Direct answer: use EC to avoid feeding too weakly or too strongly, and use pH to keep nutrients available. Always interpret both readings together with crop stage, water source, temperature and plant condition.
What EC tells you
Electrical conductivity rises as more dissolved ions are present. It does not identify individual nutrients, but it is a useful operating measurement for nutrient strength.
What pH tells you
pH affects nutrient availability and chemical stability. A reading that is slightly outside the target is not always an emergency; look at the trend and the plants before making large corrections.
Practical starting ranges
| Use | Typical starting EC | Typical pH |
|---|---|---|
| Seedlings / young plants | 0.6–1.2 mS/cm | 5.8–6.3 |
| Leafy vegetables | 1.2–2.0 mS/cm | 5.8–6.3 |
| Fruiting crops | 2.0–2.8 mS/cm | 5.8–6.3 |
How to measure correctly
- Calibrate the meter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Measure the source water before adding nutrients.
- Add nutrients gradually and mix thoroughly.
- Measure EC first, then pH.
- Record readings and plant observations.
Malaysia heat consideration
During hot weather, plants can take up more water than nutrients, causing the reservoir EC to rise. Avoid reacting only by adding more fertilizer; first check water level, temperature and plant condition.