4.4 The Nutrient Code: Explaining Nutrient Mixing & EC

This measures the acidity or alkalinity of your water and nutrient solution. Your plant can only absorb nutrients if the pH is in the correct range.

A pH range of 6.0-7.0 is ideal.

A slightly more acidic range of 5.5-6.5 is best.

This measures the concentration of salts and nutrients in your solution. It's a direct indicator of how much your plant is "eating."

Could indicate a nutrient deficiency.

A sign of a potential nutrient burn.

Essential tool to monitor your nutrient water before every feeding.

An invaluable tool for hydroponic and soilless growers to precisely manage their nutrient regimen. It is a measurement that lets you know if the plant is consuming nutrients. If the EC of the runoff is higher than the input, the plant is not taking what it needs.