How to manage your crop with pH and EC

pH and EC influence absorption of fertilizers throughout crops. Factors like, fertilizer choice, pH, EC and outlet water greatly influence reaching maximum results. It is therefore important to know how to adjust the pH and EC of nutrient solutions. Our specialist give you 3 tips in this article. 
Manage crop ph ec
Jaap Lubbersen
Product specialist Crop Care | May 1, 2020 | 2 min. reading time

What is pH?

The term pH (potential of hydrogen) is used to specify the acidity or basicity (H+ ions) of an aqueous solution or medium. pH greatly influences the availability of nutrients for the plant. When pH is too low many elements will not be available, when it’s too high there will soon a a shortage of phosphate and manganese. Good control of pH levels in fertilizer containers and nutrient and drainage water is very important. A pH meter can be very helpful in this. pH values can be adjusted with acidifying fertilizers such as ammonium, nitrate and urea.

What is EC?

EC stands for Electrical Conductivity of the solutes in water. As soon as fertilizer is dissolved in water, it separates into positive and negative particles. The more fertilizer is dissolved in water, the higher the EC. Urea, on the other hand, does not increase after dissolution in water. Ultimately the EC values inside and outside the plant determine how easily a plant absorbs water. A plant strives for equal EC values and will absorb water to decrease EC in the plant. A good EC meter is important for measuring EC values for most efficient usage of fertilizers.

Liquid fertilizers, pH and EC

Liquid fertilizers contain certain acids. These are materials with very pH levels. The materials opposite to acids are bases which have higher pH values. When an acid and a base mix in a fertilizer container it will cause a reaction. This reaction results in water and heat.  A surplus of acid will cause a pH which is too low. Therefore pH control is of great importance.

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How to manage your crop with pH and EC

pH and EC influence absorption of fertilizers throughout crops. Factors like, fertilizer choice, pH, EC and outlet water greatly influence reaching maximum results. It is therefore important to know how to adjust the pH and EC of nutrient solutions. Our specialist give you 3 tips in this article. 
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Jaap Lubbersen
Jaap Lubbersen
Product specialist Crop Care | May 1, 2020 | 2 min. reading time
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Manage crop ph ec

What is pH?

The term pH (potential of hydrogen) is used to specify the acidity or basicity (H+ ions) of an aqueous solution or medium. pH greatly influences the availability of nutrients for the plant. When pH is too low many elements will not be available, when it’s too high there will soon a a shortage of phosphate and manganese. Good control of pH levels in fertilizer containers and nutrient and drainage water is very important. A pH meter can be very helpful in this. pH values can be adjusted with acidifying fertilizers such as ammonium, nitrate and urea.

What is EC?

EC stands for Electrical Conductivity of the solutes in water. As soon as fertilizer is dissolved in water, it separates into positive and negative particles. The more fertilizer is dissolved in water, the higher the EC. Urea, on the other hand, does not increase after dissolution in water. Ultimately the EC values inside and outside the plant determine how easily a plant absorbs water. A plant strives for equal EC values and will absorb water to decrease EC in the plant. A good EC meter is important for measuring EC values for most efficient usage of fertilizers.

Liquid fertilizers, pH and EC

Liquid fertilizers contain certain acids. These are materials with very pH levels. The materials opposite to acids are bases which have higher pH values. When an acid and a base mix in a fertilizer container it will cause a reaction. This reaction results in water and heat.  A surplus of acid will cause a pH which is too low. Therefore pH control is of great importance.

Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Jaap Lubbersen will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Jaap Lubbersen
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