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How to Use an EC/TDS Meter to Test Soil
How to Use an EC/TDS Meter to Test Soil. Although often used interchangeably, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids measure the salinity of a soil in different ways. Electrical conductivity (EC) measures the electrical charge flowing through the solution. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measures how much salt is in the solution. Both...
Although often used interchangeably, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids measure the salinity of a soil in different ways. Electrical conductivity (EC) measures the electrical charge flowing through the solution. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measures how much salt is in the solution. Both may be incorporated into one meter; however, EC and TDS are different conversions. There are many ways to take a soil sample for measurement. Soil water from an extraction or a lysimeter is optimal, though a paste can be made as well.
Things You'll Need
Air dried soil
Distilled water
2 fluid ounces glass
Paper towels
Electrical Conductivity/Total Dissolved Solids probe
Standard solutions
Paper
Pen
Measuring Electrical Conductivity
Make a 1:5 soil paste. Grind and measure out one gram of soil. Mix the soil with five milliliters of water until a soupy paste is formed. This can also be a 2:10, 3:15, and so on if more paste is needed.
Turn on the meter. A power button is usually located on the front of the meter.
Calibrate the meter. Find the function to calibrate the meter. Insert the probe into a standard solution, or known amount, and input results by changing the value shown. Change the value by using key pad or inserting a mini screwdriver into side.
Clean the probe. After every calibration, the probe should be rinsed with distilled water and blotted dry.
Insert probe into paste. On the tip of the probe, there will be a line. The paste should cover up the tip to this line so that the electrodes are immersed.
Take a reading. Wait for the reading to stabilize. Many meters will measure the temperature of the paste for automatic temperature correction (ATC). If ATC is not available, there will be a knob to compensate for the temperature.
Record the results. Electrical conductivity is measured in micro-Siemens per centimeter (µS/cm).
Measuring Total Dissolved Solids
Turn on the meter. If the meter is not a combination EC/TDS meter, then power up a meter that measures TDS. Otherwise change the mode to select TDS.
Calibrate the meter. Find the calibrating function for the meter. Calibrate the TDS meter by inserting the probe into standard solutions, or known amounts. Use the keypad to change the value or change with a mini screwdriver.
Clean the probe. After every sample, the probe should be rinsed with distilled water and blotted dry.
Take a sample reading. Submerged the tip of the probe into soil solution until the tip and electrodes are fully covered with sample.
Record the results. Wait for the meter to stabilize and record the results shown. The results will be measured in parts per million (ppm).
Tips & Warnings
Every meter is different. Get familiar with functions and modes of the meter before using.
If the meter is not properly calibrated, then the results shown may not be accurate.
