Management of EC and pH in Hydroponics Systems

Management of EC and pH of nutrient solutions used in various types of hydroponics systems is vital to ensure toxicity free availability of mineral nutrients to plants. EC reflects the concentration of mineral salt ions in a solution. Suitable EC (mS/cm) for different crops varies considerably, like peppers are generally best grown between 0.8 to 1.8 EC compared to 2.8 to 4.0 suitable for broccoli. However, most plants do well when the nutrient solution pH is maintained between 6 and 6.5. EC and pH in small hydroponic units may be maintained manually with the help of EC and pH meters, whereas in commercial units fully automated systems are installed for monitoring EC and pH and also for adjusting the same for different growth stages.