How to Correct the pH of Irrigation Water and Spray Mixes

Q: What pH should irrigation water have?

For most crops, between 5.5 and 6.5: nutrients are more available and drip-emitter clogging is reduced.

Q: How can I lower water pH naturally?

With citric acid, a natural, easy-to-handle option that preserves soil microbial life.

Q: Why is the pH corrector added before the other products?

So the rest of the products go into water at the right pH and don't degrade during mixing.

Quick answer: most nutrients and treatments work best with slightly acidic water, around pH 5.5-6.5. With hard or alkaline water (pH above 7.5), phosphorus and micronutrients get locked up, drip emitters clog, and many spray-mix products lose effectiveness quickly. This is corrected by adding a pH corrector to the irrigation water or the sprayer tank, always before the other products.

Why pH matters

In irrigation: a high pH precipitates calcium and phosphorus (causing clogging) and reduces the availability of iron, zinc and manganese.
In the spray tank mix: many products degrade quickly in alkaline water (hydrolysis). A well-buffered mix keeps its effectiveness.

Which corrector to choose

Product	Main use	Composition / advantages	Application
Cristalina	Irrigation water and spray mixes	Corrects and stabilizes the pH of hard or alkaline water	Depending on water pH and hardness; ask our team
Cítrica	Drip irrigation	90% citric acid; preserves microbial activity and nutrient availability	Depending on pH, up to 400 g/m³ of water
Equilibrio pH	Spray tank mix	Corrector and buffer with antioxidants; supplies phosphorus (23% P₂O₅) and nitrogen	First into the tank
Equilibrio pH Plus	Spray tank mix	Buffer, anti-foam and sticking agent; improves penetration and supplies phosphorus	First into the tank; dose according to volume

Adjuvants to get the most out of every treatment

Cumbre: improves the transport and absorption of the products it's mixed with, reducing droplet size. Contains 7.5% free amino acids.
Adherol: vegetable oils that improve droplet spread and retention on the leaf and reduce wash-off from rain or wind; supplies zinc and manganese. 250 ml/100 L.

Correct mixing order in the tank

Fill the tank halfway with water and start the agitation.
Add the pH corrector and check the pH with strips or a meter.
Add solid products, then liquid products and foliar fertilizers.
Add the adjuvant last and top up with water.
Apply the mix as soon as possible, without letting it sit for hours.

Frequently asked questions

What pH should irrigation water have?

For most crops, between 5.5 and 6.5. In that range, nutrients are more available and drip-emitter clogging is reduced.

How can I lower water pH naturally?

Citric acid is a natural, easy-to-handle option. Cítrica, with 90% citric acid, lowers irrigation water pH while preserving soil microbial life.

Why is the pH corrector added before the other products?

Because that way the rest of the products go into water that's already at the right pH, and don't start degrading during mixing.

Want to know how much corrector your water needs? Send us your water analysis, pH and hardness and we'll advise you. Also see: iron, zinc and manganese deficiencies.