Horticulture Information Leaflet 590

NC STATE UNIVERSITY New 7/2000

College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Department of Horticultural
Science
Monitoring and Managing pH and EC Using the
PourThru Extraction Method
Todd J. Cavins, Brian E. Whipker, William C. Fonteno,
Beth Harden, Ingram McCall, and James L. Gibson

Providing a proper nutritional program is Frequency of Testing. The speed of this

essential for growing top quality plants. method makes routine sampling possible.
Sampling the root substrate for pH and Ideally sampling should be done weekly
electrical conductivity (EC) with the on all crops, but this may not be practical.
PourThru extraction method is a quick Since time availability is a concern,
and simple check of the nutritional status consider selecting the “Top 10 Crops of
of a crop. The PourThru extraction method Concern”, based on economic value or
allows rapid on-site determination of pH nutritional problems. Divide the 10 crops
and EC values. The values provide clues into 2 groups and test each group every
about a crop’s performance before other week.
deficiency or toxicity symptoms appear.
The recommended frequency of testing
SAMPLING PROCEDURES depends on the container size, as smaller
Sampling results are only valid if they substrate volumes are more susceptible to
represent the whole crop. How to set up a rapid changes in pH than larger, more
sampling program, which crops, and the buffered substrate volumes. For plugs,
number of samples to collect are all factors test pH and EC 2 to 3 times per week.
to consider. Below are guidelines for taking Weekly testing should be sufficient for
representative PourThru samples for in- crops such as flats of bedding plants or 4”
house testing. pots. For crops grown in large containers
(such as 6” pots), monitoring every two
Collecting Samples. The PourThru weeks should be sufficient.
extraction method is a quick and simple
way to monitor a crop’s nutritional status. Crop Factors. Consider taking separate
For routine analysis, collect and analyze a samples within a crop if there are large
Distributed in furtherance
minimum of 5 individual pots (or for variations in the substrate type (different
of the Acts of Congress bedding plants a minimum of 5 cell packs). manufacturers or ingredients), the
of May 8 and June 30, 1914.
Employment and program Results from each of the 5 samples can fertilizer type or rates (acidic or basic
opportunities are offered to
all people regardless of
then be averaged for a single “interpretation types), or planting dates.
race, color, national origin,
sex, age, or handicap.
value”. (Do not combine the 5 samples for
North Carolina State University, a single test. A sampling form is provided.) Other Tips. If steps to correct pH or EC
North Carolina A&T State
University, U.S. Department If the 5 values vary widely in pH or EC you problem have been taken, then resample
of Agriculture, and local
governments cooperating.
may need to increase your sample size. the plants weekly. If needed, sample as

© 2000, North Carolina State University

frequently as every two days.
• If results seem atypical, consider
resampling before making drastic
changes, especially to the substrate pH.
• For more information on PourThru
techniques, extra charts, graphs, and
general guidelines check out our WEB
sites:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/floriculture/
http://www2.ncsu.edu/hortsublab/

HOW TO COLLECT THE LEACHATE

Figure 1a. Irrigate
containers thoroughly.
1. Irrigate the crop one hour before
testing. Make sure the substrate is
saturated (Figure 1a). If the water
supplied by your automatic irrigation
system varies, then water the pots/flats
by hand. If using constant liquid feed,
irrigate with fertilizer solution as usual.
If using periodic feeding: a) irrigate
with clear water, b) test a day or two
before fertilizing, and/or c) test on the
same day in the fertilizing cycle each
time.

2. Place saucer under container. After Figure 1b. Saucer for pots. Figure 1c. Saucers for
the container has drained for 30 to 60 cell packs.
minutes, place a plastic saucer under the
containers to be sampled (Figure 1b).
If you are testing seedlings in bedding
plant flats, place cell packs in saucers
(Figure 1c).

3. Pour enough distilled water on the

surface of the substrate to get 50 ml
(1.5 oz) of leachate in the saucer
(Figure d). The amount of water needed
will vary with container size, crop, and
environmental conditions. Use the
values in the Table 1 as a guide.

Figure 1d. Applying water for extraction.

2
 4. Collect leachate for
pH and EC (Figure 1e).
Make sure you get about
50 ml (1.5 oz) of leachate
each time you test (Figure
1f). Leachate volumes
over 60 ml will begin to
dilute the sample and give
you lower EC readings.

Figure 1e. Collected leachate for Figure 1f. Collect 50 ml (1.5

testing. ounces) for testing. 5. Calibrate your pH
and EC meters prior to
testing (Figure 1g). The
test results are only as good
as the last calibrations.
Calibrate the instruments
every day they are used.
Always use fresh standard
solutions and never pour
used solution back in the
original bottle.

6. Test your samples for

Figure 1g. Calibration pH and EC (Figure 1h).
standards for testing. Table 1. Amount of water to apply to various Test the leachate as soon
containers to obtain 50 ml (1.5 ounces) of extract*.
as possible. Electrical
Water to add** conductivity will not vary
Container Size
milliliters ounces much over time if there is
4 inch no evaporation of the
5 inch 75 2.5 sample. However, the pH
6 inch
can change within two
6.5 inch
azalea
100 3.5 hours. Record the values
on the chart specific to
1 quart 75 2.5
each crop.
4 quart 150 5.0

12 quart 350 12.0

Flats

606 (36 plants) 50 2.0

1203 (36 plants)
1204 (48 plants)
*Containers should be brought to container capacity 30 to 60
Figure 1h. Testing minutes before applying these amounts.
**These amounts are estimates. Actual amounts will vary
leachate samples. depending on crop, substrate type, and environmental conditions.

3
 TESTING, INTERPRETING, AND MANAGING using 3 lb per 100 gallons of water. Mist off
SUBSTRATE PH the foliage after application.
¹ Acidify the irrigation water to a pH of 5.1z.
Substrate pH is very important to plant nutrition
because it directly affects the availability of many If the substrate pH frequently increases, employ
nutrients, especially micronutrients. Low pH the following steps (listed in preferred order):
(below 5.8) can increase micronutrient
availability, such as iron and manganese, that can ¶ Use an acidic (ammonium-based) fertilizer
lead to phytotoxic responses. In contrast, a pH throughout the cropping period.
above 6.8 can lead to micronutrient deficiency · Acidify your irrigation water to pH 5.1.
problems, especially with iron. Both excessively ¸ Reduce the initial lime charge or change
low and high pH’s should be avoided. Optimal substrates.
pH ranges for many crops are listed in Figure 2.
Increasing Substrate pH. Listed below (in
Testing and Interpreting Substrate pH preferred order) are immediate steps to take to
Test substrate pH substrate prior to use and on a increase substrate pH:
routine basis to assure proper levels. Charts for
recording pH has been included. The target pH ¶ Stop neutralizing the alkalinity of the irrigation
range, high, and low decision ranges should be water (if currently acidifying your water).
established. If the substrate pH climbs into or · Switch from acidic (ammonium-based) to
above the high pH decision range, action should basic (nitrate-based) fertilizers.
be taken to lower pH. If the substrate pH drops ¸ Apply a flowable limestone drench. Start with
into or below the lower pH decision range, action a 1 quart per 100 gallons rate. Lightly mist off
should be taken to raise pH. any solution on the foliage after application.

Adjusting Substrate pH If the substrate pH frequently decrease, employ

Substrate pH changes over time due to many the following steps (listed in preferred order):
factors. The four main factors affecting substrate
pH are ¶ the initial components and amendments ¶ Use a basic (nitrate-based) fertilizer
in the substrate, including the liming charge; · throughout the cropping period.
the alkalinity of the irrigation water; ¸ the · Inject potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) into
fertilizer(s); and ¹ the species being grown. the irrigation water. Start with 13.4 oz per
Obviously, during production, the species being 100 gallons. This supplies 1 meq/L of
grown or the substrate cannot change, but alkalinity and 39 ppm K with every
adjustments to the watering and fertilization can. watering (reduce potassium feed
accordingly).
Lowering Substrate pH. Listed below (in ❸ Increase the initial lime charge or change
preferred order) are immediate steps to take to substrates.
lower substrate pH:
TESTING, INTERPRETING, AND MANAGING
¶ Switch from a basic (nitrate-based) to acidic SUBSTRATE EC
(ammonium-based) fertilizer..
· Acidify the irrigation water to an endpoint pH Soluble salts are the total dissolved salts in the
of 5.8z root substrate (medium) and are measured in by
¸ Apply an iron sulfate (FeSO4·7H2O) drench electrical conductivity (EC). A conductivity

4
Figure 2. Suggested substrate pH ranges for specific greenhouse crops grown in soilless substrate.
pH Range
4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 7.0
Species
Crossandra
Eustoma

Astilbe
Calendula
Campanula
Crocus
Dianthus
Exacum
Freesia
Hyacinth
Narcissus
Pentas
Celosia
Dianthus
Geranium
Marigold, African
Ranunculas
Amaryllis
Calceolaria
Dracaena
Easter Lily
Ivy, English
Oxalis
Pepper, Ornamental
Sunflower

African Violet
Christmas Cactus
Hibiscus
Kalanchoe

Aster, Garden
Begonia
Caladium
Clerodendrum
Echinacea
Primula
Rose

Chrysanthemum
Hydrangea (Pink)
New Guinea Impatiens

General Crops
Bougainvillea
Poinsettia

Gerbera
Gloxinia
Streptocarpus

Pansy
Petunia
Salvia
Snapdragon
Vinca

Cyclamen
Orhids

Hydrangea (Blue)

Azalea
Venus Fly Trap

4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 7.0

Management Decision Range

Interpretation Key (take corrective steps so the pH moves back into the Target Range
acceptable range)

5
meter measures the passage of electrical current The nutrient contribution of slow release fertilizers
through a solution. The higher the EC, the easier can also be monitored with regular substrate
it is for electric current to move through the testing. Most fertilizer materials contribute to
solution. The EC of the substrate provides insight the EC content of the substrate. The most common
to the nutrient status of the crop. Keep in mind contributors are nitrates (NO3), potassium (K),
that not all of the salts measured by an EC meter calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfates
are fertilizer salts. An EC meter measures all (SO4). Organic materials also contribute to the
salts in a solution, but does not provide details on EC content after they have been changed from an
the type or amount of each salt present. insoluble to soluble form. Electrical conductivity
can also monitor the accuracy of a fertilizer
High EC. Be aware of substrate EC levels injector. Consult the fertilizer fact sheet for the
because excess salts can accumulate when: ¶ appropriate EC values to ensure the fertilizer
leaching during irrigation is insufficient, · the application rate is correct.
amount of fertilizer applied is greater than what
is required by the plant, or ¸ the irrigation water Irrigation Water. Elevated substrate EC levels
contains a high amount of dissolved elements. can be caused by naturally high concentrations of
bicarbonate (HCO3), calcium (Ca), chloride (Cl),
Excessively high EC values are associated with magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), or sulfates (SO4)
poor shoot and root growth. Symptoms often in the irrigation water.
begin on the lower leaves as chlorosis and progress
to necrotic tips and margins. As the root substrate Irrigation Method. Different irrigation methods
dries to the point of irrigation, plants may exhibit provide different amounts of leaching. Leaching
wilting symptoms because of die-back of the root prevents excess soluble salts from building up in
tips, which further inhibits water and nutrient the root substrate. Excessive leaching or excessive
uptake. High EC has also been linked with the rainfall with outdoor production can lead to low
increased incidence of Pythium root rot. EC problems.

Low EC. In contrast, when the EC values are too The negative effects of high EC are more
low, plant growth can be stunted or leaf pronounced for growers who grow on the “dry
discoloration can result from the lack of nutrients.side”. If the root substrate is allowed to dry,
Usually nitrogen is the most typical nutrient plants may exhibit wilting symptoms because of
deficiency symptom, manifesting itself as lower die-back of the root tips, which further inhibits
leaf yellowing. water and nutrient uptake. It is important for
“dry” growers to monitor EC to avoid root
Factors Affecting EC damage. If EC levels are too high, be sure to
Fertilizers. Substrate EC levels can be used to maintain adequate moisture levels within the
estimate the nutrient status of the crop. Substrate substrate.
EC levels are more consistent with the constant
liquid feed (CLF) irrigation method than with a Substrate Type. The substrate components can
periodic fertilization. Substrate EC levels with a influence the substrate EC. Sphagnum peat has
periodic fertilization regime can vary due to: ¶ a low EC, while composted pine bark and coir
when a sample was taken after fertilization and · usually have a slightly higher EC. It is a good
the number of clear irrigations applied between idea to test any new substrate mix to ensure it
the fertilizer applications. meets specifications.

6
Crop Factors. When establishing an EC rates. Others like geraniums are “moderate
monitoring and management program, match the feeders”, while “light feeders” like pansies and
fertilizer rate with the nutrient demands of the New Guinea impatiens require low nutrient levels.
crop. There are two main parameters which Optimal EC levels are listed for many crops in
should be considered: Table 2.

¶ Nutrient Demands. Crops vary in their · Crop Development Stage. The nutrient
fertility requirements for optimal growth. Some demands of a crop vary by development stage.
crops such as poinsettias and chrysanthemums Plugs and rooting cuttings require low levels of
are “heavy feeders” and require high fertilizer fertility and nutrient demands increase as plants

Table 2. The relative nutrient requirements of actively growing greenhouse crops, with EC ranges for both
the SME and PourThru methods. Use this classification system and the examples provided in Figure 3 for
the PourThru method to determine the suggested target EC ranges for the entire crop production cycle.
Medium
No Additional Fertilizer Required (SME EC of 1.5 to 3.0 mS/cm)
(PourThru EC of 2.0 to 3.5 mS/cm)
Alstroemeria Kalanchoe
Amaryllis
Alyssum Larkspur
Crocus
Bougainvillea Lily, Asiatic & Oriental
Narcissus
Calendula Lily, Easter
Campanula Lobelia
Light
Cactus, Christmas Morning Glory
(SME EC of 0.76 to 2.0 mS/cm)
Carnation Onion
(PourThru EC of 1.0 to 2.6 mS/cm)
Cauliflower Ornamental Kale
Aconitum Coleus Centaurea Ornamental Pepper
African Violet Cosmos Cleome Oxalis
Ageratum Cuttings (during rooting) Clerodendrum Pepper
Anemone Cyclamen Crossandra Petunia
Anigozanthos Freesia Dahlia Phlox
Asclepias Geranium (seed) Dianthus Platycodon
Aster Gerbera Dusty Miller Portulaca
Astilbe Gloxinia Exacum Ranunculus
Azalea Impatiens Geranium (cutting) Rose
Balsam Marigold Hibiscus Sunflower (potted)
Begonia (fibrous) New Guinea Impatiens Hydrangea Tomato
Begonia (Hiemalis) Orchids Jerusalem Cherry Verbena
Begonia (Rex) Pansy
Begonia (Tuberous) Plugs
Caladium Primula Heavy
Calceolaria Salvia (SME EC of 2.0 to 3.5 mS/cm)
Calla Lily Streptocarpus (Pourthru EC of 2.6 to 4.6 mS/cm)
Celosia Snapdragon
Cineraria Zinnia Chrysanthemum
Poinsettia
Adapted from:
Bunt, A.C. 1988. Media and mixes for container-grown plants. Unwin Hyman Press. pp. 309.
Devitt, D.A. and R.L. Morris. 1987. Morphological response of flowering annuals to salinity. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 112:951-955.
Dole, J. and H. Wilkins. 1999. Floriculture principles and species. Prentice Hall.
Hofstra, G. and R. Wukasch. 1987. Are you pickling your pansies? Greenhouse Grower. Sept: 14-17.
Nelson, P.V. 1996. Macronutrient fertilizer programs, p. 141-170. In: D.W. Reed. Water, media, and nutrition for greenhouse crops. Ball Publ., Batavia, IL.
Wilkeraon, D.C. Soilless growing media and pH. Texas Greenhouse Management Handbook. p.30-34, 45-47.

7
 Figure 3. Suggested substrate PourThru EC ranges for floricultural crops grown in soilless substrate. These values are guidelines and adjustments should be made based on your growing
practices.
EC Range (mS/cm)
0.5 0.6 0.7 0. 8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6
Category Growth Stage
Plugs (stages 1&2)

Plugs (stages 3&4)

Light
Establishing
(Bedding Plants)
Growing

Finishing (Bloom)

0.5 0. 6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6

Establishing
Moderate

8
Growing
(Geranium,
Zonal)
Finishing (Bloom)

0.5 0.6 0. 7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6

Establishing
Heavy
Growing
(Poinsettia)
Finishing (Bloom)

0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6

Management Decision Range

Interpretation Key Target EC Range
(take corrective steps to move the EC back into the target range)
become established. Actively growing plants in Figure 2 during the plant establishment phase
have the highest nutrient demands, but demands as a guideline. Also as the crop blooms, gradually
decrease as a plants sets buds and flowers. In decrease the EC levels. EC values for the finishing
fact, research has shown that flower longevity is stage are also listed in Figure 3.
increased when fertilizer rates are decreased or
terminated at visible bud or just prior to flowering If the substrate EC rises into or above the upper
for most crops. EC decision range, action should be taken to
reduce EC. If the substrate EC drops into or
An EC monitoring and managing plan should be below the lower EC decision range, action should
adapted to account for the crop’s nutrient demands be taken to increase EC.
and stage of development. Figure 3 contains the
target EC levels for establishment, active growth, Adjusting Substrate EC
and bloom stages of growth for plants using the The substrate EC changes over time due to many
PourThru extraction method. Table 3 contains factors. The four main factors are: ¶ the initial
interpretative EC values for the 1:5, 1:2, saturated components and amendments in the substrate,
media extract (SME), and PourThru extraction including the substrate type and initial nutrient
procedures. charge, · fertility regime, ¸ the crop’s nutrient
demands, and ¹ the crop’s development stage.
Testing and Interpreting Substrate EC During production the species being grown or the
Electrical conductivity charts have been substrate composition cannot change, but
developed for recording values obtained with the adjustments to the fertilization program can.
PourThru extraction method. The target EC
range for the active growth phase of the crop has Steps to Lower EC. Listed below (in preferred
been added. During the first 2 weeks after order) are immediate steps to take to lower
transplanting, gradually increase the substrate substrate EC:
EC to the target level. Use the EC values listed

Table 3. EC interpretation values (mS/cm) for various extraction methods1.

1:5 1:2 SME PourThru2 Indication
Very Low. Nutrient levels may not be sufficient to sustain
0 to 0.11 0 to 0.25 0 to 0.75 0 to 1.0
rapid growth.

Low. Suitable for seedlings, bedding plants and salt

0.12 to 0.35 0.26 to 0.75 0.76 to 2.0 1.0 to 2.6
sensitive plants.

Normal. Standard root zone range for most established

0.36 to 0.65 0.76 to 1.25 2.0 to 3.5 2.6 to 4.6
plants. Upper range for salt sensitive plants.

High. Reduced vigor and growth may result, particularly

0.66 to 0.89 1.26 to 1.75 3.5 to 5.0 4.6 to 6.5
during hot weather.
Very High. May result in salt injury due to reduced water
0.9 to 1.10 1.76 to 2.25 5.0 to 6.0 6.6 to 7.8 uptake. Reduced growth rates likely. Symptoms include
marginal leaf burn and wilting.
Extreme. Most crops will suffer salt injury at these levels.
>1.1 >2.25 >6.0 >7.8
Immediate leaching required.
1
Adapted from: On-site testing of growing media and irrigation water. 1996. British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture.
2
Due to the variability of the PourThru technique results, growers should always compare their results to the SME method to establish
acceptable ranges.

9
¶ Decrease the fertilization rate or decrease the Points to Remember.
frequency of fertilization (irrigate with clear • If using calcium nitrate (Ca(NO 3) 2) +
water). potassium nitrate (KNO3), remember to
· Leach with clear water to reduce the salts level. supply P, Mg, and micro-nutrients to the
The root substrate should be irrigated allowing plants.
for 20% leaching, then followed immediately • If using 20-10-20 or 20-20-20, remember to
with another irrigation. The root substrate supply Ca and Mg to the plants.
should then be allowed to dry to the usual
stage. If further leaching is required, the Conclusion
double-irrigation treatment can be repeated. The PourThru Monitoring and Managing program
Recheck the EC values to make sure they are is designed for growers to monitor and maintain
within the acceptable range. their crops. It is a simple program for rapidly
determining a crop’s pH and EC. It is a program
Steps to Increase EC. Listed below (in preferred that allows growers to change their focus to
order) are immediate steps to take to raise substrate prevention instead of cure, and action instead of
EC: reaction. If adopted, this proactive program can
virtually eliminate nutritional problems.
¶ Increase the fertilization rate. A corrective N
fertilization will return the lower leaves to the We would like to thank the Fred C. Gloeckner
normal green color within 1 to 2 weeks. Do Foundation and the Ohio Florists’ Foundation
not over apply. It is important to correct for funding support of this research project.
nutrient deficiency when symptoms first
z
appear because lower leaf drop or necrosis See North Carolina State University Horticulture Information Leaflet
558 for more details. Available at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/
cannot be reversed. floriculture/
· Increase the fertilization frequency. Use
constant fertilization and discontinue any clear
water irrigations until the EC levels are within
the acceptable range.

10
 Crop _____________________________ Target pH Range _______ PourThru pH Chart
Starting Date (week 0) ________ Upper pH Decision Range_____
(21 Weeks)
pH Ending Date ___________ Lower pH Decision Range_____
8.0
7.8
7.6
7.4
7.2
7.0
6.8
6.6
6.4
6.2

11
6.0
5.8
5.6
5.4
5.2
5.0
4.8
4.6
4.4
4.2
4.0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Week
 Crop _____________________________ Target pH Range _______ PourThru pH Chart
Starting Date (week 0) ________ Upper pH Decision Range_____ (10 Weeks)
pH Ending Date ___________ Lower pH Decision Range_____
8.0
7.8
7.6
7.4
7.2
7.0
6.8
6.6
6.4

12
6.2
6.0
5.8
5.6
5.4
5.2
5.0
4.8
4.6
4.4
4.2
4.0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Week
 Crop _____________________________ Target pH Range _______ PourThru pH Chart
Starting Date (week 0) ________ Upper pH Decision Range_____ (63 Days)
pH Ending Date ___________ Lower pH Decision Range_____
8.0
7.8
7.6
7.4
7.2
7.0
6.8
6.6
6.4
6.2

13
6.0
5.8
5.6
5.4
5.2
5.0
4.8
4.6
4.4
4.2
4.0
0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63
Day
 Crop _____________________________ Target EC Range _______ PourThru EC Chart
Starting Date (week 0) ________ Upper EC Decision Range_____ (21 Weeks)
EC Ending Date ___________ Lower EC Decision Range_____
(mS/cm)

6.50
6.25
6.00
5.75
5.50
5.25
5.00
4.75
4.50
4.25

14
4.00
3.75
3.50
3.25
3.00
2.75
2.50
2.25
2.00
1.75
1.50
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Week
 Crop _____________________________ Target EC Range _______ PourThru EC Chart
Starting Date (week 0) ________ Upper EC Decision Range_____ (10 Weeks)
EC Ending Date ___________ Lower EC Decision Range_____
(mS/cm)

6.50
6.25
6.00
5.75
5.50
5.25
5.00
4.75
4.50
4.25

15
4.00
3.75
3.50
3.25
3.00
2.75
2.50
2.25
2.00
1.75
1.50
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Week
 Crop _____________________________ Target EC Range _______ PourThru EC Chart
Starting Date (week 0) ________ Upper EC Decision Range_____ (63 Days)
EC Ending Date ___________ Lower EC Decision Range_____
(mS/cm)

4.00
3.80
3.60
3.40
3.20
3.00
2.80
2.60
2.40
2.20

16
2.00
1.80
1.60
1.40
1.20
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63
Day
 Sampling Form
Crop: _______________ ml
Samples added ml out pH EC Comments

Date: _______________ 1

2
Location: ____________ 3

10

Average

Crop: _______________ ml
Samples added ml out pH EC Comments

Date: _______________ 1

2
Location: ____________ 3

10

Average

17