The measurement of CIs |

November 21

The measurement of CIs

Christian Cantelli

The electrical conductivity or EC, English acronym equivalent electric conductivity, is a key factor for proper development of plants in a hydroponic system automated.

The electrical conductivity (EC) of nutrient solution to irrigate is expressed in siemens per centimeter (s / cm), millisimens per centimeter (ms / cm) or microsimens per centimeter (S / cm).

With special attention to plants short cycle, this handbook is intended to provide useful information and especially practices for an efficient control and setting levels of electrical conductivity. To a high EC value corrispode a high density and hardness of the irrigation liquid, and given that the plants are not able to absorb nutrients in addition to a certain density depending on the species and stage of life, and considered the fact that in hydroponic crops you do not have a medium of cultivation that face from buffer (as for example in the cultivation on earth), the measurement of CIs turns out to be indispensable for a correct development and control of our crops. To see if you are using too much fertilizer or too few, it is sufficient to monitor the EC value of the solution in the tank. The measurement of electrical conductivity of the fluid analysis may seem impossible to accomplish at home, in the privacy of home, would also be difficult, inconvenient besides, bring a sample of our irrigation fluid to the laboratory whenever we needed it. Fortunately there are now very cheap and simple tools that allow us to make these measurements at home in comfort.

First of all it is better to establish two key points: the foundation of our irrigation fluid will be crucial for the final electrical conductivity, then we will have a different degree of EC if for example we will use tap water, mineral water, demineralized water or distilled water. Secondly you should keep in mind that each element added to our irrigation liquid it will inevitably raise the level of EC, so sometimes the use of multiple products at one time could be very counterproductive. Every product, from nutrients until you get to all the various additives on the market today for hydroponic cultivation, has a specific electrical conductivity, and will therefore vary the CIs of our irrigation fluid in a different way. Will therefore be good, as well as adhere to the prescribed dosages, does not abound, and never check the EC of the irrigation liquid is added each time a new substance.

The tap water, although more economical and practical to find, usually presents a high CEs, which can vary from 0.4 to 0.5 mS/cm2 up to values prohibitive as 0.7 to 0.8 mS/cm2.

Considering the short-cycle plants diode for example, they will need a low EC value in their early life to be able to absorb nutrients, which ideally would be about 0.5-0.6 mS/cm2 valid both for new born for the cuttings, but always less than 1.0 mS/cm2. Subsequently The plants will be able to tolerate values of CIs superiors, from 1.0 mS/cm2 in the phase of pre-flowering up to 1.5 to 1.8 mS/cm2 during maturation, but always and in any case less than 2, 0 mS/cm2.

Many mineral waters have the value of specific electrical conductivity on the label, the "lighter" hardness values were excellent for our purposes, if in fact we will have a low EC value at the start, we can add the necessary nutrients in proper quantity without having to worry too hard to give our irrigation solution causing disastrous results for our culture. If, for example, our water will have an EC value of 0.13 to 0.18 mS/cm2 we quietly prepare a solution of nutrients, additives and vitamins for our rooting cuttings without exceeding the total EC 0, 5 to 0.6 mS/cm2.

In the case demineralized water EC values are almost non-existent and are around 0.01 to 0.03 mS per centimeter. The demineralized water is sold in supermarkets and is usually used for irons, car batteries, etc. dehumidifiers. can also be produced in house by a process of reverse osmosis, are marketing tools relatively cheap to be able to have in quantity. All of course in proportion to their individual needs. The demineralized water may be used to lower a too high value of EC in the irrigation liquid or even as a basis if for example you wanted to use mineral compounds balanced in powder today in commerce for the hydroponic crops, starting from a base almost completely neutral you can literally build an ideal liquid perl'irrigazione of our plants.

A proper and continuous monitoring of electrical conductivity values of our large-scale irrigation is one of the keys to a surprising result in the hydroponic system, underestimate the consequences of a toppo high or too low EC value can lead to very disappointing results, and consequent abandonment of hydroponic technique for most beginners. If we consider a medium-small hydroponic system equipped with a tank capacity of 30-40 liters, ideal for indoor cultivation of plants to short cycle in confined spaces, we will prepare the irrigation fluid and then calibrate the electrical conductivity only three times: all ' beginning, the transition from vegetative to flowering stage and at the end for the final rinse. In the case of large plants particolarmete and "thirsty" will be sufficient to refill the tank and on these occasions will also be necessary to measure the EC of the irrigation fluid. In the case ominous of a nutrients lock-out, ie if for some reason our plants were to stop taking of nutrients for a some dysfunction, or in the case of a wrong level of PH, the plant will absorb only water and the liquid of irrigation will become increasingly saturated of elements, doing consequently increase the value of CEs of the same. In this situation an EC meter is a real lifesaver as you will be able to recognize in time the situation and correct any problems before your plants suffer permanent damage because of an unquenchable "appetite" for a certain element are not able to absorb for a some reason.

The work required will be minimal and largely, hugely rewarded by the results.