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Electrical Conductivity and Resistance
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Electrical Conductivity
Click here to view a video that explains the soil electrical conductivity test.
Electrical conductivity refers to the ability of soil paste to conduct electrical current, and, can be expressed in various units of conductivity. The international standard (IS) unit is Siemen.
Resistance
Resistance is the opposite of electrical conductivity and refers to the resistance of soil paste to the conductance of electrical current. Resistance is expressed in ohms.
The resistance of soil is an indication of the total dissolved salts in the soil solution. The measurement of resistance is a quick method to scan soils for salts. If the sample is too salty the electrical conductivity (EC) of the saturated paste is measured.
The resistance is expressed in ohm and the following general classification can be used:
