Diagnostic samples receive special site-specific interpretation by an agronomist based on details provided on the information sheet. The more complete the information you provide, the more specific your recommendations will be. Concentrations of elements required for normal growth of plants and animals are determined. EC provides an estimate of water usability and the level of management required for specific uses. It is useful in predicting the tendency for sodium to accumulate in soil where the water is routinely used for irrigation.
Sodium can also be toxic to foliage.
It accumulates on the surface of leaves during overhead irrigation. It indicates the tendency of water to increase soil pH where irrigation is routinely used. In some plant-production systems, alkalinity must be neutralized to avoid increasing the soil or solution pH to a level that does not support plant growth. Hardness indicates the amount of calcium and magnesium in water and is expressed as equivalent calcium carbonate. It is useful in evaluating water quality for aquaculture and domestic uses.