Electrical Conductivity (EC) in Soil and Water
What is EC?
Electrical Conductivity (EC) measures the salt concentration in soil and water. High EC signals excess salts that can damage crops, while low EC may indicate nutrient deficiency, reducing plant growth.
Why Does EC Matter?
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Ensures soil fertility by balancing nutrients.
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Prevents salinity damage that stunts plant growth.
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Optimizes irrigation by maintaining water quality.
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Enhances fertilizer efficiency, reducing waste and cost.
Optimal EC Levels
For Soil:
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0.2 - 1.5 dS/m – Ideal for most crops.
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>2.5 dS/m – Too salty, reduces yield.
For Water:
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<0.7 dS/m – Best for irrigation.
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>3.0 dS/m – Risk of soil salinity buildup.
How to Manage EC?
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Flush excess salts with quality water.
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Add organic matter to stabilize nutrients.
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Test EC regularly to prevent soil degradation.
