Hydroponics is a form of horticulture that relies on mineral-rich water instead of soil to grow plants, such as food crops or medicinal herbs. Growers can cultivate abundant yields of crops and other valuable plant life in areas where in-ground agriculture is not as feasible. Therefore, growers can successfully grow and care for crucial plant life in dryer, colder climates that aren’t naturally compatible with cultivation.
Consistently monitoring pH and conductivity values helps maintain the mineral water’s integrity and ensures the plants’ health. Researchers and farmers use conductivity measurements to indicate the total dissolved salts, including essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Monitoring conductivity levels allows growers to assess the nutrient strength of the solution and adjust nutrient concentrations accordingly. Conductivity values for hydroponic systems normally fall between 1.2 and 2.8 mS/cm. Typical pH values for hydroponic operations are between 5 and 6 pH.
Challenges of pH and Conductivity Hydroponics
Due to the fragility of the hydroponic process and the extreme care needed to maintain the health of the water and plants, analytics must be available almost 24/7. As a result, pH and conductivity sensors must be extremely reliable and long-lasting to meet these demands. Nutrient concentration directly impacts the measured values of pH and conductivity. Maintaining nutrient concentration at a healthy and sustainable level demands nearly constant attention and care.
Growers must adjust nutrient solutions as the crops progress through various stages of growth. However, it is crucial to maintain optimal pH and conductivity values throughout these stages in order to sustain the health of both the mineral-rich water and the plants.
Algae, debris, and mineral deposits present in the nutrient solution can induce sensor fouling, affecting the accuracy of pH measurements. Such factors may also cause unwanted microbial activity. If not properly monitored, these issues can impact pH levels and nutrient availability, leading to fluctuations that pose challenges to maintaining accuracy.
The Solution for Ensuring Consistency with pH and Conductivity in Hydroponics
M4 Knick’s measurement loops provide hydroponic growers with the consistency and reliability required to ensure the health of their crops. The SE 515 pH sensor is designed for water and water treatment applications. The Memosens sensor is designed to withstand plugging media, low temperatures, and reliability in low-ionic media. The sensor’s gel electrolyte does not require refilling, making it a low-cost and low-maintenance pH sensor for water applications. Additionally, calibrations and diagnostics can be performed in the lab, reducing field maintenance and process downtime.
The SE 615 conductivity sensor is the ideal conductivity solution for hydroponics applications. The robust sensor design and Memosens technology enhance performance and significantly reduce maintenance. The submersible sensor connection removes measurement influence from regulated humidity necessary in hydroponics.
Each of these sensors are compatible with the Stratos Multi transmitter. The intuitive menu design and diagnostic capabilities enable operators to make easy, low-maintenance adjustments to the measuring process. The logbook capabilities allow growers to implement comprehensive data recording. This tool is very useful for applications like hydroponics that require attentive insight into their pH and conductivity measurements.
Customer ROI
Optimized Nutrient Intake: Accurate pH and conductivity measurements ensure the nutrient solution is within the appropriate range for optimal growth. This promotes healthy growth and development, leading to higher yields and higher-quality crops.
Early detection of Issues: Accurate pH and conductivity measurements enable growers to detect and address issues such as nutrient deficiencies, imbalances, or pH fluctuations. Timely intervention helps prevent problems from escalating and minimizes the risk of crop damage or yield losses.
Enhanced crop quality: Through reliable analytics and long-lasting equipment, growers can improve insight into the quality of the crop. Minimizing fluctuations in nutrient imbalance through accurate pH and conductivity measurements leads to healthier crops and an easier growing process.
