EC (electrical conductivity)

EC (Electrical Conductivity) is a measure of a solution’s ability to conduct electricity and serves as a general indicator of its salinity. It does not indicate which ions are present in excess or deficient, so a low result is not, by itself, evidence of a nutrient deficiency. Excessively high EC hinders the roots’ ability to absorb water and can lead to soil salinization. Results depend, among other factors, on temperature and sampling method, so measurements should be compared only if they were taken using the same method. The optimal EC value depends on the plant’s growth stage, the type of growing medium, and growing conditions. When the result changes significantly, you should first check the nutrient solution concentration, water quality, and watering method, rather than adjusting fertilization based on a single measurement.