Testing the pH of your nutrient system should be part of your daily task list, since pH that is either too high (acidic) or too low (alkaline) can lead to deficiencies, which affect not only the health and productivity of your plants, but the nutrition load of the produce itself. Sometimes the deficiencies are apparent from a visual check - iron deficiency causes yellowed leaves in young plants, while tip burn and leaf cupping indicate calcium deficiency.
It's important to remember that, in a soil-less environment, pH requirements differ from traditionally grown plants. Soil contains microorganisms, decaying organic matter, and minerals that all affect the pH level and keep it at a relatively stable level. When pH levels move too high or too low, gardeners and farmers alike can apply broad treatments to bring it into the appropriate range. In a hydroponic system, with no natural regulators, it's up to you to frequently test and adjust the pH of your solution. When you're making adjustments, be sure you're adjusting to levels recommended specifically for hydroponics.
