The relationship between water quality and fertility is the Rube Goldberg machine of floriculture. The quality of the water that floriculture growers use to irrigate their crops significantly effects fertility, seed germination, plant growth, and plant susceptibility to pests and diseases. In many cases, water quality is the limiting factor in floral crop production.
Water quality is a common problem.
The information in this fact sheet deals strictly with pH and alkalinity-two important factors still not well understood by many growers. If hydrogen protons predominate, the solution is acidic. If hydroxides predominate, the solution is basic. A pH of 7 indicates neutrality. The Power to Neutralize Acids Water alkalinity is a measure of the capacity of the water to neutralize acids.