If you have a Pulse Hub VWC sensor, you may have noticed that there are two different types of EC reading, Bulk EC & Pore Water EC (PWEC). You may ask yourself, what are the differences between the two? Well, we've got you covered! This article goes over the differences between the two readings, and provides some external resources for further research.
Pore Water EC/PWEC (Plant-Available Water-Extractable Conductivity) and Bulk EC (Electrical Conductivity) are both measurements used to assess the quality and fertility of soil for plant growth. While they are both related to conductivity, they provide different information about the soil.
Soil PWEC (Plant-Available Water-Extractable Conductivity): Soil PWEC refers to the electrical conductivity of the water extract from soil, which represents the soluble salts present in the soil solution. It measures the concentration of ions, particularly those that can affect plant growth and nutrient availability. Soil PWEC is useful in determining the salinity of the soil and its potential impact on plant growth. PWEC is the agricultural standard.
Bulk EC (Electrical Conductivity): Bulk EC measures the electrical conductivity of the soil as a whole, including both the liquid and solid phases. It provides a general indication of the total ion concentration in the soil. Bulk EC reflects the overall soil salinity, including both soluble and insoluble salts.
In summary, while both soil PWEC and bulk EC relate to the conductivity of the soil, soil PWEC specifically measures the electrical conductivity of the water extract from the soil and indicates the concentration of soluble salts affecting plant growth. On the other hand, bulk EC provides a broader measurement of the electrical conductivity of the soil as a whole, reflecting the overall salinity, including both soluble and insoluble salts. Both measurements are important in assessing soil quality for plant growth and can help inform appropriate management practices to maintain optimal soil conditions.
If you're interested in learning more about the EC values discussed in this article, we suggest checking out this article here - https://edaphic.com.au/monitoring/soil-salinity-explained
Want to learn more about crop steering with VWC? Check out our Ultimate Crop Steering Guide!