In modern agriculture, "with what" irrigation is done is as critically important as "how much" irrigation is done. Fertigation (fertilization with irrigation), which is the cornerstone of plant nutrition, can lead to resource waste, plant stress, and the deterioration of soil structure if not managed correctly. While traditional fertilization methods generally rely on estimation and observation, success in professional agriculture and greenhouse cultivation depends on measurable data. The most important of these data is the EC (Electrical Conductivity) value.
So, what is the EC value and how is plant nutrient solution dosing optimized according to this value? In this article, we will examine in detail the EC management techniques that form the basis of precision fertilization and the role of esular in this process.
What is EC (Electrical Conductivity) and Why is it Important?
EC, or Electrical Conductivity, measures the capacity of a liquid to conduct electric current. Specifically in agriculture, EC is an indicator of the total amount of dissolved salts in irrigation water or soil solution, namely the concentration of plant nutrients (fertilizers).
The EC value has a direct effect on plant health:
- Low EC Value: Indicates that the water or soil does not contain sufficient nutrient elements. This situation leads to nutritional deficiency in plants, slow growth, yellowing of leaves, and consequently low yield.
- High EC Value: Indicates that the nutrient concentration is excessively high, meaning "over-fertilization" has been done. High EC creates toxicity (nutrient burn) and salinity stress in plant roots. The plant has difficulty taking water from the soil (osmotic stress), and this can cause it to experience water stress and stop its growth.
As a result, every plant has an ideal EC range it needs at different growth stages (seedling, vegetative, flowering, fruit). Going outside this range means a direct loss of yield.
However, EC alone is not sufficient. The pH value is at least as important as EC. While EC shows the total amount of nutrients in the solution, pH determines whether these nutrients are in a "plant-available" form. Even if you have the ideal EC level, an incorrect pH range (for example, too high or too low) can prevent the plant from taking up these nutrients. Therefore, precision fertigation requires the management of EC and pH together.
How is Nutrient Dosing Performed According to EC Value?
Precision nutrient dosing is possible by stopping "guessing" and starting to "measure." This process consists of three basic steps: Monitoring, Decision Making, and Application.
Phase 1: Continuous Monitoring (Sensor Technology)
To manage the nutrient solution, you first need to know its current state. At this point, professional EC sensors come into play. In the Esular ecosystem, this monitoring is done at two different levels:
a) Monitoring of Water (For Hydroponic and Greenhouse Systems)
Especially in soilless agriculture and greenhouses, the EC and pH value of the water going from the irrigation tank to the plant must be measured instantaneously. The Esular Wireless Battery-Powered pH-EC-Temperature Sensor is designed exactly for this task. Integrated into the irrigation line or nutrient tank, this sensor continuously measures the nutrient concentration (EC) and acidity level (pH) in the water and transmits the data wirelessly to the central system.
b) Monitoring of Soil/Substrate (For Open Field and Potted Production)
Knowing the status of the nutrients you provide with irrigation water in the root zone is as important as the content of the water you provide. Salts accumulating in the soil or the rapid leaching of nutrients cause the EC value to change constantly. The Esular 4-Level Soil Moisture-EC-Temperature Sensor measures both moisture and EC value at different depths (e.g., 30-60-90-120 cm). This way, you can see the actual salinity and nutrient status in the root zone of the plant.
Phase 2: Automatic Dosing (Smart Fertigation System)
After collecting the data, a system is needed that can intervene instantaneously based on these data. This is where the Esular Smart Agro Automatic Liquid Fertilization System comes into play.
This system is the brain of precision dosing. How it works:
- Goal Setting: The user enters the target EC and pH value (for example; 2.2 mS/cm EC and 6.0 pH) for that day's irrigation into the system via the mobile application.
- Measurement: The system measures the EC and pH values of the raw water in the main irrigation line using its own integrated sensors.
- Proportional Control: Smart Agro proportionally controls 4 different fertilizer tanks (Usually Nutrient A, Nutrient B, Acid/Base).
- Dosing: It calculates how much liquid it needs to draw from which tank to reach the target EC and pH values and injects the nutrients into the main line via venturi or dosing pumps.
- Continuous Cycle: The system constantly repeats this measurement and dosing process within seconds, guaranteeing that the water going to the plant is exactly at the set EC/pH value.
This method offers a level of precision far beyond manual mixing or simple time-adjusted fertilization systems. As a result, the plant always receives the ideal nutrient solution.
EC Management Strategies with Esular Solutions
The Esular ecosystem offers modular solutions for different needs. Whether you just want to monitor or fully automate, there is a solution suitable for you.
Option 1: Fully Automatic Smart Fertilization (Smart Agro Series)
Designed for professional greenhouses, soilless agriculture facilities, and industrial agricultural enterprises aiming for high yields. This system not only measures EC and pH but also actively manages and adjusts them.
- For whom: Professional producers who want precision fertigation management.
- What it does: Measures EC/pH, proportionally manages 4 different fertilizer tanks, automatically prepares the nutrient solution.
- Benefit: Up to 25% fertilizer savings, reduction in labor costs, and increased yield.
Option 2: Water EC/pH Monitoring Only (Smart pH-EC Sensor)
Ideal for those who want to constantly monitor the quality of the main water source, especially in hydroponic systems. This sensor does not perform dosing but provides critical data on when and how you should intervene.
- For whom: Hydroponic systems, those who want to monitor water tank/pool quality.
- What it does: Measures only the EC/pH value of the water and transmits it wirelessly.
- Benefit: Instant awareness of water quality, providing accurate data for manual dosing.
Option 3: Monitoring EC in Soil (Soil Moisture-EC Sensor)
Used to monitor salinity and nutrient accumulation in the root zone in open field agriculture or potted production. This sensor shows the effect of irrigation on the soil.
- For whom: Open field, citrus, walnut, olive orchards, and those engaged in potted production.
- What it does: Measures moisture and EC (salinity) values at different levels of the soil.
- Benefit: Preventing salt accumulation in the soil, detecting the need for "leaching," measuring the effectiveness of fertilization.
Conclusion: Maximum Yield with Data-Driven Feeding
Precision nutrient dosing according to EC value is one of the pillars of modern agriculture. Giving the plant exactly the nutrient it needs, at the right time and in the right concentration, is no longer a guessing game but a measurable science. Over-fertilization done with traditional methods both harms the soil and is a significant cost item.
Thanks to esular’s smart fertigation and sensor solutions:
- You achieve up to 25% fertilizer savings (Smart Agro data).
- You achieve yield and quality increases by preventing plant stress.
- You minimize the risk of disease and nutrient deficiency by tracking EC and pH instantaneously.
- You save on labor costs by monitoring and managing the entire process remotely.
To start your precision farming journey and get more information about EC management, contact our expert team or visit our online store to examine our solutions.
⚠️ Prices are subject to change. The prices of the products specified in this content are the list prices prior to the publication date. For current campaigns and prices, please visit store.esular.com.
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