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market-farming - Electro Conductivity Meters (EC) was Re: Tomato Nutrients

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  • From: Allan Balliett <igg AT igg.com>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject: Electro Conductivity Meters (EC) was Re: Tomato Nutrients
  • Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 11:14:51 -0500



I've heard of some growers using the conductivity (EC) meters to analyze plant sap to determine nutrient needs and to determine whether the plants need more (or less) water. I've been told that an EC meter test on plant sap is really the only way to determine if irrigation is needed (replacing the finger in the soil test at our place).

Anyone have any experience with using EC meters in this fashion?

Thanks

Allan Balliett

Marlin,
Hydroponic growers measure and adjust their nutrients daily using
electroconcutivity (EC) meters, which measure the amount of fertilizer
salts in the nutrient solution. It is similar to ppm but a more
reliable and scientific measure. To avoid the problems of heavy
growth of foliage at the expense of fruit production a special tomato
nutrient formulation is used which is higher in K. Often the
formulation is changed during different stages of growth of the crop
to enhance flowering or fruit set. Until recently, common wisdom for
tomato production was to set the EC at about 35, but current research
coming out of England recommends doubling this level for better
production and flavor.




  • Electro Conductivity Meters (EC) was Re: Tomato Nutrients, Allan Balliett, 03/17/2002

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