Hydroponics has become increasingly important in recent decades. In contrast to traditional cultivation in soil, the plants grow in a nutrient solution that contains all the important minerals. This allows nutrients to be added in a targeted manner and plant growth to be precisely controlled.

For plants to grow healthily in a hydroponic system, two water parameters in particular must be monitored regularly: the pH value and the electrical conductivity (EC). Both values directly influence the nutrient uptake and therefore the development of the plants.

To all products

Why is water analysis important in hydroponics?

As plants in hydroponic systems are completely dependent on the nutrient solution, even small changes in water quality can lead to growth disturbances.

Regular monitoring of the most important water parameters helps:

Recognize nutrient deficiencies at an early stage
Avoid over-fertilization
Optimize nutrient absorption
Promote plant growth
Reduce yield losses

The pH value and EC value in particular should therefore be checked regularly.

The pH value in hydroponics

The pH value influences the availability of nutrients in the nutrient solution. Even if sufficient nutrients are available, plants can only absorb them to a limited extent if the pH value is unsuitable.

Typical target ranges in hydroponic systems are between pH 5.5 and 6.5. Plants can absorb most important nutrients particularly well in this range. Values outside this range can affect the availability of individual nutrients and lead to growth problems in the long term.

Further information:

To the parameter page pH value
To the blog article What is the pH value?

The EC value in hydroponics

The EC value (electrical conductivity) describes the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution and provides information about the concentration of dissolved nutrients.

An increasing EC value usually indicates a higher nutrient concentration. If the value is too low, deficiency symptoms may occur. If it is too high, plants can be damaged or develop nutrient stress.

The optimum EC value depends on the respective plant species and growth phase. Many herbs, lettuces and vegetable plants are typically cultivated in ranges between 1.0 and 3.0 mS/cm. Plants that are particularly in need of nutrients may require higher values.

Further information:

To the parameter page Conductivity (EC)
To the parameter page TDS
To the parameter page Salt content (salinity)

Other important water parameters

In addition to pH value and EC value, other parameters may be relevant depending on the system:

Temperature

The water temperature influences both the nutrient uptake and the Dissolved Oxygen content of the nutrient solution.

Dissolved oxygen (DO)

Sufficient Dissolved Oxygen supports root health and promotes plant growth.

Water Hardness

Calcium and magnesium content can influence the composition of the nutrient solution and should be taken into account for professional applications.

Typical challenges in hydroponics

The following problems often occur when cultivating in hydrosystems:

Fluctuating pH value
Nutrient concentration too high
Nutrient concentration too low
Oxygen deficiency in the root area
Calcium and magnesium imbalances
Incorrect dosing of fertilizers

Regular measurements help to identify these problems at an early stage and take targeted countermeasures.

Recommended measuring devices for hydroponics

Regular checks of the nutrient solution are particularly suitable:

pH meters for monitoring the acidity level
EC meters for monitoring the nutrient concentration
Multi-parameter measuring devices for the combined measurement of several values
Oxygen meters for professional applications

Apera Instruments offers a wide range of devices for hobby users, ambitious plant enthusiasts and professional operations. The hydroponics category includes pH, EC, TDS, salinity and multi-parameter measuring devices for different requirements.

Hydroponics: pH value and EC value