Do I need a Ph meter for organics? For what and how will I use it?

[xotorazeko]

My goal is to study, learn and be good at organic growing of plants. It includes our beloved cannabis as well as others.

I am ashamed to admit I didn't know anything about agriculture for the majority of my life.

I am trying to make up for it and I don't think there is anything better than nature & organics despite the charms of hydroponics and science behind it.

Having read that with organics it is the soil's job to regulate the Ph, I did not think I'd need a Ph meter.

But today I have been told, regardless of organic or not, I need to watch the Ph and fix it with lime salt etc. if needed be.

My question:

1. Do I need to adjust the Ph with organics at all?
2. Do I need a Ph meter? If yes, for what?

Thanks!

 

[Duggy]

Hi xoto... If everything in a soil mix is optimised the pH can self regulate. However , if a problem arises a pH meter is invaluable to know what pH you are at and how it therefore should be adjusted. The soil needs enough buffering capacity or a soil which starts with a good pH can quickly become imbalanced. A soil pH probe like the Accurate 8 is ideal...:Cool bud:

 

[Eyes on Fire]

well like duggy said an accurate 8 is a great place to start.if you do have already or do plan on getting a fair liquid meter its not a terrible idea to have one to get a fair idea of where your local water is at and simple brews and what runs hot as for teas and things.rinsing it n keeping it up as far as your meters go.clean n well maintained is key for these things.but yeah its not a bad idea to help learn the process n goings on as what recipes are hot,what b uffers it self..how to build a tea and thin it, take readings to watch it work not wasting water at ALL buuut using it accordingly n well with what your local area(s) have or bottled water with added few drops of cal mag to level it, n so on. then add your soils probe n play with soils n things..they help.:Sharing One: I myself cannot afford them.i have a simple liquid meter n TDS meter n thats all..lmfao.a lotta ppl think i have all these things and i dont.just want them lmfao! but yeah takes a lot of the guess work n things out of the equation(s) but it cant tell you about dynamics of feeding characteristics of said mediums and bufferabilities (WTF?lmfao :roflcry and adding and thinning,thats what really takes the time but its gives you proof in your plants to see.so always start with a good mix thats buildable and workable.there are several around these days in varying builds n so on.

but ideally no if you just make a recipe and with the same stuffs you wont need them assuming your local water does not have chloramines or chlorine(which is removable) an id imagine youll be fine.

 

[guerilla]

As above. ..if ya got a good living soil yer fine. All i use is yer standard soil test kit at before the start of season. Gives a idea of npk and ph. Work from there!

 

[xotorazeko]

Excellent! Thank you all for your valuable input.
I will see what instruments I can buy.

guerilla, have you got a favourite living soil recipe? what do you use?

As above. ..if ya got a good living soil yer fine. All i use is yer standard soil test kit at before the start of season. Gives a idea of npk and ph. Work from there!