If you’re new to growing cannabis, you might be confused by the terms EC and PPM. These two measurements are crucial for ensuring that your plants are healthy and thriving, but they can seem intimidating if you’re not familiar with them. In this guide, we’ll break down what EC and PPM are, how to measure them, and why they matter for your cannabis plants.
What is EC?
EC stands for “electrical conductivity,” and it’s a measurement of the ability of a solution to conduct electricity. In the context of cannabis growing, EC is used to measure the concentration of dissolved salts in your nutrient solution. These salts are essential for providing your plants with the nutrients they need to grow, but if the concentration is too high or too low, it can lead to problems.
How to measure EC
To measure EC, you’ll need an EC meter. This device measures the electrical conductivity of your nutrient solution and gives you a reading in units of Siemens per meter (S/m) or millisiemens per centimeter (mS/cm). You can also use a conductivity pen or a conductivity tester, which are similar devices that measure conductivity but don’t give you a digital readout.
To take an EC measurement, you’ll need to mix up a solution of nutrients and water according to the instructions on your nutrient package. Then, you’ll dip your EC meter or conductivity pen into the solution and wait for the reading to stabilize. This will give you a measurement of the electrical conductivity of your solution, which you can use to adjust your nutrient levels.
What is PPM?
PPM stands for “parts per million,” and it’s another measurement of the concentration of dissolved salts in your nutrient solution. However, PPM is a more commonly used measurement than EC, especially in the United States. PPM is a measurement of the weight of a substance in a million parts of water, and it’s often used to measure the concentration of minerals and other substances in water.
How to measure PPM
To measure PPM, you’ll need a PPM meter, which is similar to an EC meter but gives you a reading in parts per million. Some PPM meters are also able to measure EC, so you might only need one device for both measurements.
To take a PPM measurement, you’ll need to mix up a solution of nutrients and water according to the instructions on your nutrient package. Then, you’ll dip your PPM meter into the solution and wait for the reading to stabilize. This will give you a measurement of the parts per million of dissolved salts in your solution, which you can use to adjust your nutrient levels.
Why do EC and PPM matter for cannabis plants?
EC and PPM are both important measurements for cannabis plants because they help you to ensure that your plants are getting the nutrients they need to grow. Cannabis plants require a specific balance of nutrients in order to thrive, and if the concentration of dissolved salts in your nutrient solution is too high or too low, it can lead to problems like nutrient burn or nutrient deficiencies.
Nutrient burn occurs when the concentration of dissolved salts in your nutrient solution is too high, which can cause your plants to take up too many nutrients. This can lead to yellowing or browning of the leaves, as well as other symptoms like wilting or stunted growth. Nutrient deficiencies, on the other hand, occur when the concentration of dissolved salts in your nutrient solution is too low, which can cause your plants to lack the nutrients they need to grow properly. This can lead to symptoms like yellowing or curling of the leaves, as well as slower growth and smaller yields.
By measuring EC and PPM regularly, you can ensure that your nutrient solution is always within the
proper range for your cannabis plants, and adjust your nutrient levels as needed to prevent nutrient burn or deficiencies. This can help you to grow healthier plants with larger yields, and can save you time and money in the long run by preventing problems before they occur.
It’s important to note that the ideal EC and PPM levels for cannabis plants will depend on a variety of factors, including the strain of cannabis you’re growing, the stage of growth your plants are in, and the type of growing medium you’re using. However, as a general rule of thumb, the ideal EC range for cannabis plants is between 1.2 and 2.0 mS/cm, while the ideal PPM range is between 700 and 1400 ppm.
If you’re just starting out with cannabis growing, it’s a good idea to start with a lower nutrient concentration and gradually increase it over time as your plants grow. This will help you to avoid nutrient burn or deficiencies, which can be more common in the early stages of growth.
In addition to monitoring EC and PPM, it’s also important to ensure that your pH levels are within the proper range for cannabis plants. pH is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of your nutrient solution, and it can have a big impact on how well your plants are able to absorb nutrients. The ideal pH range for cannabis plants is between 5.5 and 6.5, although this can vary slightly depending on your growing medium.
In conclusion, EC and PPM are important measurements for cannabis growers to understand, as they can help you to ensure that your plants are getting the nutrients they need to grow properly. By monitoring these measurements regularly and adjusting your nutrient levels as needed, you can avoid common problems like nutrient burn or deficiencies and grow healthier, more productive cannabis plants. As always, it’s important to do your research and experiment with different nutrient levels to find what works best for your specific growing setup and strain of cannabis. With practice and patience, you can become a successful cannabis grower and produce high-quality cannabis for yourself or for others.
