EC Meter Probe for Soil and Water
The Field Scout Direct Soil EC Meter, one of many conductivity meters, lets you measure salts in soil and water or nutrient solutions instantly. Use this portable EC meter and probe to measure soil salinity on golf greens, fairways and athletic fields right on the spot without having to do soil sampling and soil preparation. Just turn on, put soil EC probe in the ground and read the meter. The readings are at the tip of the probe so you can also see salinity levels at different depths of the soil profile by inserting the probe deeper. Measures up to 7 1/2 inches deep (19 cm). Also works in water or spray tanks.
Now with the Field Scout EC Soil Meter you can test different soils and adjust nutrient levels in the soil profile with the 8 inch long probe. You can also use the probe to fine tune your fertility program. Measurements can be made directly in the soil without pulling soil cores.
Turf managers can monitor for high salt levels on golf course greens and athletic fields with the Field Scout EC Soil Meter to know when to flush (leach) salts from the soil profile before turf quality declines. You can also check your irrigation water quality or nutrient solution tank mixes with the same meter.
Field Scout EC Soil Meter tests EC directly in the soil, just insert the probe and read the digital readout screen. Different depths can be checked for EC levels to see if you are flushing the salts from the soil or if they are building up in layers in the soil profile, impeding root growth.
What is an EC Meter?
An EC meter, also known as a conductivity meter, is a device that measures the electrical conductivity of a solution. Electrical conductivity (EC) is a key parameter that indicates the concentration of ions in a sample, it’s the ability to transmit an electrical current. These measurement modes is important in many fields, agriculture, hydroponics and water treatment, to determine the nutrient content and salinity of a solution. By using a conductivity meter professionals can ensure optimal conditions for healthy growth of plants, water quality and other applications where precise ion concentration is critical.
How EC Meters Work
EC meters work by measuring the conductivity of a solution through a probe or electrode. When the probe is inserted into the solution an electrical current is passed through it. The conductivity meter then measures the resistance to this current, which is inversely proportional to the concentration of ions in the solution. The resulting electrical conductivity is expressed in units such as microsiemens per centimeter (μS/cm) or millisiemens per centimeter (mS/cm). Many modern EC meters have automatic temperature compensation which adjusts the reading based on the solution’s temperature so you get accurate readings across a wide temperature range.
EC Meter Features
EC meters have the following features:
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High Accuracy and Reliability: Measures accurate conductivity for electrical.
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Automatic Temperature Compensation: Adjusts to temperature variations.
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Fast and Easy to Use: Makes measuring EC easy.
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Compact and Portable: On site measurements.
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Wide Range: Measures a wide target range of EC values.
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Automatic Calibration: Makes calibration quick and easy, often with a standard calibration solution.
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Factory Calibrated: Ready to use right out of the box.
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Measures Total Dissolved Solids (TDS measurements) Concentrations: Gives you an idea of the total dissolved solids in a solution which is important in many applications.
EC Meter Applications
EC meters are used in many applications:
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Agriculture: Measure soil and water nutrient content to optimize plant growth.
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Hydroponics: Measure the EC of nutrient solutions to ensure plants get the right amount of nutrients.
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Water Treatment: Measure the EC of water to check treatment process effectiveness.
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Swimming Pools: Measure the EC of pool water to know when to add chemicals, for safe and clean water.
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Calibration Solution: Measure the EC of calibration solutions used in laboratory testing to maintain accuracy of experiments and analysis.
Specifications with Auto Temp
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Display: LCD digital
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Accuracy: EC: ±2% Full Scale
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Temperature: ± 1.8 F (± 0.5 C)
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EC Resolution: 0.01 mS/cm
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Operating Environment: 32 to 122 F (0 to 50 C)
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Calibration: 1-point with 2.76 mS/cm standard
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Power: Four LR44 1.5V alkaline batteries
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Kit includes: Case, calibration standard solution and battery.
Calibration and Maintenance
Calibration and maintenance is important to ensure EC meters are accurate. Calibration is the process of adjusting the meter to read correctly with a calibration solution with a known EC value. This should be done periodically to maintain the meter’s accuracy. Maintenance is cleaning the probe and electrode to prevent contamination which can affect the reading. Also review and replace filters as needed to ensure the meter is functioning correctly.
Common Problems
Users may experience some common issues with EC conductivity meters but can be resolved with simple troubleshooting:
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Inaccurate Readings: Make sure the conductivity meter is calibrated and maintained.
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Probe or Electrode Contamination: Clean the probe and electrode regularly to prevent buildup.
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Temperature Variations: Use a conductivity meter with auto temp compensation.
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Interference from other electrical devices: Use a meter with shielded probe or electrode.
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Distilled Water: Choose a meter that can measure EC of distilled water as this can be tricky for some conductivity meters.
By following these you can keep your EC meter accurate and reliable. Discover the best conductivity meter on the market today!