The pH and electro-conductivity values specified here are given as a broad range. It should be noted that specific plant requirements will vary according to regional climatic conditions, and from season to season within that region.
These values are intended for Hydroponic plants only (soil-grown plants will differ). Electro-Conductivity (EC) or Conductivity Factor (cF) can be expressed as either milliSiemens (mS), cF, or parts per million (PPM) 1 mS = 10cF = 700ppm.
Related page: "Grow Your Own Food with Hydroponics
As a general rule, plants will have a higher nutrient requirement during cooler months, and a lower requirement In the hottest months. Therefore, a stronger nutrient solution should be maintained during winter, With a weaker solution during summer when plants take up and transpire more water than nutrients.
If you’re new to hydroponics or need a refresher course on pH, TDS, and EC-related subjects, read on!
Hydroponic pH and EC
The terms “pH” and “EC” are two of the most important terms that you must understand to fully grasp hydroponics. These two crucial measurements dictate how well your plants will do in general; if they will thrive or barely survive.
What’s the Difference Between pH and EC?
The H in pH stands for Hydrogen. The p however is debated as to what it stands for. The main school of thought is that together, pH means “power of hydrogen,” and as power is simply a word, while Hydrogen is a proper subject, the p is little and the H is capital. The pH level measures the acidity of the water.
EC stands for Electrical Conductivity. It measures how much salt is found in your hydroponic water, and how much electric current is possible.
TDS or total dissolved solids of water measures the total quantity of minerals dissolved in it. The solids are dissolved either as ions, molecules, or tiny micro-granular particles which cannot be filtered away using ordinary filters (size of two micrometers).
Together the pH and EC determine how much hydroponic nutrients are available for your plants.
What Happens to Plants If the pH Is Too Low?
When pH levels drop lower than they should be for a certain type of crop, a gap in the needed nutrients occurs. Even more, serious deficiencies in calcium and magnesium appear as well as toxicity from copper and iron.
What Happens to Plants If the pH Is Too High?
When pH levels are too high, plants aren’t able to easily absorb nutrients that are present in the water. A high pH may also cause deficiencies in iron or calcium.
Related page: "Grow Your Own Food with Hydroponics
That means when the pH is higher than it should be, your plants can die due to not being able to get the food they need, even if it is available.
Hydroponic EC Explained
The EC of your hydroponic water is crucial as it basically allows you to gauge how much nutrients are available in your water. Further, it gives you a clear idea of how easily your plants may absorb the present nutrients.
How Does EC Affect Plant Growth?
If the EC in your hydroponic growing system is on point, your plants are safe. But, when the EC is too high, or too low, they are in danger of eventually starving to death.
What Happens If EC Is Too High?
When EC in your water is too high, it causes something similar to a draught. Regardless of how much nutrients are available in the system, roots simply aren’t able to function properly and absorb the needed nutrients and water.
In other words, a high EC level causes plant growth to slow, and eventually come to a total stop. If the EC level isn’t corrected in time, the plants will go
into shock, start losing leaves, shut down completely, and then die.
How Does EC Affect pH?
Technically speaking, EC and pH aren’t related to each other. However, the two are closely intertwined as EC does affect the number of nutrients/pH plants are able to absorb.
Is EC the Same as TDS?
EC and TDS are similar only in the fact that they both provide a measurement of how much salt is present in your hydroponic water. That is where the similarities stop, however.
EC is primarily a measurement of electrical conductivity, and TDS is primarily a measurement of all combined dissolved solids found in the water.
Get your pH, TDS, and EC meters and calibrators through the links below:
Recommended products for pH, TDS, and EC control
Recommended Reading: How to Clean, Store, and Maintain TDS, ORP, and pH Meter Electrodes
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