Read the method before comparing the number
Electrical conductivity, or EC, indicates the conductivity associated with dissolved salts in a test solution. A pH measurement describes how acidic or alkaline that solution is. Neither number identifies every individual ion or proves suitability for every crop.
UMass Extension describes saturated media extract, 1:2 dilution and PourThru as different methods for testing soilless media. The extraction procedure affects the results. Use interpretation guidance that matches the method; do not apply one method’s limits to another method’s reading.
If one quote says only “low EC” and another gives a number, ask both suppliers for the numerical specification, units and complete procedure. Do not rank the offers until those details are comparable. A label is not a substitute for an agreed acceptance test.
Check units and sample identity
EC can be written in different units. One mS/cm equals one dS/m, and one mS/cm equals 1,000 µS/cm. For example, 0.5 mS/cm and 500 µS/cm express the same conductivity. Converting units does not convert between extraction methods.
| Field | Question for the supplier or laboratory |
|---|---|
| Sample | Which product, batch and sampling date does this represent? |
| Preparation | Was the coir dried, hydrated, washed or otherwise prepared? |
| Extraction | Which method, ratio and water quality were used? |
| Measurement | Which units and temperature reference are reported? |
| Acceptance | Which agreed limits apply to this method and product? |
A report for a sample sent months earlier should not silently become the release record for a different production lot. Ask how the sample, batch number and shipment documents will be linked.
Separate incoming-product tests from crop monitoring
A receipt check on unused coir and a reading from a growing container answer different questions. For your records, label them separately. Note whether a sample represents unused material, irrigation water, drainage or media taken from the root zone.
For an incoming batch, agree the sampling plan before delivery: which packages are sampled, how samples are combined or kept separate, who performs the test and how a retained sample is stored. Your laboratory can specify the sample amount and preparation it needs.
For crop monitoring, retain the crop stage and recent irrigation information with the result. This context helps your adviser interpret a change instead of attributing every reading to the original substrate.
Resolve a mismatch before accepting the batch
If your result differs from the supplier’s, first compare the procedures and sample identities. Check that units, extraction details and preparation match. Agree a repeat test on traceable samples; involve a suitable laboratory when the difference cannot be explained.
Write down which result and procedure govern acceptance, and how a disputed batch will be handled. This avoids deciding the process only after an unexpected reading arrives.
Use Teral’s quality overview to start the specification discussion. Our low EC versus buffered cocopeat guide explains why those two product descriptions should be distinguished when placing an order.
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Discuss your testing specification →Sources and further reading
These sources support the technical background. The purchasing checklists and trial-planning suggestions are Teral editorial guidance.
