9
DESCRIPTION
EC in agriculture
EC stands for electrolytic conductivity, or the ability of a solution to conduct an electric current. Current
travels efficiently through water with high levels of salt present (high EC), and less so through pure
water (low EC). EC indicates how much dissolved salt is in a given sample. That's why EC is also
referred to as TDS (total dissolved solids). All nutrients are salts, so EC is a measure of your total
nutrients. Knowing your EC levels will help in plant production and monitoring of inputs. Monitoring
the EC of aqueous solutions is fairly simple.
Calibrate the probe in a known standard and then submerse the sensor into the liquid.
To use EC to check fertilizer levels, take an EC reading of a precise mixture of your fertilizer and
irrigation water in the desired concentration. You can check your fertigation water at any point along
the system. Its EC should match your samples. If it doesn't, check the injectors, valves and nozzles
for blockage or other problems.
To determine your fertilizer concentration check the EC of your water first and then subtract that
number from the EC reading of your solution.
Another way to determine the output of your fertilizer injector is by measuring the electrical
conductivity (EC) of the diluted fertilizer solution. By using an EC meter and measuring the EC of the
solution you can get a good estimate of the fertilizer concentration.
Be sure to calibrate your monitor before use and be sure to subtract the EC of your clear water from
the fertilizer reading. Compare the corrected value for the EC of your fertilizer solution to that listed
on the fertilizer bag for the ppm N you intend to apply.
During the crop cycle, especially for short‑term crops like bedding plants, you should monitor the EC
of your fertilizer solution to check that the injector is working properly. The fertilizer label may have
the EC of several concentrations of the diluted fertilizer.
For example, the EC of 100 ppm N, is 0.65 mS/cm.
Summary of Contents for GROLINE HI981421
Page 1: ...INSTRUCTION MANUAL HI981420 GROLINE MONITOR HI981421 ...
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