EC (Electrical Conductivity): A measure of the amount of dissolved salts in a solution, often used to assess nutrient levels in hydroponics or soil.
Think of EC as a way to measure the “saltiness” of water or soil. It’s an important factor in gardening, especially in hydroponics and soilless growing systems, where plants get their nutrients from a liquid solution. The EC level tells you how concentrated the nutrient solution is. Too high an EC can burn plant roots, while too low an EC means the plants aren’t getting enough nutrients.
In your home garden, you might use an EC meter to monitor the nutrient levels in your hydroponic system or even to assess the salinity of your soil. Different plants have different EC requirements, so knowing the ideal range for the specific crops you’re growing is important. Maintaining the proper EC levels ensures your plants get the right nutrients for optimal growth and health. If you’re not growing hydroponically, you probably won’t need to worry about EC, but it’s a common term in soilless gardening.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as health, wellness or nutrition advice. Please see our full disclaimers here.
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