EC Meter Instructions - ECM-1-N
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your FieldScout Direct Soil EC Meter. This
instrument has been specifically designed for direct measurement of salts directly in the
soil as well as water or nutrient solutions. This manual describes how to use your meter
and keep it working accurately for many years. Please read it thoroughly to get effective
performance from your meter. The salinity of the soil solution, irrigation water or
fertilizer solution is an important parameter affecting the root zone environment. Any of
these factors can have a significant effect on plant growth and physiology. The easiest
way to monitor salinity is by measuring the electrical conductivity (EC). EC is strongly
correlated to the salinity of the soil solution. EC measurement is also affected by
temperature and, to a lesser degree, by soil moisture content.
Use this portable EC meter and probe to measure salinity directly in the soil without
tedious soil sampling and preparation. Turfgrass managers can monitor for high salt
levels on golf course greens and Sports Fields and determine when to flush (leach) salts
before turf quality declines. The meter comes with the Field Scout Soil/Water EC probe.
This single, stainless steel probe has a specially designed conical tip. It can measure
liquid EC (water or nutrient solutions) or in-situ soil salinity. The probe automatically
compensates for temperature.
EC Probe
Electrical conductivity (EC) is an important parameter in evaluating irrigation water and
fertilizer solutions. Turf 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 2). 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.
