Table 2.
Electrical conductivity (EC) (mS cm⁻1) threshold values commonly recommended for soilless and hydroponic systems
| EC threshold (mS cm⁻1) | Agronomic meaning | References |
|---|---|---|
| 0.8 – 1.2 | Ideal range for nutrient-film and floating-raft hydroponics; optimal nutrient uptake under low osmotic pressure | Balliu et al. (2021) |
| < 1.2 – 1.5 | Recommended limit for soilless substrates to avoid salt stress and maintain stable nutrient availability | Joseph et al. (2021) |
| < 2.0 | Maximum tolerated by most germinating seeds and young roots in hydroponic fodder systems | Gupta and Huang (2014) |
| > 2.5 | Salt-induced osmotic inhibition begins to sharply reduce maize biomass and chlorophyll | Didaran et al. (2024) |