Precision Farming 101 - What is EC, pH, RH, AH, LUX, PAR, Lumen?

The following is a small description of basic terminology to understand the product ranges of Nieuwkoop better and why precision farming tools are valuable for India. What is Electrical Conductivity (EC)?

The EC, or Electrical Conductivity, is a measure of a solution's conductivity. It quantifies the presence of ions (charged particles) in a solution, with an increase in EC value indicating a higher concentration of these ions. These ions may originate from various sources such as salts, residues from fertilizers (e.g., Potassium, Nitrate), or excess elements like table salt or Bicarbonate. Essentially, the EC value reflects the total concentration of dissolved ions (salts) in a solution. Measurement units include Millisiemens per centimetre (mS/cm) and Microsiemens per centimetre (µS/cm), with 1 mS/cm equaling 1000 µS/cm.

Understanding Lumen, Lux, and PAR:

In the realm of light measurement, Lumen, Lux, and PAR are crucial terms, each serving a distinct purpose.

Lumen: Lumen (lm) quantifies the total light intensity emitted by a source, measured in light quantity per unit time (e.g., per second). Direction and range are irrelevant, as the lumen quantity remains constant regardless.

Lux: Lux is the unit for illuminance, indicating how much light reaches a surface. It measures the extent to which a surface is illuminated, making it particularly important in indoor spaces such as sports venues and offices, where legal requirements for work lighting must be met.

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation):  PAR meters gauge the light essential for photosynthesis in plants, measuring the growth potential in the spectrum of 400 to 700 nanometres. PAR values are expressed in µmol/(m² s-1) and provide insights into a plant or flower's growth potential.

In summary, Lumen and Lux are relevant for human perception of light, while PAR is tailored for plants and flowers. We offer precise measurement and monitoring instruments for Lux and/or PAR values to support your specific needs.

Understanding pH:

The pH value is a chemical indicator of a solution's acidity, ranging from 0 to 14 pH. A lower pH indicates increased acidity, while a higher pH reflects alkalinity. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. The pH scale operates on a logarithmic scale, where each step represents a 10-fold difference in the concentration of acid particles. For instance, a solution with pH-5 has ten times more acid particles than pH-6. We provide tools to accurately measure and monitor pH values, assisting you in maintaining the desired acidity levels in your solutions.

Understanding Relative Humidity (RH) and Absolute Humidity:

Maintaining a healthy indoor climate is crucial for creating a comfortable and productive environment in various settings, such as workplaces, sports facilities, and living spaces. Additionally, the quality of product storage is influenced by the indoor climate, with temperature and humidity being key factors.

Relative Humidity (RH):

Relative humidity (RH) is a critical aspect of indoor climate, specifically addressing the moisture content in the air. In simpler terms, RH is a measure of the amount of water vapor present in the air. Achieving an optimal RH level is essential for promoting comfort, productivity, and concentration. Furthermore, it directly impacts the quality of stored products.

Absolute Humidity:

In addition to relative humidity, there is another term known as "absolute humidity." This term is straightforward to comprehend as it indicates the quantity of water in grams present in a cubic meter of air. However, it's important to note that air has a finite capacity to absorb water, reaching a physical maximum.