EC

EC, or electrical conductivity, is a measurement used to assess the amount of dissolved mineral salts in water or a nutrient solution. The more ions a solution contains, the more easily it conducts electric current and the higher its EC value.

Widely used in horticulture and soilless cultivation, EC helps monitor the overall concentration of nutrients supplied to plants. Together with pH, it is one of the main indicators used to adjust a nutrient solution.

What is EC measurement used for?

Measuring electrical conductivity helps check whether a nutrient solution is correctly dosed. A value that is too low may indicate a lack of nutrients, while a value that is too high may reveal an excess of salts that could limit water absorption by the roots.

EC does not measure a specific nutrient. It only indicates the total concentration of dissolved elements, without distinguishing their nature or proportions.

How should an EC value be interpreted?

Electrical conductivity is generally expressed in mS/cm (millisiemens per centimetre). The desired value depends on many factors, such as the species being cultivated, the stage of development, the substrate used and the composition of the nutrient solution.

Regularly monitoring EC makes it possible to adjust nutrient applications more precisely and avoid imbalances that could affect plant development.