When Do You Really Need EC/pH Control?
This guide explains when EC/pH closed-loop fertigation control is truly necessary, and when simpler scheduled fertigation is sufficient, helping growers avoid unnecessary complexity.
Introduction
EC/pH control is often described as “advanced” or “professional”.
However, not every fertigation project actually needs EC/pH closed-loop control.
In many cases:
- EC/pH control adds cost
- increases system complexity
- and provides little practical benefit
This guide explains when EC/pH control is necessary and when it is not.
What EC/pH Control Actually Does
EC/pH control systems:
- Measure nutrient concentration (EC)
- Measure acidity or alkalinity (pH)
- Automatically adjust fertilizer dosing
- Maintain target nutrient levels in irrigation water
This is useful only when nutrient precision directly affects crop performance.
When EC/pH Control Is Truly Necessary
You should consider EC/pH control when most of the following conditions apply:
1) High-Value or Sensitive Crops
Examples:
- Leafy greens in hydroponic systems
- Strawberries, tomatoes, herbs in controlled environments
- Nursery and seedling production
Small nutrient deviations can:
- reduce yield
- affect quality
- cause visible stress
2) Soilless or Hydroponic Cultivation
In systems such as:
- NFT
- DWC
- Substrate-based hydroponics
There is no soil buffering effect.
EC/pH must be controlled continuously to maintain a stable root environment.
3) Closed or Recirculating Water Systems
When irrigation water:
- is reused
- is partially recirculated
- accumulates nutrients over time
Manual or scheduled dosing becomes unreliable.
EC/pH feedback is required to maintain balance.
4) Technical Teams Are Available
EC/pH systems require:
- calibration
- sensor maintenance
- basic understanding of nutrient management
They are best suited for:
- professional growers
- technical staff
- managed agricultural projects
When EC/pH Control Is Often Unnecessary
In many projects, EC/pH control provides little return.
Typical cases include:
- Open-field irrigation
- Orchards and vineyards
- Soil-based greenhouse crops
- Seasonal fertilization programs
- Projects with limited technical staff
In these scenarios:
- Soil buffers nutrient fluctuations
- Fertilizer ratios are relatively stable
- Scheduled fertigation is sufficient
A Simpler and More Practical Alternative
For most projects, scheduled or ratio-based fertigation works well.
This approach:
- Injects fertilizer based on time or ratio
- Requires fewer sensors
- Is easier to operate
- Reduces system cost and maintenance
Recommended controller:
- PKY-FG301 – Fertigation Controller
This solution covers a large percentage of real-world irrigation projects.
Choosing the Right Level of Complexity
A common mistake is:
“More control must be better.”
In practice:
- unnecessary complexity increases failure risk
- simple systems are easier to maintain
- stable operation matters more than precision
The best system is the one that matches the project, not the most advanced one.
System Context
Related pages:
- 🧩 Solution:
Water–Fertilizer Integration System - 🔧 Product (Scheduled Fertigation):
PKY-FG301 – Fertigation Controller - 🔬 Product (EC/pH Control):
PKY-FG401 – EC/pH Fertigation Controller
Summary
- EC/pH control is powerful but not always necessary
- It is best suited for hydroponic and high-value crops
- Soil-based and open-field projects often do not need it
- Scheduled fertigation is simpler and more practical in many cases
- Choosing the right approach saves cost and improves reliability
Understanding your crop, system type, and management capacity is the key to making the right decision.
Need Help Choosing the Right Fertigation Control?
If you are unsure whether EC/pH control is necessary for your project,
you can share a few basic details and get a practical recommendation.