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DATA · GLOSSARY · SUBSTRATE PROPERTIES

What is electrical conductivity (EC)?

Coir glossary · Updated 2026-09-22 · Also in Português →

Indirect measure of total soluble salt content in a substrate or solution. EC depends on the extraction method used (1:5, 1:1.5 or saturated media extract), so values from different methods are not directly comparable. Unit: dS/m = mS/cm. For coir, natural EC is 0.8–1.5, washed is 0.4–0.8, and buffered is <0.4 mS/cm (all 1:5 method). EC is the single most important quality parameter for coir substrates.

Electrical conductivity (EC): equivalents.

PT: condutividade elétrica (CE) · ES: conductividad eléctrica (CE)

On Carve’s coir pith specification, EC is measured and reported per lot (1:5 method): Natural grade typically 0.8–1.5 mS/cm; Washed, EC reduced by freshwater washing; Buffered, washed plus calcium and magnesium treatment. The EC limit is fixed in the customer’s contract (source: Carve Coir Pith specification).

Where it appears in a spec or lot report. On coir specification sheets and lot reports, next to the extraction method (1:5, 1:1.5 or SME): values from different methods are not directly comparable. In Brazil it is a mandatory guarantee on substrate labels (IN MAPA 5/2016).

Source: Romero · EN 13038 · Cadena. Definition from the Carve coir glossary, where the full source list is given.

Related terms.

EC 1:5 extract: Analysis method where one volume of substrate is agitated in five volumes of deionized water, then pH and EC are…

EC 1:1.5 extract: Dutch standard analysis method for substrate EC.

Saturated media extract (SME): Analysis method where substrate is saturated with deionized water, allowed to equilibrate, and the solution is…

See also: Coir pith from Brazil: specification checklist · back to the coir glossary.

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About this page. Part of the coir glossary maintained by Carve Biorrefinaria Agroindustrial Ltda, a coir pith and fiber producer in Paraipaba, Ceará, Brazil. Corrections: [email protected].