pH and EC Control in Hydroponic Systems: Precision Management with Esular Smart Agro Solution

The key to success in hydroponic farming is the precise management of the nutrient solution. Unlike soil-based farming, in hydroponic systems, even the smallest deviation in pH and EC (Electrical Conductivity) values directly affects plant health. What if there was a system that monitored these critical parameters 24/7 and adjusted them automatically?

In this guide, you will learn why pH and EC control is so important in hydroponic systems, the limits of manual methods, and how Esular Smart Agro solutions provide a 30-40% yield increase.

pH in Hydroponic Farming: The Gateway to Nutrient Intake

pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the nutrient solution and takes values between 0-14. In hydroponic systems, the ideal pH range is generally between 5.5-6.5.

Why is pH Value So Critical?

For plants to absorb nutrients, the pH value must be within a certain range. Each nutrient element shows different solubility and accessibility at different pH levels.

Nutrient Element	Optimal pH Range	Symptoms Seen in Deficiency
Nitrogen (N)	5.5-8.0	Yellowed leaves, weak growth
Phosphorus (P)	5.5-6.5	Purple color change, delayed flowering
Iron (Fe)	5.0-6.5	Chlorosis (yellowing) in leaves
Calcium (Ca)	6.0-8.0	Tip burn, deformations
Magnesium (Mg)	6.0-7.5	Interveinal yellowing of leaves

⚠️ CRITICAL INFORMATION

When the pH value rises above 7.0, the accessibility of important nutrients such as iron, phosphorus, and manganese can drop by up to 80%. When pH falls below 5.0, calcium and magnesium intake decreases significantly.

pH Fluctuations in Hydroponic Systems

Unlike soil systems, hydroponic environments have very low or no buffering capacity. This means:

• Sudden Changes: Fertilizer addition or plant nutrient consumption can rapidly change pH
• Cumulative Effects: Small daily changes lead to large deviations over time
• Regional Differences: pH values can be different at different points of the system

EC (Electrical Conductivity): Indicator of Nutrient Concentration

EC is a measurement showing the total amount of dissolved salts in the nutrient solution and is expressed in millisiemens/centimeter (mS/cm). In hydroponic systems, the EC value is a direct indicator of how much nutrient the plants are receiving.

Ideal EC Values

Each plant species and growth stage has different EC requirements:

Plant Type	Seedling Period (mS/cm)	Vegetative Period (mS/cm)	Fruit/Flower (mS/cm)
Lettuce	0.8-1.2	1.2-1.8	–
Tomato	1.0-1.5	2.0-2.5	2.5-3.5
Cucumber	1.2-1.5	1.8-2.2	2.2-2.8
Pepper	1.0-1.5	2.0-2.5	2.5-3.0
Strawberry	0.8-1.2	1.5-2.0	1.8-2.2

Consequences of EC Imbalances

High EC (Over-Fertilization):

• Root burn and damage
• Salt accumulation
• Decreased water intake (osmotic stress)
• Burning and brown spots on leaves
• Growth cessation

Low EC (Insufficient Feeding):

• Weak and slow growth
• Light-colored, pale leaves
• Low yield
• Weak resistance to diseases
• Small and low-quality products

⚠️ ATTENTION

Sudden changes in pH or EC values during night hours may not be noticed in manual control systems and can lead to serious plant losses. Automatic monitoring systems prevent such risks by working 24/7 and protect plant health.

Manual Control vs Automatic Control: The Real Difference

Limits of Manual Control Systems

Traditional pH-EC Measurement Method:

• Using a handheld measurement device
• Checking 2-3 times a day
• Manual fertilizer or acid addition
• Mixing and waiting
• Re-measuring and adjusting

Main Problems:

1. Time Loss: Manual pH-EC control takes a significant amount of time daily due to measurement, adjustment, and verification stages. This time increases even more in large enterprises.

2. Lack of Control at Night: In manual systems, no control can be performed throughout the night. During this time, pH or EC can reach critical levels and plants can be damaged.

3. Human Error: Mistakes can be made due to fatigue, carelessness, or incorrect measurement. Incorrect dosing can affect the entire system.

4. Delay Time: Even if intervention is made when a problem is noticed, plants may have already experienced stress.

5. Calibration Issues: Handheld pH-EC measurement devices require regular calibration and may lose sensitivity over time.

Esular Smart Agro: Automatic pH-EC Control System

Esular Smart Agro solutions offer fully automatic pH and EC management for hydroponic producers. The system consists of three main components:

1. Wireless Smart pH-EC Sensors

Esular's wireless pH-EC sensors continuously monitor values in the nutrient solution and transfer data to the cloud system.

Technical Specifications:

• Measurement Ranges: pH 0.00-14.00, EC 0.00-19.99 mS/cm, Temperature measurement
• Sensitivity: pH ±0.01, EC ±0.01 mS/cm
• Calibration: Two-point calibration system
• Power Supply: 12V-24V adapter + rechargeable battery (up to 7 days of continuous operation)
• Communication: Wireless LoRa/LoRaWAN technology
• Durability: Waterproof IP67 protection class

2. Smart Agro Automatic Fertigation System

Smart Agro MAXI and MEGA models are smart pumping systems that automatically adjust pH and EC values.

System Features:

• 4 Fertilizer Tanks: Proportionally mixes different fertilizer formulations
• Automatic pH Adjustment: Instant correction with acid/base pumps
• Precise Dosing: 99.5% accuracy with peristaltic pumps
• Capacity: Fertigation up to 4000 liters per hour
• Smart Mixing: Guaranteed homogeneous nutrient solution

3. Mobile Application and Cloud Monitoring

The entire system is managed via an iOS and Android compatible mobile application.

Mobile Application Features:

• Instant pH, EC, and temperature values
• Graphic and trend analyses
• Alarms and notifications (push notification)
• Remote intervention possibility
• Historical data records and reports
• Multi-user access

How Does the Smart Agro System Work?

The working principle of Esular Smart Agro is extremely logical and effective:

1. Continuous Monitoring: Wireless pH-EC sensors measure values in nutrient tanks every 5 minutes and send them to the cloud.

2. Smart Decision Making: The system compares measured values with the target ranges you set and calculates necessary corrections.

3. Automatic Intervention: If pH is low, base pumps activate; if high, acid pumps activate. If EC is low, the fertilizer pump activates; if high, the dilution system activates.

4. Verification Cycle: After intervention, a new measurement is taken to check if values are within the target range.

5. Recording and Reporting: All operations are automatically recorded and reported in the mobile application.

“The Smart Agro system is like an agronomist who is on duty 24/7 and never gets tired. Even while I sleep, my plants' pH and EC values are under control.”

Benefits Provided by Smart Agro

1. Yield Increase

Plants always being fed at ideal pH and EC values accelerates photosynthesis and metabolism. Consequently, faster growth and more product are obtained.

2. Fertilizer Savings

Thanks to precise dosing, unnecessary fertilizer use is eliminated. The system only gives as much fertilizer as needed; the excess does not go to waste water.

3. Water Savings

Fertigation optimization combined with EC control ensures more efficient use of irrigation water.

4. Labor Reduction

Time spent on manual pH-EC control and adjustment is significantly reduced. The producer only checks from the mobile application.

5. Quality Improvement

Stable pH and EC values ensure homogeneous size, color, and taste in products. This creates the opportunity to sell at higher prices in the market.

6. Stress and Risk Reduction

Concern about midnight pH or EC problems is eliminated. The system manages everything automatically and warns you in case of a problem.

7. Remote Management

Without being in the greenhouse, you can control and intervene in your system from anywhere in the world.

💡 RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Automatic pH-EC control systems in hydroponic enterprises provide significant advantages in the medium and long term:

• Yield Increase: More product with optimal nutrient management
• Fertilizer Savings: Waste is prevented with precise dosing
• Labor Savings: Manual control time and cost are eliminated
• Quality Improvement: Homogeneous products increase market value
• Risk Reduction: Plant losses are minimized

Esular Smart pH-EC Sensor Models

Esular offers three different pH-EC sensor models for different needs:

Smart pH-EC (Full Package)

A full-featured model capable of measuring both pH and EC. It is the most ideal choice for hydroponic systems.

Smart pH (pH Measurement Only)

A cost-effective solution for systems that only perform pH control.

Smart EC (EC Measurement Only)

A specialized model for applications where only EC tracking is required.

Smart Agro Fertigation Systems

Smart Agro fertigation systems working fully integrated with pH-EC sensors:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often do pH-EC sensors require calibration?

A: Smart Agro sensors require calibration every 6 months under normal conditions. The calibration process is quite simple.

Q: Does the system work during a power outage?

A: Yes! Smart pH-EC sensors are equipped with a rechargeable Li-ion battery and continue to work for up to 7 days during a power outage. The Smart Agro fertigation unit can also work with an internal battery during short-term outages.

Q: Which hydroponic systems is it compatible with?

A: Smart Agro solutions are compatible with all hydroponic system types:
NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) ✅,
DWC (Deep Water Culture) ✅,
Drip Irrigation/Cocopeat ✅,
Ebb and Flow ✅,
Aeroponics ✅,
Vertical Hydroponics ✅

Q: Can it be integrated into my existing system?

A: Yes! Smart Agro systems are easily integrated into your existing hydroponic infrastructure.

Q: Can it be used in organic hydroponic production?

A: Absolutely! Smart Agro is compatible with all organic certified liquid fertilizers.

Q: For how many m² area can it be used?

A: Smart Agro models are offered in different capacities:

• Smart Agro Mini: For small and medium-scale enterprises
• Smart Agro MAXI: For medium and large-scale enterprises
• Smart Agro MEGA: For large industrial enterprises

Esular engineers perform capacity calculations specific to your business and recommend the most suitable model.

Q: Do I have to use the mobile application?

A: Yes! The mobile application provides great convenience for remote monitoring, intervention, and reporting.

Q: Does it work without an internet connection?

A: Yes! The system also works locally without an internet connection. However, internet is required to use cloud features (remote access, historical data, graphics). Thanks to LoRa/LoRaWAN technology, it can also work in areas without WiFi.

Q: How long is the warranty?

A: Smart Agro products come with a full 2-year warranty.

Hydroponic Success: Starts with pH and EC Control

Summary of what you learned in this guide:

• ✅ In hydroponic systems, pH should be 5.5-6.5, and EC should be in the range of 0.8-3.5 mS/cm depending on the plant species
• ✅ Manual control is time-consuming, has a high risk of error, and is not possible 24/7
• ✅ Esular Smart pH-EC sensors provide continuous monitoring and wireless data transmission
• ✅ Smart Agro automatic fertigation system automatically adjusts pH and EC
• ✅ Remote control capability from anywhere in the world with the mobile application
• ✅ Provides yield increase, fertilizer, and labor savings
• ✅ Return on investment is possible in the medium term
• ✅ Fully compatible with all hydroponic system types

“If you are doing hydroponic farming in 2025 and still doing manual pH-EC control, you are making your job harder. Technology is at a level that can do this for you. The question is: when will you start benefiting from this technology?”

Meet Smart Agro!

Esular technical team performs a preliminary assessment for your business and offers the most suitable pH-EC control solution for you.Examine Smart Agro Examine pH-EC Sensors Consultancy

📌 Price Information: The prices of the products shown in this content are the list prices prior to the publication date and are subject to change. For current prices and campaigns, please visit the Esular Store page or contact our technical team.

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