Electrical conductivity (EC) in growing media is often used to measure what?

Electrical conductivity (EC) in growing media is an important measure of the concentration of soluble salts present in the substrate. This is because EC directly correlates with the ion concentration in the solution; as more soluble salts dissolve, the electrical conductivity increases. This measurement helps growers understand the nutrient availability in the solution, as many nutrients are supplied in ionic form, which contributes to the overall electrical conductivity.

While soil moisture, plant growth rate, and nutrient absorption are important factors in plant health and growth, they do not directly correlate with electrical conductivity in the same way that soluble salts do. Soil moisture can be influenced by various factors and does not inherently reflect the concentration of nutrients. Similarly, plant growth rate and nutrient absorption are results of various conditions and inputs, rather than directly linked to the EC measurement. Therefore, measuring EC is a crucial tool for growers to assess and manage the nutrient levels available to their plants through the soluble salts in their growing media.