Protocol for Electrical Conductivity (EC) Testing

This protocol is the only method that will be followed as part of our routine Quality Control (QA) at all Pelemix locations. It will allow all technicians to follow the same protocol and will give us the ability to compare the EC of different locations based on the same test. The test will be conducted in the laboratory/office of the location and not at the site where the expansion is carried out.

Equipment:

Calibrated EC meter.
3 glass beakers with a volume of 150 ml, graduated and with a spout.
1 plastic funnel.
1 grade 1 filter paper with a diameter of 125 mm (or larger).
Desalinated water with an EC of less than 0.05 mS/cm (in most cases, air conditioning condensate water is good enough, as long as it’s kept clean).

Test:

Fill 1 beaker with 60 ml of coco substrate saturated with water (make sure the material is loose and hasn’t dripped).
Measure 90 ml of desalinated water into the second beaker.
Pour the 90 ml of desalinated water into the first beaker with the loose coco substrate.
Gently swirl the first beaker and wait for 10 minutes.
Fold the filter paper into quarters and place it inside the plastic funnel in a way that at least one layer of the paper covers the entire inner bottom of the funnel.
Swirl the first beaker again (after the 10 minutes) and slowly pour the liquid into the third beaker through the funnel with the filter paper.
Turn on the EC meter. Once it shows 0.00, insert it into the third beaker. Make sure the probe is fully submerged in the solution.
Wait for the value to stabilize and document the result.

After the test:

Make sure the EC meter is clean and there are no traces of coco substrate on the probe or any part of the meter. Clean and dry the 3 beakers and the plastic funnel with the same water used for the test.

At Pelemix, we adhere to rigorous testing procedures to ensure the quality of our products and provide our customers with reliable results in their crops. With our focus on accuracy and performance, you can trust Pelemix solutions to effectively and successfully optimize your crops.

We’re always here to help! If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to contact us.