Runoff Data You Need To Track

Runoff is one of the most useful diagnostic tools growers have for understanding what’s happening in the root zone, but only if it’s collected and interpreted correctly. In this episode, we break down how to properly collect runoff, what data to record, and how to use runoff volume, EC, and pH to evaluate your irrigation and fertigation strategy. We cover why full-day runoff provides better information than a single sample, how to calculate runoff percentage, and why comparing your drain readings against your drip is critical. We also dig into what changing runoff EC and pH can tell you about nutrient demand, salt accumulation, irrigation volume, and root-zone conditions. Rather than reacting to a single measurement, the goal is to track trends over time and use that data to make more informed crop steering decisions. Chapters: 00:00 How Runoff Collection Works01:00 When to Collect Runoff01:30 What Runoff Data to Record02:03 How to Calculate Runoff Percentage02:41 What Is a Good Runoff Percentage?03:26 Comparing Drip and Drain Data04:38 Where Does Irrigation Water Go?05:58 Understanding Runoff EC07:25 Understanding Runoff pH Trends07:55 What Rising or Falling Runoff pH Tells You Runoff isn't just waste leaving the substrate. It's data that can help you understand how your plants are responding to your fertigation strategy.