Equally important to using the correct nutrients,
operation can have their automated fertigator fully
is using the right amount of them. Nutrient solu-
integrated into their environmental control system
via Wi-Fi.
tions can be more concentrated than they need to
Drip fertigation, a type of in-line in-
jecting system, is the most popular way to
fertigate hydroponically-grown crops. It
For growers at the commercial level
makes use of piping with a very small di-
or looking to scale up to it, automated
ameter that delivers water and nutrients to
the plant’s root zone. Studies have shown
fertigation simplifies the fertilizing process,
that automating this process can support
while also making it more precise.
important growth factors, such as plant
height, number of days to initial budding
and fruit size. Long-life plants do well with drip fer-
be, so ensuring the appropriate water-to-nutrient
tigation, although plants with short lifespans may
ratio prior to feeding can spare a crop from being
poisoned by too much nitrogen, phosphorus or po-
require a different setup.
tassium. Additionally, growers must make a habit of
Kacheris explained, “For shorter life plants,
flushing the fertigation system before turning it off
floating rafts or NFT are more efficient uses of space
to clear out lingering nutrients. Forgetting to flush
and media, but a crop like tomatoes or cucumbers
the system too many times can lead to clogged lines.
will benefit from room to spread its roots. In terms
As with the use of any chemicals, there is the
of nutrient delivery, both options are much, much
potential for accidental leaks, which can contami-
better than sprinklers, which waste an incredible
amount of water when used improperly.”
nate a local water supply. Avoid this by making sure
Substrate moisture sensors are one of the newer
a backflow prevention device and a spill tray are
facets of automated drip irrigation technology.
installed on the fertigator. Backflow prevention laws
vary from state to state, so it’s important for growers
When the sensors detect low moisture levels, they
to be aware of their local requirements.
trigger irrigation from the fertigator, ensuring that
By consistently maintaining healthy soil mois-
plants always receive an appropriate amount of
ture and delivering nutrients with ideal NPK ratios,
water. Substrate moisture sensors are excellent ways
growers can see the fruits of their labor truly pay
to conserve water. Some moisture sensors can also
off. The benefits of integrating an automated fertiga-
measure electrical conductivity (EC) and tempera-
tion system are twofold. First and foremost, growers
ture, as well. These sensors work best when placed
can raise crop quality by a considerable amount,
in spots that are likely to dry out the fastest, how-
raising the monetary value of their product. Sec-
ever they can also be put in plants that dry slowly.
ondly, automation noticeably improves water and
Moisture sensors can greatly aid in lowering water
fertilizer economy, which cuts down on production
consumption and avoiding disease and pathogens.
costs. A properly installed automated fertigation sys-
tem can empower growers to take control at every
Don’t Overdo Nutrients
level of the growing process, no matter what kind of
Growers should always be cognizant of nutrient
crops are grown. GG
concentration levels before using fertilizer in any
type of fertigation set-up. NPK refers to the ratio of
Background information for this article was provided by
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a given nu-
GrowSpan. For more information visit GrowSpan.com.
trient solution. These three macro-nutrients are the
building blocks of plant growth, so it is essential for
growers to know exactly how much they are provid-
ing. The higher the number, the higher the concen-
THE ULTIMATE ODOR ELIMINATORS
tration of each nutrient. For instance, a fertilizer that
The Ultimate
reads 10-30-20 will contain ten percent nitrogen,
In-Duct Ozonator
thirty percent phosphorus and twenty percent potas-
by Corona Discharge
sium. Different crops have their own NPK require-
ments, so growers must match the fertilizer with the
nutrient needs of their plant.
When selecting a fertilizer, growers should also
The Room Model Ozonator
ensure that it’s high in nutrients, dissolves quickly
by Ultraviolet
and is completely soluble with the water, type of
substrate and irrigation system it will be used with.
www.uvonair.com
1.800.765.2098
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The incorrect fertilizer can clog or corrode an irriga-
361 Rowntree Dairy Road, Unit 4, Woodbridge ON L4L 8H1
tion system, so it’s crucial for growers to verify that
Distributed by: Hydrofarm.com • SunlightSupply.com • BWGS.com
they’re using the correct nutrients.
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