Sensor Data is Useless Without Knowledge

 This post struck a chord! Someone recently asked online what to do with substrate EC measurements from a commercial sensor. Folks chimed in with sensor brands, but no guidance on using the data.

Data analysis is tougher than picking a sensor. It requires learning, experimentation, and experience - areas sensor companies can't help much with. Even their scientific collaborations might downplay sensor limitations to promote sales.

So, what about that substrate EC sensor? Let's break down substrate EC first.



Substrate EC 101: It reflects the overall electrical conductivity of your growing medium, including solids and water-filled pores. It's a general indicator of salt content.

Pore Water EC: A Better Measure? Absolutely! This refers to the electrical conductivity of the water in the pores, directly reflecting nutrients plant roots access. Unlike substrate EC, pore water EC isn't affected by soil disturbance.

Why Not Just Measure Pore Water EC? Current sensor technology can't access those tiny pores, making direct measurement difficult.

The Good News: There's a connection! Researchers have developed equations to estimate pore water EC (and even saturation extract EC) from substrate EC readings.

We'll skip the math here, but for those interested, check this paper:

Now, Back to the Sensor: To use your substrate EC readings effectively, you need established thresholds for optimal crop growth in your specific context.

  • Option 1: Find existing guidelines with substrate EC thresholds for your crop.

  • Option 2 (if no guidelines exist): Design experiments, collect data, analyze it, and establish your own thresholds for best results.

Remember, a fancy sensor is just a tool. The real magic lies in understanding the data and using it to optimize your plants' environment.

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