what’s the best EC for Leafy Lettuce & Herbs?Also I know some farmers who grow using a higher EC than recommended.what are the benefits and disadvantages of growing using a higher EC?
Mine is around 1.0-1.5 for the nutrients I use in my system. Everyone will have their own preferences for what they like to use for nutes and where they are in growth. Newer plants use less ec cause they just can't take up nutes very fast and older plants can handle higher ec. I'm running lettuce, other greens like Kale and romaine and herbs in the same reservoir. Good luck.
i will keep mine at around 1.5 for now and see if there is any difference.so just to confirm is an EC of 2.0 too high for lettuce?
It's just more than I have in my reservoir and my lettuce is doing just fine. It's taking up nutrients as fast as it can transpire.
i have been growing commercially for over 15 years and using hydropnics for over 22.
That being said, I have run at low EC and high EC. What I have found lettuce will grow in both, however, lettuce in low EC has paler leaves shorter shelf life and less taste than when its field grown. That's EC below 1.4, it is also prone to tip burn as the plant matures. Lettuce grown in high EC needs special care in hot temps as it may wilt, this will also cause off flavor. Each cultuvar has its optimum. I specialize in romaine (cos) its optimum is 1.75 for best flavor, shelf life and yeild.
More important is your pH it needs to be controlled at between 6.2 and 6.4 for optimal nutrient uptake. Tip burn ruins the crop for sale, reduces the amount of calcium the plant has nutritionally and changes the flavor somewhat, though most can't tell the difference.
1.6 max for lettuce cucumber and Tomato can be higher
thank you very much for that information I will try find a happy medium.i also prefers an EC above 1.4 as my plants tend to grow quicker and bigger.i will make sure I stick to an EC of between 1.6-1.7
don't forget to watch your pH that is as important.