How to Use EC Meter in Hydroponics for Maximum Growth
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This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about EC, how to use EC meter in hydroponics and how it affects your hydroponic garden!
What EC Means for Hydroponics
EC stands for electrical conductivity. EC is a measure of the nutrient concentration in your solution. EC helps you to monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize the nutrient levels in your nutrient solution. The higher the EC, the more nutrients are available to your plants.
What Is the Ideal EC for Hydroponics?
The ideal EC for hydroponics depends on the stage of growth of your plants. Also, each hydroponic plant’s EC requirement differs from 1 to 4 as per this study by Oklahoma state university.
How to Use EC Meter in Hydroponics to Measure EC Levels
The best way is to use an EC meter. EC meters are devices that measure the nutrient concentration in your solution. It mostly comes with a probe that you have to insert into the solution. Mostly the meters available in the market contain an EC meter with TDS, temperature, and pH meter.
To measure the nutrient concentration in your hydroponic system, you need to:
- Fill a cup with your hydroponic solution
- Stick the probe of the EC meter into the cup
- Turn on the EC meter
- Read the value on the display
Related: How to Measure EC, pH, DO and Temperature in a Hydroponic System
Click here this sponsored link if you are looking for an EC meter with TDS, and Temperature meter.
How to Interpret EC Readings and How EC Affects Hydroponics
Once you have taken an EC reading, you need to interpret the results. The easiest way to do this is to compare your EC reading to a chart.
There are an EC chart that you can use (Eg. General Hydroponics, Happy hydro farm, Oklahoma state university, Aqua gardening, etc.).
Is EC Impacted by the Quality of Water Used in Hydroponics?
The quality of water definitely impacts EC. Salt is a mineral that is found in water. It is also one of the nutrients that plants need to grow. The presence of salt in your hydroponic solution will increase the EC value. This is because salt increases the conductivity of electricity.
If you’re using hard water, then the nutrient concentration will be higher. On the other hand, if you’re using soft water, then the nutrient concentration will be lower.
This is why it’s essential to use the right type of water for your hydroponic system. If you want to check the water quality, you can ask for assistance from approved laboratories that test water quality in your country.
Related:
13 Nutrients Required for Hydroponic Plants
NPK for Hydroponics: How It Works and Why It Matters?
What to Do if the EC Levels Are Too High or Too Low
If you notice that the EC levels in your hydroponic system are too high or too low, you can do a few things.
If the EC is too high, it means that your plants are getting too much nutrients and could end up being “burned.” If this happens, you should flush your system with fresh water. This will help to remove some of the excess nutrients from your system.
If the EC is too low, it means that your plants are not getting enough nutrients and could end up being stunted. If this happens, you should add more nutrients to your system. You can do this by adding a nutrient solution or fertilizer to your system.
Benefits of Using EC Measurements in Hydroponics
One of the main benefits of using EC measurements in hydroponics is that it allows you to adjust the nutrient levels in your system as needed. This is important for the health of your plants, as it ensures that they are getting the nutrients required to grow healthy and strong.
Another benefit of using EC measurements is that it helps you to avoid over or under-watering your plants. This is because EC readings can indicate when the nutrient levels in your system are too high or too low. By taking regular readings and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure that your plants are getting the right amount of water.
Related:
10 Advantages of Organic Hydroponic Nutrients in the Kratky Method
How to Grow Kratky Method Plants: A Passive Hydroponic System
Final Thoughts on the Importance of EC in Hydroponics
Overall, using EC measurements is a great way to monitor the health of your plants and ensure that they are getting the nutrients required to grow. By taking regular readings and making adjustments as needed, you can keep your plants healthy and happy.
Thank you for reading!
Also, read:
5 Tips on How to Grow Healthy Hydroponic Plants
Can We Grow Certified Organic Hydroponic Plants?
Why Do We Need Hydroponics? Is Conventional Farming Sustainable?
