.8+ to 6.5-6.7
I like sulfuric acid because it binds with the calcium better and basically forms gypsum with the reaction.

11/15/2022 10:16:25 PM

Kutztown, PA

BigStem,

Is your water PH without amendments 7.8? Do you ad the acid after you add fert/nutrients or before?

11/16/2022 9:34:19 AM

Austin MN

My well water pH is 7.8. So I would add it before I added any ferts most the time to bring the ph down. If I ever went to low (meaning the fertilizers made it to acidic) I would add some potassium silicates (very alkaline) to get it up.

I bought a blue lab pH pen so I would check it with that to see where I was at. After you do it and make notes a few times. You kinda figure it out and don’t really need to check it anymore unless you change something.

11/16/2022 11:27:59 AM

Kutztown, PA

Stem,

Did you every hear of anyone trying to stick to a TDS of a 200 ppm or less solution regardless of what you add?

11/17/2022 9:53:06 AM

Austin MN

I have but I never payed to much attention other than PPM. When it got high I made sure to use just water the next time to help flush the salts.

11/17/2022 11:06:54 AM

Midway, UT

I've use citric acid to lower the pH. A big bag is very inexpensive.

11/18/2022 12:07:54 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

This year I used pH Up & citric acid. Using citric acid is very safe, no need to be concerned about getting burned. And it is cheap.

11/20/2022 8:19:48 AM