EVALUATION OF HORIBA CARDY COMPACT METERS FOR MONITORING GROWING MEDIA EXTRACT AND CELL SAP pH, E. C., NO3, NA AND K CONCENTRATION
Horiba Cardy compact pH, Electrical Conductivity (E.C.), Nitrate (NO3), Sodium (Na), and Potassium (K) meters were used to monitor the nutrient content of solutions extracted from five organic potting media. Solution extracts were collected using the Saturated Extract Method (SEM). Duplicate samples were sent to three analytical labs for comparative purposes. The meters proved to be quick and easy to use and there was good to excellent agreement with lab value for pH, E.C., Na and K. The NO3 meter did not provide good values below 80 ppm. For higher values there was a good relationship to lab values. The standard deviation for meter values was low, as were lab values for all parameter. Results of cell sap measurements as a method for evaluating the nutritional status of plants will be presented.