EC-measurements in water and solutions

Electrical conductivity of a solution is defined as its capability to transport (conduct) electric power, the unit being
S/cm (Siemens / cm) or mS/cm (Millisiemens / cm).

In solutions, the EC-concentration is directly related to the concentration of total dissolved salts:
the higher the electrical conductivity, the higher the salt concentration.

Regarding plant nutrition, the EC-value is of great importance, e.g.

• control of nutrient solutions. The ratio fertilizer: water should be checked permanently.
  
  
• control of irrigation water, particularly in regions with high salinity of ground water (seaside)
  
  
• control of nutrient solutions of subirrigation systems, recycling water systems
  
  
• control of nutritive solutions in all kinds of hydroponic/soilless systems, where no buffer function can compensate a high salinity
  
  
• control of soil and substrate suspensions. Soils or substrates are mixed with distilled water in a defined ratio and the salt concentration can be determined in mg/l substrate.

The instrument EC 3000 fulfills all demands of a reliable, easy-to-use instrument for all horticultural applications. The high-quality sensor are made out of platinum-plated ring electrodes. They feature a very fast response and are completely maintenance-free. The integrated temperature sensor provides an automatic and fast temperature compensation. The instrument is calibrated before leaving the factory and generally a re-calibration is not needed. The measuring range up to 200 mS even allows precise controls of mother solutions.


Applications:

• pot plant production: control of nutrient solutions (fertilizer mixing systems), mother solutions
  
  
• substrate production: control of peat products salinity
  
  
• hydroponic systems, growing media like rockwool, etc.
  
  
• laboratory use as universal EC-meter

Includes

EC 3000 basic unit, probe with platinum sensors, control solutions 111,8 ms and 1,4 ms (50 ml each), measuring beaker for soil suspensions, rugged high-quality aluminium transport and storage case