Whether we garden for pleasure or profit, it entails considerable effort. We till the soil, plant seeds, transplant, and implement drip irrigation for efficient watering. Fertilization serves to enhance our endeavors significantly, notably boosting plant vitality and yield. For home gardeners, this results in superior tomatoes and abundant fruits and flowers. In commercial farming, it ensures healthier crops and increased yields, vital for financial viability.
Why opt for a fertilizer injector?
Fertilizing and watering are pivotal but time-consuming tasks in cultivation. Fertilizer injectors offer a swift and precise method to nourish plants within a drip irrigation setup. By delivering liquid nutrients directly to the roots where they are most needed, these injectors prove to be the most efficient means of fertilization.
In a drip irrigation system, water-soluble fertilizer can be seamlessly distributed through the system via a fertilizer injector, a process known as fertigation. Integrating a fertilizer injector into a drip irrigation system streamlines both fertilization and watering tasks, automating the process.
It's important to note the necessity of using water-soluble fertilizer and installing a downstream filter to minimize the risk of clogging drip emitters. Additionally, a backflow preventer upstream of the unit is essential to prevent fertilizer from flowing back into the water source.
Frequently asked questions about fertilizer injectors:
How does a fertilizer injector work? A fertilizer injector operates by drawing a concentrated fertilizer solution from a container or reservoir and mixing it with water in a predetermined ratio. This mixture is then delivered to plants through a drip irrigation system or other watering method. The injector typically utilizes water pressure or suction to draw the fertilizer solution into the water stream, ensuring even distribution to the plants.
How do you make fertilizer injectors? Fertilizer injectors are engineered to meet specific performance criteria, such as flow rate, pressure rating, and compatibility with various fertilizers and irrigation systems. Attempting to make a fertilizer injector from scratch is not practical for most individuals, as it requires precise engineering and manufacturing expertise.
What is the injection method of fertilizer? The injection method of fertilization involves introducing fertilizers directly into the irrigation water to deliver nutrients to plants. This can be achieved using various techniques, including:
Injectors: These devices draw concentrated fertilizer solutions into the irrigation water, ensuring even distribution to plants.
Fertigation: This method involves mixing water-soluble fertilizers with irrigation water and applying the mixture directly to the soil or plants through a drip or sprinkler system.
Broadcasting: Fertilizers are spread over the soil surface and incorporated into the soil through irrigation or rainfall.
Foliar spraying: Fertilizer solutions are sprayed onto the leaves of plants, where they are absorbed directly into the plant tissue.
What is the fertilizer injector ratio? The fertilizer injector ratio refers to the proportion of fertilizer solution to water that is delivered to plants through the irrigation system. This ratio is typically expressed as a ratio or percentage, such as 1:100 or 1%. For example, a ratio of 1:100 means that 1 part of concentrated fertilizer solution is mixed with 100 parts of water before being applied to the plants.
The injector ratio can be adjusted based on factors such as the type of fertilizer used, the stage of plant growth, and the desired nutrient concentration.
Note: You will need to use a water soluble fertilizer and you will want to filter downstream of the fertilizing unit. Both of these precautions will help minimize the risk of clogging drip emitters. In addition, you will always want to place a backflow preventer upstream of the unit to prevent fertilizer from backflowing into your water source.
Which fertilizer injector is right for my project?
Brand wise, we recommend Drip Depot. Drip Depot is a team of real gardeners who use drip irrigation systems every day - they know what they sell. This benefits you in several ways: you get the best products that will work for you and your specific gardening needs, you get their many years of experience with drip irrigation and you get valuable tips and advice that will work for you in your own garden where it counts.
For homeowners, Ez-Flo units come in two categories, constant pressure (mainline installation) and non-constant pressure (installed after timers or zone valves). The non-constant pressure units are usually designed to connect to a hose bib and are normally a great fit for the backyard gardener.
The downside to the non-constant pressure tanks is that you will normally connect one unit to each zone. So if you have 3 zones you would need 3 units. You can always move one unit from zone to zone as needed but if you have the system automated it can take away from some of automation as you have to remember to move the unit.
The constant pressure units are spliced directly into the main water source and offer more tank sizes. These tanks can feed multiple zones but are generally much more expensive and require some minor plumbing to install.
When units are built to withstand constant pressure, that means they can be installed before the valves and timer (but after a backflow preventer). It will be clearly stated in the product description if a unit is built for constant pressure or not.
Once you make the choice of which type of unit you want, you will next want to look at size. For example, let’s look at the ¾ gallon EZ-Flo unit with adjustable feed ratio of 1:100 to 1:1000.
At 1:100 the unit will empty of fertilizer after 75 gallons of water have passed through the unit.
At 1:1000 the unit will empty of fertilizer after 750 gallons of water have passed through the unit.
So as you can see, getting the right size and feed ratio is important.
Once you have narrowed the choices down you will want to review the specifications of each unit that you are interested in. In order to match the following to your system and fertilizer.
Feed Ratios
Minimum flow Requirements
Minimum Pressures Requirements
Backyard Garden Models
Starting with the backyard gardener’s needs, generally a smaller unit at an economical price will work perfectly. The EZ-Flo Fertilizing System accommodates water pressure as low as 5 psi and up to 50 psi.
The hose bib EZ-Flo injectors have an adjustable ratio that makes them flexible and easy to use. Add the desired amount of a concentrated, water soluble fertilizer and set the adjustment valve.
Hose end units include a hose bib adapter which connects directly to a standard 3/4" GHT (Garden Hose Thread), hose end or faucet. This is the most economical EZ-Flo unit, but it’s not built for constant pressure, so when used with a drip system the tank must be installed after any valve system or timer.
Commercial Models
Mazzei Venturi Injectors are perfect for advanced growers or commercial use. The Mazzei uses a pressure differential to create a vacuum within the injector to suction fertilizer solution into your system.
MixRite fertilizer injectors are some of the most accurate units on the market in terms of portion control. They are ideally suited for inline injection and are often used for farms, greenhouses or nurseries.
They also have other farm uses such as portioning vitamins for animals or dispersing cleaning fluids. The MixRite TF series models have adjustable injection rates and a variety of flow ranges. They are designed to be used with a master valve in large systems.
The EZ Flo mainline dispensing system is a commercial unit that can be used by those needing a constant pressure system. It connects directly to the irrigation piping after the backflow prevention device.
This product is designed to feed both sprinkler and drip irrigation zones for commercial, municipal, golf course, grower and residential applications.
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