Guides
Why You Need to Know the EC & pH of Soil
Apr
The EC and pH of soil are terms often referred to by growers. But what do they mean and why is it important to know the EC and pH of your soil?
What is EC in soil?
EC (Electrical Conductivity) is the measurement of the soil’s ability to conduct an electrical current and indicates the concentration of soluble salts within the soil. The higher the concentration of soluble salts, the higher the electrical conductivity of the soil.
High levels of soluble salts in the soil can be harmful to plants, as they can affect water uptake and cause toxicity issues. Equally, low levels of soluble salts can suggest poor soil fertility, which can also impact plant growth.
What is Ph in soil?
pH refers to the measurement of the soil’s acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A soil with a pH below 7 is considered acidic, while a pH above 7 is considered alkaline or basic.
Soil pH can have a substantial effect on plant growth and nutrient availability. Different plants have different preferences for soil pH. If the pH is outside of the optimal range, some nutrients may become unavailable to plants, even if they are present in the soil.
By measuring the pH of the soil, you’re able to identify if any soil amendments are required to adjust the pH to within an appropriate range.
The top 3 reasons why you should measure the EC and pH of soil?
- Nutrient Availability – EC and pH levels affect the availability of nutrients in the soil. Different nutrients are available at different pH ranges (lockout), and the electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil can indicate the presence of certain nutrients. For example, high levels of EC can indicate a high concentration of nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, while low levels may indicate a lack of these nutrients.
- Plant Growth – EC and pH levels also affect plant growth. Soil pH can impact the uptake of nutrients by plants, and certain plants grow best in specific pH ranges. Additionally, high levels of EC can be harmful to plants, as they can cause root damage and reduce water uptake.
- Soil Health – Measuring EC and pH levels can provide insight into the overall health of the soil. Soil with a balanced pH and nutrient levels will support healthy microbial activity, which in turn helps to maintain soil structure and promote plant growth.
How do you measure soil EC and pH?
There are different methods for measuring the EC and pH of soil. Below are the basic steps for each:
Best Practice – Measuring EC:
- Collect soil samples: Collect soil samples from different locations within the area you want to test. Mix the samples thoroughly in a clean container.
- Prepare the soil solution: Measure out a known volume of distilled or deionised water and add the soil sample to it. Use a ratio of one part soil to five parts water (1:5) by weight. Mix the solution thoroughly and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Measure the EC: Use a soil conductivity meter to measure the electrical conductivity of the soil solution. We recommend using the Aqua Master Substrate EC/Temp E300 Pro:
Best Practice – Measuring pH:
- Collect soil samples: Collect soil samples from different locations within the area you want to test. Mix the samples thoroughly in a clean container.
- Prepare the soil solution: Measure out a known volume of distilled or deionised water and add the soil sample to it. Use a ratio of one part soil to five parts water (1:5) by weight. Mix the solution thoroughly and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Measure the pH: Use a pH meter or pH test kit to measure the pH of the soil solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for calibration and measurement. The results will be on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Soil pH values between 6 and 7 are generally considered optimal for most plants. We recommend using the Aqua Master Substrate pH/Temp S300 Pro 2:
Short on time? Follow these simple steps for taking either a pH or EC reading.
- Check if your soil is moist, if not water it.
- Get your EC or pH probe.
- Put the probe in soil of one of your plants.
- Take a reading.
- Repeat the process with a couple of plants and average your readings.
Note: the accuracy of the measurements can be affected by factors such as temperature, soil moisture, and the presence of substances in the soil. For best results, it’s recommended to take multiple samples and average the results.
In Conclusion
We all know the importance of pH and EC in our nutrient solution to optimise the grow of our plants. But by not knowing the pH and EC of your Soil or Coco, you could be causing them harm. The ideal pH and EC of your nutrient solution is identical to that of your media. EC or pH could build up in your root zone and harm your plants, but measuring with the Aqua Master E300 and S300 you can avoid this.
