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Electrical conductivity (EC) is an important
parameter in evaluating irrigation water and fertilizer
solutions. Crops can be damaged if irrigated with
water with a high conductivity. The quality of
irrigation water has been classified into 5 separate
categories (See Appendix 3, p. 22). EC is also an
indicator of the strength of fertilizer solutions. In
greenhouse applications and other situations
requiring frequent fertilization, EC should be checked
regularly to ensure the plants are getting sufficient
nutrients while avoiding the effects of salt toxicity.
See Appendix 1 (p. 18) for a list of preferred EC
values for some common plants. Typically, younger
plants will require lower EC than mature plants.
The stainless
steel soil EC
p r o b e i s
designed to be
inserted directly
into soil. The
sensing surface
is composed of 2
p a i r s o f
electrodes on the
p r o b e t i p .
Additionally, the
probe is narrow
in diameter so it
can be used
effectively in plug
trays.
EC Probe
Sensor
Electrode
Pair