EC value table Grow
What is EC value and why is it important for growing?
The EC value, short for electrical conductivity, is a real control tool when it comes to growing plants. It shows you how many dissolved salts – meaning nutrients – are in your watering solution. For your plants, this means: too many nutrients can actually "burn" them, while a value that's too low will leave them starving. Both extremes slow down growth and can seriously harm your plants. So, the EC value gives you a simple but powerful indicator to make sure your plants get exactly the right amount of nutrients they need at every stage of growth.
What's the difference between EC and PPM?
People often get confused between EC and PPM because both tell you something about nutrient concentration, but in different ways. The EC value measures how well the water conducts electricity – the more dissolved salts, the higher the value. PPM, or "parts per million," tells you the actual amount of particles in your nutrient solution. The catch: PPM depends on the conversion scale you use, usually 500 or 700, which can sometimes cause confusion. As a rule of thumb: 1 mS/cm EC is about 500 PPM. It's important to know which scale your meter uses so you can set your nutrient solution accurately.
EC value chart for growing: Overview of optimal values
The EC value is crucial at every stage of plant growth because the nutrient needs of your plants change. To make sure your plants are getting what they need, here's a chart with the ideal EC values and their corresponding PPM (parts per million). The values are divided by growth phase and give you a clear reference for adjusting your nutrient solution.
| Phase | EC value (mS/cm) | PPM (Parts per Million) |
|---|---|---|
| Seedling | 0.2-0.4 | 100-200 |
| Vegetative phase | 0.8-1.4 | 400-700 |
| Transition (Stretch) | 1.4-1.6 | 700-800 |
| Start of flowering | 1.6-2.0 | 800-1000 |
| End of flowering | 1.8-2.2 | 900-1100 |
| Flushing | < 0.4 | < 200 |
This chart helps you adjust the nutrient concentration in your solution to match your plants' needs. Keep in mind, the values can vary a bit depending on the strain and your setup. Check the EC value regularly, especially when switching growth phases, to get the best results.
How do you measure EC value when growing?
Measuring the EC value is easy if you use the right tools. The most important tool is an EC meter, which is made specifically to check the conductivity of liquids.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation: Make sure your EC meter is clean and calibrated. Dirt or old residue can mess up your results.
2. Measuring: Dip the probe into your nutrient solution. Wait a few seconds until the value is stable.
3. Read and adjust: Compare the measured EC value with the optimal chart and add nutrients or dilute with water as needed.
It's worth checking regularly, since the EC value can change, especially as your plants take up water and nutrients. Use filtered or reverse osmosis water for more accurate results.
Adjusting EC value: Tips and tricks
If the EC value isn't in the optimal range, you can easily fix it.
• EC value too high: This usually happens if you've added too much fertilizer. Dilute the nutrient solution with fresh water to lower the salt concentration.
• EC value too low: In this case, your plants need more nutrients. Carefully add small amounts of fertilizer until the EC value hits the target range.
Remember to make adjustments slowly and carefully. Big swings can stress your plants and cause long-term damage.
Common EC value problems and how to avoid them
A wrong EC value can quickly cause problems. Here are the most common issues and how to avoid them:
1. Inaccurate readings:
Cause: Dirty probes or temperature fluctuations.
Solution: Calibrate your EC meter regularly and keep it clean.
2. Over-fertilization:
Cause: EC value too high from too much fertilizer.
Solution: Flush the nutrient solution to remove excess salts and be more careful with dosing.
3. Different scales (EC ↔ PPM):
Cause: Using the wrong conversion tables.
Solution: Check which scale your PPM meter uses (500 or 700 scale).
