to activate the nutrients. A grower can feed a crop
exclusively for a desired color, gaining the ultimate
control over the plant.
Dilute Tanks Versus In-Line Injectors
Dilute tanks are considered the simplest method
of fertigation and can be operated manually or with
full automation. The mixing and distribution process
are separated, meaning that the feed solution can
be taken out of the tank without it negatively af-
fecting the accuracy of the dosage. Dilute tanks can
also save a grower a last-minute trip to get fertilizer
if they unexpectedly run out, since there will be a
pre-made feed solution ready to go. Growers are
advised to opt for a dilute tank control system if the
entire crop can be given a single nutrient solution,
the water pH doesn’t need to be adjusted often and
the solution strength does not change frequently.
In-line injection systems continuously inject feed
solution into the water stream and then mix them
together further down the line of the fertigator. An
in-line injection system is more appropriate when
crops need more than one nutrient formula and the
solution strength must be adjusted when necessary.
This method is commonly practiced in commercial
hydroponics. In-line injection operates on the main
water supply and does not require a central reser-
voir to hold plant nutrients. This saves growers time,
since they can skip the process of fi lling up batch
tanks with fertilizer. Although these systems are
more popular than dilute tanks, they must be prop-
erly designed and maintained in order to deliver ac-
curate doses. A low buffer volume and inadequate
blending can result in dosing errors.
Automation Improves Growth and Quality
Before committing to a fertigation setup, grow-
ers need to assess whether or not automation makes
sense for their needs. If all the crops can be fed
with the same solution and the irrigation drain water
does not need to be recirculated, a non-automated
setup is perfectly adequate. Conversely, if multiple
solutions need to be injected for one feeding and ir-
rigation drain water is going to be recirculated, an
automated fertigator is recommended.
For growers at the commercial level or looking
to scale up to it, automated fertigation simplifi es the
fertilizing process, while also making it more pre-
cise. Automated fertigation can signifi cantly improve
water and nutrient absorption, reduce fertilizer
usage and strengthen the root systems, thereby low-
ering the risk of disease.
Advancements in fertigation technology have
made the automated fertigation process extremely
effi cient and well-worth the initial investment, es-
pecially for professional growers. Any growing
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November 2018