Testing 1, 2, 3!
Lesson Overview
Goals
- Students will be able to describe the formula for producing perfect water.
Outcomes
Teach the Teacher
Tools & Materials
- 5 gallon bucket
- Ascorbic acid
- pH UP
- Liquid nutrients
Activity
When is the last time you really thought about the water you drink?
The notion that water is water couldn’t be any further from the truth.
Water has a specific pH which ranges from acidic to alkaline based on the source. Water also has micro-nutrients if it is sourced in nature from streams or rainfall. And if the water you have access to is coming from the tap then it likely has chlorine or sodium hypochlorite in it.
The water you will use in the Lab will have a direct impact on the development of your plants and the vitality of the microbes that live in the hydroponic towers or the soil. So it is imperative that you understand and control the quality of your water to maintain optimal growing conditions.
Create perfect water from tap water. Start with a benchmark for the variety you are growing including a target nutrient level and pH level.
Using a 5-gallon bucket, determine the exact amounts for ascorbic acid, pH UP, and nutrients to create perfectly balanced water for the variety being grown. Record the master formula and use it to top off hydro as needed.
Related Lessons
Give the Advanced lesson a try now that you’ve completed the Intermediate Lesson! Or revisit the Beginner Lesson as needed.
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