Check salt build‑up before it damages roots today. Enter EC or ppm, choose factor easily. See safe ranges, dilution tips, and salts per watering.
These examples show typical irrigation water readings and what they imply for salt input.
| Scenario | EC (mS/cm) | Approx. TDS (ppm, factor 0.64) | Salt (g/L) | Typical note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainwater or reverse‑osmosis | 0.05 | 32 | 0.032 | Low salts; great for containers. |
| Municipal tap (varies by city) | 0.60 | 384 | 0.384 | Often fine; monitor sensitive seedlings. |
| Hard well water | 1.50 | 960 | 0.960 | May need leaching and better drainage. |
| Salty source water | 3.00 | 1920 | 1.920 | High risk; dilute or avoid for pots. |
Many meters convert salinity using an approximate scale. This calculator uses:
Factor is often 0.50, 0.64, or 0.70 depending on the meter.
For dilute water, ppm is close to mg/L. So:
This estimates dissolved solids as salt equivalents for planning.
Salinity in irrigation water is tracked as electrical conductivity (EC) or total dissolved solids (TDS). EC reflects how easily ions carry current, while TDS estimates the mass of dissolved minerals and salts. Because meters use different conversion scales, the calculator lets you select a factor so your readings translate consistently. Use the same unit and factor each time to build a reliable trend for your site.
Excess salts reduce a plant’s ability to take up water, even when soil looks moist. Symptoms can include leaf tip burn, slowed growth, and poor flowering. In containers, evaporation concentrates salts at the surface and along pot edges, so risk rises faster than in open soil. Sensitive crops and seedlings are the first to react, which is why the risk band adjusts for plant category.
The risk label is a screen for day‑to‑day decisions. Low and Moderate typically work with good drainage and occasional flushing. High suggests you should manage inputs and consider leaching, especially with drip systems or frequent fertigation. Very High indicates that long‑term use can accumulate salts quickly; using lower‑salt water or blending sources often becomes the most economical fix.
Leaching means applying extra water so salts move below the root zone. If your EC is above your target, blending with low‑salt water lowers the final EC in proportion to the mix. The calculator’s dilution estimate provides a starting ratio you can test with a meter. Pair dilution with periodic deep watering, improved drainage, and avoiding over‑fertilization to slow salt buildup.
Measure source water seasonally and after equipment changes, then spot‑check runoff or soil solution when plants show stress. Log values, crop type, and any amendments. Exporting results to CSV or PDF supports consistent team practices and helps compare beds, zones, and seasons. Over time, you can set site‑specific thresholds that match your soil texture, container media, and irrigation schedule.
EC measures how strongly dissolved ions conduct electricity. Higher EC usually means more dissolved salts or minerals. It is a fast field indicator for salinity risk and helps you compare water sources over time.
Handheld meters estimate TDS from EC using a conversion factor. Labs often measure actual dissolved solids or specific ions. Using the same factor and method consistently matters more than matching another device exactly.
Use the factor that matches your meter’s scale, commonly 0.50, 0.64, or 0.70. If the meter manual lists a scale, select it. When uncertain, start with 0.64 and validate with a known sample.
For dilute irrigation water, ppm is approximately equal to mg/L because 1 liter of water weighs about 1 kilogram. At very high salinity, density changes slightly, so the approximation becomes less exact.
Use lower‑salinity water when possible, avoid over‑fertilizing, and periodically flush containers until runoff is clear. Ensure drainage holes are open and consider replacing or leaching media if salts have accumulated for months.
Worry when EC repeatedly falls in the High or Very High band for your crop category, or when plants show tip burn and slowed growth. Confirm with another reading, check drainage, and adjust water source or leaching practices.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.