10
Greenhouse Soils
The stainless steel probe of the Field Scout Soil &
Water EC Meter can be inserted directly into the soil.
By taking measurements at different soil depths, you
can determine where the fertilizer is concentrated in
the soil. Be aware that the soil moisture content will
significantly influence the measured EC value. To
ensure accurate measurement, it is recommended
that in
-
situ readings be taken when soil moisture is
close to field capacity or saturation. The probe tip
(sensor) must be held still in the soil to achieve a
stable measurement. Soil EC measurements made
with soils at field capacity or saturation will have
readings 10
-
15% more than SME measurements
due to a lesser amount of water in the soil.
Soil EC measurements should be made 30
-
60
minutes after irrigation.
Procedure
-
Power up the meter.
-
Insert the probe tip 1 inch below soil surface.
-
Wait for reading to stabilize
-
Repeat at 1 inch increments in the pot.
Golf Course Greens
A similar procedure can be followed for golf course
greens following irrigation or deep
-
soaking rain
event. Probe to the depth of the turf root zone.
Measurements exceeding 0.7 mS/cm (approximately
equivalent to 2.7 mS/cm in a saturated paste extract)
will result in cool season turf grass stress. See
Appendix
3 (p. 20) for more details.
Direct Soil EC Readings
