Ask manufacturer about repair policy and costs. These injectors operate without electricity, using water pressure as the power source. Dosatron injectors (Figure 3). Injectors take a small portion of concentrated fertilizer solution from a stock tank and inject it into the water line. The Smith Measuremix injectors are built to dispense a variety of liquid chemicals. resources. When using acids, always have baking soda at hand. Backflow is caused by higher downstream pressure in the piping system than the upstream or supply pressure. UGA Extension offers a wealth of personalized services Both are important factors to consider not only when selecting an injector, but also in your nutritional program. If large deviations (more than 5 percent) from the expected setting occur, contact the manufacturer for possible repair, replacement, or maintenance. For example, you have received a recommendation to apply calcium nitrate to your crops. A sudden loss in water pressure or flow does not affect the proportioning of the valve. We work the soil, sow seeds, set in transplants, and we install drip irrigation to water efficiently. A large stock tank is needed if a low proportion ratio is used and if the injector is used frequently. Choose an injector after some important factors have been considered. Hose end units include a hose bib adapter which connects directly to a standard 3/4" GHT (Garden Hose Thread), hose end or faucet.
The result will be high fertility and possibly high soluble salts damage and nutrient toxicities in the crops. There are several types of fertilizer injectors. For example, a 10 gpm flow rate will service only one " pipe and thus only one bench of plants will be fertigated at a time. The units are permanently set at proportion ratios of 1:100 or 1:200 (on some models 1:50 and 1:150 ratios also are available). DosMatic injectors (Figure 4). They are installed directly in the water supply line. To avoid this, install a simple check valve or if you have water pressure over 50 psi, an accumulator (captive air device) near your injector.
Both of these precautions will help minimize the risk of clogging drip emitters. Water-soluble fertilizers tend to accumulate in the bottom of stock tanks, which can result in large differences in fertilizer concentrations. Water and Nutrient Management for Greenhouses (NRAES-56). A word of caution: With ratios more than 1:200, incomplete dissolution of fertilizer may occur, as maximum solubility is exceeded. |, An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution, County and Club Meetings, Environmental Education, Livestock Programs, Project Achievement, Summer Camp, Aquaculture, Beef, Bees, Dairy, Equine, Small Ruminants, Poultry & Eggs, Swine, Invasive Species, Pollution Prevention, Forestry, Water & Drought, Weather & Climate, Wildlife, Adult & Family Development, Infant, Child and Teen Development, Money, Housing & Home Environment, Corn, Cotton, Forages, Hemp, Peanuts, Small Grains, Soybeans, Tobacco, Turfgrass, Food Preservation, Commercial & Home Food Safety, Food Science & Manufacturing, Nutrition and Health, Blueberries, Grapes, Ornamental Horticulture, Onions, Peaches, Pecans, Small Fruits, Vegetables, Home Gardens, Lawn Care, Ornamentals, Landscaping, Animal Diseases and Parasites, Ants, Termites, Lice, and Other Pests, Nuisance Animals, Plant Pest and Disease Management, Weeds. You may also consider purchasing a backup injector unit to be used in case of failure of the main one, or when maintenance of main unit is being performed. It is important to insure that the center tube is in place during operation to prevent the membrane from sealing off the flow of solution. The water motors are made of bronze and stainless steel, while the injector pistons are built of stainless steel on all models, and valves and fittings in the injector system are stainless steel on standard models. Users agree that automated translations may not effectively convert the intended design, meaning, and/or context of the website, may not translate images or PDF content, and may not take into account regional language differences. All units operate with a water pressure range of 15 to 125 psi and flow rates range from less than 1 gpm to higher than 1000 gpm.
Horticulture.
Test and record the EC of the fertilizer solution. If pesticides and insecticides are to be injected on a consistent basis, the unit should contain no plastic parts, because insecticides/fungicides that contain a hydrocarbon base (wettable powders and emulsions) are harmful to PVC plastics. Again, check with your local water authorities concerning current requirements for backflow prevention and consult irrigation system experts. Compare this reading to a chart on the fertilizer bag label. To convert from injection ratio to percent: To convert from percent to injection ratio: Table 1. You can use the difference in pressure readings to tell when the filter is plugged up. Venturi-type injectors, such as Hozon and Syphonex (Figure 1) use a pressure difference between the water line and the stock tank to draw a concentrated solution into a faucet connect valve and mix it with water in the hose. If (in the above test), the EC IRRIGATION WATER is 0.3 mmhos/cm and the EC FERTILIZER SOLUTION is 2.1 mmhos/cm, the actual EC FERTILIZER is 2.1 - 0.3 = 1.8 mmhos/cm.
where, rate of flow is expressed in gallons per minute, meter B is the beginning meter reading, meter E is the ending meter reading, and minutes is the duration of the test. They are installed directly in the water supply line. Many manufacturers have Web sites with useful information about their products (see Table 4). If you don't calibrate your injector, you will get poor results and make the wrong decisions concerning your fertilizer program. The only moving part in the GEWA is the float in the valve. No. The Anderson Ratio:Feeder injectors feature positive displacement and volume proportioning by either a flow metered electric pump or water pressure, depending on the model. where, diluted volume is the known amount of fertilizer solution after it has passed through the injector and stock volume is the amount of concentrated fertilizer solution that was used during the test. When units are built to withstand constant pressure, that means they can be installed before the valves and timer (but after a backflow preventer). The concentrate is poured inside the injector into a plastic membrane suspended inside of the tank and the lid is sealed shut. Most municipal water suppliers require backflow prevention devices to prevent mixing. Standardized conductivity solutions are available from the measuring device manufacturers and should always be kept on hand. Typical cross connections are illustrated in Figure 10. Contact your local UGA Extension office to find out how our team of county agents can assist you. Convert the difference between the beginning and ending meter readings from cubic feet (which most water meters measure in) into gallons by using the following formula: Rate of flow = [7.5 x (meter B - meter E)] minutes.
For these situations, multiple injectors can be connected in parallel (Figure 8).
Water passing through the water motor provides the power to run the injector pump. Because the stock solution has a higher specific weight than water, the folding in takes place from the top down. Factors to consider are: If the area to be fertilized is 100 to 10,000 square feet, and the solution required is gallon per square foot for 10 minutes, then 25 to 25,000 gallons must be delivered in 10 minutes or 2.5 to 2,500 gallons/minute.
will result in error in fertilizer concentration due to variability in the fertilizer quantity used to make up the concentrated solution.
A good solution is to have a mixing tank equipped with an agitator, where you would dissolve the concentrated fertilizer solution (Figure 9). The intake strainer should be suspended 2 to 4 inches from the bottom of the solution tank to avoid siphoning undissolved concentrate. We have faculty and staff in every county across the state that are available to assist you. For example, lets look at the gallon EZ-Flo unit with adjustable feed ratio of 1:100 to 1:1000.
The non-constant pressure units are usually designed to connect to a hose bib and are normally a great fit for the backyard gardener. They are designed to be used with a master valve in large systems. Step 1: Adjust the rate for the stock tank size using the following equation. A mixing tank is often plumbed in-line between the point of concentrate injection and delivery to the crop. Help us improve this article with your feedback. Multiple injection heads (for incompatible chemicals). Consider potential future expansion because this would be the most economical approach. Water hammer is kinetic energy (momentum) present in the water that is traveling in one direction.
However, the industry offers models that can accommodate a wide range of flow rates.
Judgment of the quality of the two water sources would have been wrong if based on the pH alone and correct if based on the alkalinity levels. This increases maximum flow rate from the sum of the connected injectors while maintaining the low minimum flow rate from one small injector. This is called fertigation. If the water flow is not a limiting factor, the amount of bench or ground area to be fertigated simultaneously is the main factor. Professor; Areas of Interest: Commercial landscape, PO Box 4557, Ithaca, New York 14852-4557.
Different fertilizer lots may have different dye contents causing variability in color intensity of fertilizer solutions. It will be clearly stated in the product description if a unit is built for constant pressure or not. The needs of small size operations, less than and up to 10,000 square feet, can be serviced with smaller units. Silicon-based lubricants can be used.
Measure the EC of this water sample and record it. You would then siphon from the mixing tank into a working tank, into which the injector intake is placed. For example, injectors with a 20- to 100-gpm flow rate range connected in parallel would deliver these rates, maintaining a low minimum flow rate: 2 injectors = 20-200 gpm3 injectors = 20-300 gpm. In addition, you will always want to place a backflow preventer upstream of the unit to prevent fertilizer from backflowing into your water source. Using other measuring means, (coffee cans, plastic cups, etc.) In small operations, it is convenient to be able to move the injector unit around, while in large operations where high volumes of fertilizer solution are regularly used at each fertigation, stationary injectors along with large stock tanks are more appropriate. The result will be low fertility and starved crops. Field Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Production, Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program, Laws and Regulations Concerning Water Supply Protection in Georgia, "Laws and Regulations Concerning Water Supply Protection. The dilution ratio should be known and adjusted as needed (see calibration methods). Georgia Department of Agriculture. If the water supply flows through a single orifice, a suitable container can be used to measure the water flow rate. A low injection rate means that a small portion of concentrated solution will be injected into the irrigation line, while a high injection rate equates to a large portion of concentrated solution being injected into the water. Drip Depot carries a wide variety of fertilizer injectors in order to fit a multitude of agricultural needs and budgets. If you have water pressure of 50 psi in the water line, four times that comes back at your injector and 200 psi will damage it. Therefore, the actual dilution ratio is off by a factor of about 3 percent (1.86 - 1.8) / 1.8 = 0.033 x 100 = 3.3%). The Mazzei Venturi Injectors create a vacuum within the unit that suctions fertilizer solution from a tank into the water lines. It cannot determine if the final fertilizer concentration is correct because it cannot detect errors in mixing the fertilizer stock solution. The amount of concentrate is directly proportional to the volume of water entering the injector, irrespective of variations in water flow or pressure, which may occur in the main line. Note:You will need to use a water soluble fertilizer and you will want to filter downstream of the fertilizing unit. Fertilizing and watering are two of the most important tasks in a growing operation, and they are two of the most time consuming tasks. The valve openings should be taped closed while still wet. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension programming improves people's lives and gets results. Cross Connection Control Handbook. As temperatures increase, so does the speed of acid reactivity. This product is designed to feed both sprinkler and drip irrigation zones for commercial, municipal, golf course, grower and residential applications. While pH of a solution is the concentration of hydrogen ions in it and measures the strength of an acid or a base, the alkalinity reflects the solution power to react with acid and keep the solution pH from changing. Example: A pansy grower gets a recommendation to apply 150 ppm nitrogen using 20-10-20 water-soluble fertilizer. For example, with a 1:100 ratio 1 part of stock solution is mixed with 99 parts of water, for a total of 100 parts of final solution.
Starting with the backyard gardeners needs, generally a smaller unit at an economical price will work perfectly. For homeowners, Ez-Flo units come in two categories, constant pressure (mainline installation) and non-constant pressure (installed after timers or zone valves). Fertilizer Injectors Made Easy. This is close to expected, being off by only 1 percent. However, if these two chemicals are mixed in the same concentrate tank, the calcium will combine with phosphate and precipitate out of solution. A pH reading is a measurement of the acidity or basicity of a solution and indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions. These tanks can feed multiple zones but are generally much more expensive and require some minor plumbing to install. When the injector is removed from service it should be drained completely to prevent water from freezing inside. Check with your local water authorities concerning the current requirements. Two ways to think of alkalinity are that it is the buffering capacity of water and that it is like lime in the water. Recommendations are to obtain a water report: Stock tank size should be based on proportion ratio and daily water usage. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, H.E. One of the first questions that you will be asked when selecting an injector is your water flow rate range. Once you have narrowed the choices down you will want to review the specifications of each unit that you are interested in. 1996. For example, a 1:100 ratio equals a 1 percent solution. Injection rates fall into four ranges: very low (1:4000 - 1:250, 0.025% - 0.4%), low (1:500 - 1:100, 0.2% - 1%), medium (1:200 - 1:100, 0.5% - 1%), high (1:100 - 1:20, 1% - 5%) or highest (1:50 - 1:10, 2% - 10%). The constant pressure units are spliced directly into the main water source and offer more tank sizes. Fertilizer recommendations for greenhouse crops are given as either parts per million (ppm) of a specific fertilizer nutrient or in pounds and ounces (weight basis) of a fertilizer formulation per 100 gallons of water. Positive displacement injectors, such as Dosatron, DosMatic, Anderson, Smith, and Gewa products provide consistent injection ratios for the designed flow rates over wide variations in water pressure. Inspect and service O-rings.
With some standard type injectors, acid concentrations should not exceed 5 percent. If you will be injecting acid to reduce pH and/or alkalinity of your water, make sure the injector selected is equipped to handle acid injection and the acid concentration used. When measuring the required quantity of fertilizer (usually given as a weight amount), use a scale to ensure the proper amount. Stock tanks need to be opaque. Water hammer can be a serious problem in installations with long pipe runs, or where solenoid valves are used. Find out what Extension has for you! Just like other mechanical devices, proper and frequent maintenance and calibration are crucial steps to ensure optimal injector performance and, thus, healthy crops.
It connects directly to the irrigation piping after the backflow prevention device. Flush the system with clean water, either by pumping water through the unit (if not feeding acid) before removing it or by rinsing these parts after removal. The injection ratio depends on the size of cylinders and the relative rate of displacement of fluid in the cylinders by the pistons. The strainer should be inspected regularly for clogs and/or cracks and the suction tube filter should be cleaned regularly. Calculate the EC contributed by the fertilizer by the following formula: EC FERTILIZER = EC FERTILIZER SOLUTION - EC IRRIGATION WATER.
Also check the injector manual for other ways to test your specific injector. Fertilizer injectors can come with fixed or variable solution ratios, and that choice will be determined by your project needs. For example, with a 1:100 ratio 1 part of stock solution is mixed with 99 parts of water, for a total of 100 parts of final solution.
Fertilizer injectors are devices used to apply water-soluble fertilizers, pesticides, plant growth regulators, wetting agents and mineral acids during crop production. Regardless of the type of injector being used, always inject clean water after the injector has been used.
Standard Dosatron units do allow for injection of most acids (depending upon the concentration of the acid and water temperatures); however, the concentration of injected acid should not exceed 5 percent.
The injector is set for a 1:50 ratio.
Be sure to calibrate your EC meter before use. We translate science of everyday living for farmers, families and communities to foster a healthy The proportion of water to chemical solution remains the same, regardless of changes in water pressure. To determine the injection ratio of an injector, collect a known amount of fertilizer solution from the injector and then measure the quantity of concentrated fertilizer that was taken up by the injector. Ounces of different types of water-soluble fertilizer needed to make 1 gallon of concentrate for use with Hozon (1:16 ratio).
For example, a 1:100 ratio equals a 1 percent solution. If the repair cost is equal to half or more of the cost of a new unit, replacement of an existing injector is advised. The original Series S is water driven while the intermediate Series J-Plus are electric units. The MixRite TF series models have adjustable injection rates and a variety of flow ranges.
4.0 oz per 25 gal x 30 = 120.0 oz per 25 gal using 1:30 injection ratio. Greenhouse Operation and Management. Fill the cylinder with a known volume of the concentrated stock solution. EC and pH Controllers.
This puts stress on the whole injector (and on your entire water system), but it is especially destructive to diaphragms. You have successfully removed your county preference. Use only reliable, calibrated conductivity meters to ensure the accuracy of readings. GMPro magazine. Divide the capacity of the tank in gallons by the number of minutes to obtain the flow rate in gallons per minute. 2002. Water pH and alkalinity. A permanently installed injector should be plumbed off the main water line (water bypass), which will permit clean water to flow through the irrigation line to purge the line of fertilizer solution or supply water to crops where fertilizer is not needed. Backflow is defined as the flow of water or other liquids, gasses, mixtures or other substances into the distributing pipes of potable supply water from any source or sources. Earth City, MO, Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service (NRAES). In the case of commercial growing, it means healthier and higher crop yields that are critical to financial success. Anderson Co. 2001. www.heanderson.com, Hummert International Catalog. Features of some commercially available injectors. The recommended ranges of irrigation pH depend on the crop grown, generally 5.4 to 7.0. Step 2: Use equation 1 to adjust for a stock tank size of 25 gallons. minimum and maximum areas to be watered at one time, fertilizer solution required for each square foot of bench or ground area, time needed to deliver the fertilizer solution. Any person that uses the translated site does so at that persons own risk. For example -- a 20-10-20 fertilizer has 20% nitrogen, 10% phosphate and 20% potash. If you have problems with solids, install a filter upstream of the injector and place pressure gauges before and after the filter. This easy method of measuring electrical conductivity is commonly used for water-soluble fertilizers. Petroleum based lubricants (Vaseline, lanoline, WD-40, motor oil) should not be used on dosage pistons or seals. Repeat this test several times. Smaller units, such as the model R-1, are designed for portable hand watering applications as well as permanent installation and accommodate flow ranges from 2 to 12 gpm. You also will need to supply phosphorus, so you need to inject ammonium phosphate. How much fertilizer should be mixed in a 25-gallon stock tank if an injector with a 1:30 injection ratio will be used? oz per stock tank x injector ratio = oz per stock tank using injector, 2.5 oz per 25 gal x 100 = 250.0 oz per 25 gal using 1:100 injection ratio, Step 4: Convert ounces to pounds and ounces where, 16 oz = 1 pound (dry), 250.0 oz per 25 gal = 15 lbs 10 oz 20-10-20 per 25 gal, 1Extension Horticulture Specialist, The University of Georgia2Extension Horticulture Specialist, Auburn University, Status and Revision History 1977. The design of Anderson injectors permits wide water flow ranges with minimal pressure loss. A similar situation occurs when magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) is mixed in the same tank with calcium nitrate. Ithaca, NY. 2001. The standard DosMatic units allow for injection of most acids and disinfectants. The alkalinity level has far-reaching implications because of its strong effect on the substrate pH. If your water pressure is lower than recommended for the injector, it will not work properly. You need to perform both methods described below to obtain accurate calibration. Water pressure required for proper operation of the injector (measured in pounds per square inch, or psi). Chemicals being injected can be important, particularly if acid injection is desired. Attend trade shows and talk to company representatives about the full range of their products and their features. Table 4. Their flow rates, which go up to 700 gpm, allow simultaneous fertil-ization of numerous benches and an entire greenhouse range. For every part of stock solution, there are X parts of water, where "X" is determined by the injector ratio. Water hammer can generate pressures up to 500 psi or more!
Proper design of the irrigation and fertilization systems should not allow cross connections with municipal systems for any reason. Nelson, P. 1998. Newbury Park, CA, Water and Nutrient Management for Greenhouses. Regular testing of the fertilizer EC is an effective way to monitor injector performance. Also, most irrigation systems dealers will sell a unit that has all three valves together. Note: This method checks if the final fertilizer concentration is correct, but it cannot determine if an incorrect final concentration is due to an error in mixing the stock solution or a malfunction in the injector. This injector has no suction or pumping device, and the concentrated fertilizer solution is forced into the water line by the water pressure. Inside the injector, concentrate is mixed with water, and water pressure forces the solution downstream. Start the test by collecting an on site sample of clear irrigation water. Periodic calibration is needed to ensure that an injector is operating properly. When installing a stationary injector, you may want to consider a location with limited access, such as a room with a lock, to safeguard against possible employee misconduct and any attempt to compromise your crops. Often ratios are expressed as percents. You also need to be aware of the following State Act, put forth by the Georgia Department of Agriculture: You MUST have appropriate anti-siphon equipment installed in the water supply line between the pump and the chemical injection port. Gewas are manufactured in Germany and have been distributed in the United States since 1949. Take a second reading after the water has run for a period of minutes. Turn on the injector and collect a known volume of diluted fertilizer solution (e.g., 5 gallons). Add the desired amount of a concentrated, water soluble fertilizer and set the adjustment valve. In case of retrofitting an old pipeline, you might need to purchase individual components to fit into the current pipe configuration.
When a drip irrigation system is in place, water soluble fertilizer can be directly dispersed through the system by way of a fertilizer injector. Because these injectors deliver liquid nutrients only where plants need it most directly to the roots fertilizer injectors are also the most efficient way to nourish plants. Constant agitation is needed when applying wettable powders because they suspend but do not dissolve in water. Also, if a constant liquid feed program is used, a larger stock tank size is beneficial. Recent updates, initiatives and programs from UGA Extension. There is virtually no maintenance other than flushing the fertilizer out of the machine after each use.
Injectors with stainless steel parts, or other options for injecting corrosive chemicals should be chosen. Fertilizing gives our efforts an extra boost by notably improving plant vigor and production. The following three backflow prevention devices are all required by Georgia Anti-siphon law: These three devices work together as a system to prevent pollution of wells. MixRite fertilizer injectors are some of the most accurate units on the market in terms of portion control.
This bronze, spring loaded float measures water flow on the inlet side of the valve. Pennisi, B., & M. van Iersel. Find out more about them on our website. Contact information for fertilizer injector companies. Base your fertility program on the types of crops grown, nutrient requirements of individual crops, and number of different species. Because of water pressure fluctuations variable amount(s) of chemical may be injected into the hose. Smith Injectors.
There are Advantage models specially designed for water pH adjustment, and others that allow remote injection of chemicals downstream for in-series application. At 1:1000 the unit will empty of fertilizer after 750 gallons of water have passed through the unit. Electrical Conductivity (EC) and pH controllers offer a wide range of management options for optimizing the nutritional program and the root zone environment. Have your water analyzed regularly. The EZ Flo mainline dispensing system is a commercial unit that can be used by those needing a constant pressure system.
For every revolution of the water motor, there is one stroke of the injector pump. Sorry we couldn't be helpful. If (in the above test) 370 ml of concentrate was used to make 5 gallons (18,925 ml) of diluted solution, the actual ratio is: 18,925 370 = 51. This makes it easy to determine whether the injector is functioning properly. Water flow activates the injector, which takes up the required percentage of concentrate directly from a container with stock solution. Georgia Anti-Siphon Device Act.
The result will be high fertility and possibly high soluble salts damage and nutrient toxicities in the crops. There are several types of fertilizer injectors. For example, a 10 gpm flow rate will service only one " pipe and thus only one bench of plants will be fertigated at a time. The units are permanently set at proportion ratios of 1:100 or 1:200 (on some models 1:50 and 1:150 ratios also are available). DosMatic injectors (Figure 4). They are installed directly in the water supply line. To avoid this, install a simple check valve or if you have water pressure over 50 psi, an accumulator (captive air device) near your injector.
Both of these precautions will help minimize the risk of clogging drip emitters. Water-soluble fertilizers tend to accumulate in the bottom of stock tanks, which can result in large differences in fertilizer concentrations. Water and Nutrient Management for Greenhouses (NRAES-56). A word of caution: With ratios more than 1:200, incomplete dissolution of fertilizer may occur, as maximum solubility is exceeded. |, An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution, County and Club Meetings, Environmental Education, Livestock Programs, Project Achievement, Summer Camp, Aquaculture, Beef, Bees, Dairy, Equine, Small Ruminants, Poultry & Eggs, Swine, Invasive Species, Pollution Prevention, Forestry, Water & Drought, Weather & Climate, Wildlife, Adult & Family Development, Infant, Child and Teen Development, Money, Housing & Home Environment, Corn, Cotton, Forages, Hemp, Peanuts, Small Grains, Soybeans, Tobacco, Turfgrass, Food Preservation, Commercial & Home Food Safety, Food Science & Manufacturing, Nutrition and Health, Blueberries, Grapes, Ornamental Horticulture, Onions, Peaches, Pecans, Small Fruits, Vegetables, Home Gardens, Lawn Care, Ornamentals, Landscaping, Animal Diseases and Parasites, Ants, Termites, Lice, and Other Pests, Nuisance Animals, Plant Pest and Disease Management, Weeds. You may also consider purchasing a backup injector unit to be used in case of failure of the main one, or when maintenance of main unit is being performed. It is important to insure that the center tube is in place during operation to prevent the membrane from sealing off the flow of solution. The water motors are made of bronze and stainless steel, while the injector pistons are built of stainless steel on all models, and valves and fittings in the injector system are stainless steel on standard models. Users agree that automated translations may not effectively convert the intended design, meaning, and/or context of the website, may not translate images or PDF content, and may not take into account regional language differences. All units operate with a water pressure range of 15 to 125 psi and flow rates range from less than 1 gpm to higher than 1000 gpm.
Horticulture.
Test and record the EC of the fertilizer solution. If pesticides and insecticides are to be injected on a consistent basis, the unit should contain no plastic parts, because insecticides/fungicides that contain a hydrocarbon base (wettable powders and emulsions) are harmful to PVC plastics. Again, check with your local water authorities concerning current requirements for backflow prevention and consult irrigation system experts. Compare this reading to a chart on the fertilizer bag label. To convert from injection ratio to percent: To convert from percent to injection ratio: Table 1. You can use the difference in pressure readings to tell when the filter is plugged up. Venturi-type injectors, such as Hozon and Syphonex (Figure 1) use a pressure difference between the water line and the stock tank to draw a concentrated solution into a faucet connect valve and mix it with water in the hose. If (in the above test), the EC IRRIGATION WATER is 0.3 mmhos/cm and the EC FERTILIZER SOLUTION is 2.1 mmhos/cm, the actual EC FERTILIZER is 2.1 - 0.3 = 1.8 mmhos/cm.
where, rate of flow is expressed in gallons per minute, meter B is the beginning meter reading, meter E is the ending meter reading, and minutes is the duration of the test. They are installed directly in the water supply line. Many manufacturers have Web sites with useful information about their products (see Table 4). If you don't calibrate your injector, you will get poor results and make the wrong decisions concerning your fertilizer program. The only moving part in the GEWA is the float in the valve. No. The Anderson Ratio:Feeder injectors feature positive displacement and volume proportioning by either a flow metered electric pump or water pressure, depending on the model. where, diluted volume is the known amount of fertilizer solution after it has passed through the injector and stock volume is the amount of concentrated fertilizer solution that was used during the test. When units are built to withstand constant pressure, that means they can be installed before the valves and timer (but after a backflow preventer). The concentrate is poured inside the injector into a plastic membrane suspended inside of the tank and the lid is sealed shut. Most municipal water suppliers require backflow prevention devices to prevent mixing. Standardized conductivity solutions are available from the measuring device manufacturers and should always be kept on hand. Typical cross connections are illustrated in Figure 10. Contact your local UGA Extension office to find out how our team of county agents can assist you. Convert the difference between the beginning and ending meter readings from cubic feet (which most water meters measure in) into gallons by using the following formula: Rate of flow = [7.5 x (meter B - meter E)] minutes.
For these situations, multiple injectors can be connected in parallel (Figure 8).
Water passing through the water motor provides the power to run the injector pump. Because the stock solution has a higher specific weight than water, the folding in takes place from the top down. Factors to consider are: If the area to be fertilized is 100 to 10,000 square feet, and the solution required is gallon per square foot for 10 minutes, then 25 to 25,000 gallons must be delivered in 10 minutes or 2.5 to 2,500 gallons/minute.
will result in error in fertilizer concentration due to variability in the fertilizer quantity used to make up the concentrated solution.
A good solution is to have a mixing tank equipped with an agitator, where you would dissolve the concentrated fertilizer solution (Figure 9). The intake strainer should be suspended 2 to 4 inches from the bottom of the solution tank to avoid siphoning undissolved concentrate. We have faculty and staff in every county across the state that are available to assist you. For example, lets look at the gallon EZ-Flo unit with adjustable feed ratio of 1:100 to 1:1000.
The non-constant pressure units are usually designed to connect to a hose bib and are normally a great fit for the backyard gardener. They are designed to be used with a master valve in large systems. Step 1: Adjust the rate for the stock tank size using the following equation. A mixing tank is often plumbed in-line between the point of concentrate injection and delivery to the crop. Help us improve this article with your feedback. Multiple injection heads (for incompatible chemicals). Consider potential future expansion because this would be the most economical approach. Water hammer is kinetic energy (momentum) present in the water that is traveling in one direction.
However, the industry offers models that can accommodate a wide range of flow rates.
Judgment of the quality of the two water sources would have been wrong if based on the pH alone and correct if based on the alkalinity levels. This increases maximum flow rate from the sum of the connected injectors while maintaining the low minimum flow rate from one small injector. This is called fertigation. If the water flow is not a limiting factor, the amount of bench or ground area to be fertigated simultaneously is the main factor. Professor; Areas of Interest: Commercial landscape, PO Box 4557, Ithaca, New York 14852-4557.
Different fertilizer lots may have different dye contents causing variability in color intensity of fertilizer solutions. It will be clearly stated in the product description if a unit is built for constant pressure or not. The needs of small size operations, less than and up to 10,000 square feet, can be serviced with smaller units. Silicon-based lubricants can be used.
Measure the EC of this water sample and record it. You would then siphon from the mixing tank into a working tank, into which the injector intake is placed. For example, injectors with a 20- to 100-gpm flow rate range connected in parallel would deliver these rates, maintaining a low minimum flow rate: 2 injectors = 20-200 gpm3 injectors = 20-300 gpm. In addition, you will always want to place a backflow preventer upstream of the unit to prevent fertilizer from backflowing into your water source. Using other measuring means, (coffee cans, plastic cups, etc.) In small operations, it is convenient to be able to move the injector unit around, while in large operations where high volumes of fertilizer solution are regularly used at each fertigation, stationary injectors along with large stock tanks are more appropriate. The result will be low fertility and starved crops. Field Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Production, Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program, Laws and Regulations Concerning Water Supply Protection in Georgia, "Laws and Regulations Concerning Water Supply Protection. The dilution ratio should be known and adjusted as needed (see calibration methods). Georgia Department of Agriculture. If the water supply flows through a single orifice, a suitable container can be used to measure the water flow rate. A low injection rate means that a small portion of concentrated solution will be injected into the irrigation line, while a high injection rate equates to a large portion of concentrated solution being injected into the water. Drip Depot carries a wide variety of fertilizer injectors in order to fit a multitude of agricultural needs and budgets. If you have water pressure of 50 psi in the water line, four times that comes back at your injector and 200 psi will damage it. Therefore, the actual dilution ratio is off by a factor of about 3 percent (1.86 - 1.8) / 1.8 = 0.033 x 100 = 3.3%). The Mazzei Venturi Injectors create a vacuum within the unit that suctions fertilizer solution from a tank into the water lines. It cannot determine if the final fertilizer concentration is correct because it cannot detect errors in mixing the fertilizer stock solution. The amount of concentrate is directly proportional to the volume of water entering the injector, irrespective of variations in water flow or pressure, which may occur in the main line. Note:You will need to use a water soluble fertilizer and you will want to filter downstream of the fertilizing unit. Fertilizing and watering are two of the most important tasks in a growing operation, and they are two of the most time consuming tasks. The valve openings should be taped closed while still wet. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension programming improves people's lives and gets results. Cross Connection Control Handbook. As temperatures increase, so does the speed of acid reactivity. This product is designed to feed both sprinkler and drip irrigation zones for commercial, municipal, golf course, grower and residential applications. While pH of a solution is the concentration of hydrogen ions in it and measures the strength of an acid or a base, the alkalinity reflects the solution power to react with acid and keep the solution pH from changing. Example: A pansy grower gets a recommendation to apply 150 ppm nitrogen using 20-10-20 water-soluble fertilizer. For example, with a 1:100 ratio 1 part of stock solution is mixed with 99 parts of water, for a total of 100 parts of final solution.
Starting with the backyard gardeners needs, generally a smaller unit at an economical price will work perfectly. For homeowners, Ez-Flo units come in two categories, constant pressure (mainline installation) and non-constant pressure (installed after timers or zone valves). Fertilizer Injectors Made Easy. This is close to expected, being off by only 1 percent. However, if these two chemicals are mixed in the same concentrate tank, the calcium will combine with phosphate and precipitate out of solution. A pH reading is a measurement of the acidity or basicity of a solution and indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions. These tanks can feed multiple zones but are generally much more expensive and require some minor plumbing to install. When the injector is removed from service it should be drained completely to prevent water from freezing inside. Check with your local water authorities concerning the current requirements. Two ways to think of alkalinity are that it is the buffering capacity of water and that it is like lime in the water. Recommendations are to obtain a water report: Stock tank size should be based on proportion ratio and daily water usage. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, H.E. One of the first questions that you will be asked when selecting an injector is your water flow rate range. Once you have narrowed the choices down you will want to review the specifications of each unit that you are interested in. 1996. For example, a 1:100 ratio equals a 1 percent solution. Injection rates fall into four ranges: very low (1:4000 - 1:250, 0.025% - 0.4%), low (1:500 - 1:100, 0.2% - 1%), medium (1:200 - 1:100, 0.5% - 1%), high (1:100 - 1:20, 1% - 5%) or highest (1:50 - 1:10, 2% - 10%). The constant pressure units are spliced directly into the main water source and offer more tank sizes. Fertilizer recommendations for greenhouse crops are given as either parts per million (ppm) of a specific fertilizer nutrient or in pounds and ounces (weight basis) of a fertilizer formulation per 100 gallons of water. Positive displacement injectors, such as Dosatron, DosMatic, Anderson, Smith, and Gewa products provide consistent injection ratios for the designed flow rates over wide variations in water pressure. Inspect and service O-rings.
With some standard type injectors, acid concentrations should not exceed 5 percent. If you will be injecting acid to reduce pH and/or alkalinity of your water, make sure the injector selected is equipped to handle acid injection and the acid concentration used. When measuring the required quantity of fertilizer (usually given as a weight amount), use a scale to ensure the proper amount. Stock tanks need to be opaque. Water hammer can be a serious problem in installations with long pipe runs, or where solenoid valves are used. Find out what Extension has for you! Just like other mechanical devices, proper and frequent maintenance and calibration are crucial steps to ensure optimal injector performance and, thus, healthy crops.
It connects directly to the irrigation piping after the backflow prevention device. Flush the system with clean water, either by pumping water through the unit (if not feeding acid) before removing it or by rinsing these parts after removal. The injection ratio depends on the size of cylinders and the relative rate of displacement of fluid in the cylinders by the pistons. The strainer should be inspected regularly for clogs and/or cracks and the suction tube filter should be cleaned regularly. Calculate the EC contributed by the fertilizer by the following formula: EC FERTILIZER = EC FERTILIZER SOLUTION - EC IRRIGATION WATER.
Also check the injector manual for other ways to test your specific injector. Fertilizer injectors can come with fixed or variable solution ratios, and that choice will be determined by your project needs. For example, with a 1:100 ratio 1 part of stock solution is mixed with 99 parts of water, for a total of 100 parts of final solution.
Fertilizer injectors are devices used to apply water-soluble fertilizers, pesticides, plant growth regulators, wetting agents and mineral acids during crop production. Regardless of the type of injector being used, always inject clean water after the injector has been used.
Standard Dosatron units do allow for injection of most acids (depending upon the concentration of the acid and water temperatures); however, the concentration of injected acid should not exceed 5 percent.
The injector is set for a 1:50 ratio.
Be sure to calibrate your EC meter before use. We translate science of everyday living for farmers, families and communities to foster a healthy The proportion of water to chemical solution remains the same, regardless of changes in water pressure. To determine the injection ratio of an injector, collect a known amount of fertilizer solution from the injector and then measure the quantity of concentrated fertilizer that was taken up by the injector. Ounces of different types of water-soluble fertilizer needed to make 1 gallon of concentrate for use with Hozon (1:16 ratio).
For example, a 1:100 ratio equals a 1 percent solution. If the repair cost is equal to half or more of the cost of a new unit, replacement of an existing injector is advised. The original Series S is water driven while the intermediate Series J-Plus are electric units. The MixRite TF series models have adjustable injection rates and a variety of flow ranges.
4.0 oz per 25 gal x 30 = 120.0 oz per 25 gal using 1:30 injection ratio. Greenhouse Operation and Management. Fill the cylinder with a known volume of the concentrated stock solution. EC and pH Controllers.
This puts stress on the whole injector (and on your entire water system), but it is especially destructive to diaphragms. You have successfully removed your county preference. Use only reliable, calibrated conductivity meters to ensure the accuracy of readings. GMPro magazine. Divide the capacity of the tank in gallons by the number of minutes to obtain the flow rate in gallons per minute. 2002. Water pH and alkalinity. A permanently installed injector should be plumbed off the main water line (water bypass), which will permit clean water to flow through the irrigation line to purge the line of fertilizer solution or supply water to crops where fertilizer is not needed. Backflow is defined as the flow of water or other liquids, gasses, mixtures or other substances into the distributing pipes of potable supply water from any source or sources. Earth City, MO, Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service (NRAES). In the case of commercial growing, it means healthier and higher crop yields that are critical to financial success. Anderson Co. 2001. www.heanderson.com, Hummert International Catalog. Features of some commercially available injectors. The recommended ranges of irrigation pH depend on the crop grown, generally 5.4 to 7.0. Step 2: Use equation 1 to adjust for a stock tank size of 25 gallons. minimum and maximum areas to be watered at one time, fertilizer solution required for each square foot of bench or ground area, time needed to deliver the fertilizer solution. Any person that uses the translated site does so at that persons own risk. For example -- a 20-10-20 fertilizer has 20% nitrogen, 10% phosphate and 20% potash. If you have problems with solids, install a filter upstream of the injector and place pressure gauges before and after the filter. This easy method of measuring electrical conductivity is commonly used for water-soluble fertilizers. Petroleum based lubricants (Vaseline, lanoline, WD-40, motor oil) should not be used on dosage pistons or seals. Repeat this test several times. Smaller units, such as the model R-1, are designed for portable hand watering applications as well as permanent installation and accommodate flow ranges from 2 to 12 gpm. You also will need to supply phosphorus, so you need to inject ammonium phosphate. How much fertilizer should be mixed in a 25-gallon stock tank if an injector with a 1:30 injection ratio will be used? oz per stock tank x injector ratio = oz per stock tank using injector, 2.5 oz per 25 gal x 100 = 250.0 oz per 25 gal using 1:100 injection ratio, Step 4: Convert ounces to pounds and ounces where, 16 oz = 1 pound (dry), 250.0 oz per 25 gal = 15 lbs 10 oz 20-10-20 per 25 gal, 1Extension Horticulture Specialist, The University of Georgia2Extension Horticulture Specialist, Auburn University, Status and Revision History 1977. The design of Anderson injectors permits wide water flow ranges with minimal pressure loss. A similar situation occurs when magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) is mixed in the same tank with calcium nitrate. Ithaca, NY. 2001. The standard DosMatic units allow for injection of most acids and disinfectants. The alkalinity level has far-reaching implications because of its strong effect on the substrate pH. If your water pressure is lower than recommended for the injector, it will not work properly. You need to perform both methods described below to obtain accurate calibration. Water pressure required for proper operation of the injector (measured in pounds per square inch, or psi). Chemicals being injected can be important, particularly if acid injection is desired. Attend trade shows and talk to company representatives about the full range of their products and their features. Table 4. Their flow rates, which go up to 700 gpm, allow simultaneous fertil-ization of numerous benches and an entire greenhouse range. For every part of stock solution, there are X parts of water, where "X" is determined by the injector ratio. Water hammer can generate pressures up to 500 psi or more!
Proper design of the irrigation and fertilization systems should not allow cross connections with municipal systems for any reason. Nelson, P. 1998. Newbury Park, CA, Water and Nutrient Management for Greenhouses. Regular testing of the fertilizer EC is an effective way to monitor injector performance. Also, most irrigation systems dealers will sell a unit that has all three valves together. Note: This method checks if the final fertilizer concentration is correct, but it cannot determine if an incorrect final concentration is due to an error in mixing the stock solution or a malfunction in the injector. This injector has no suction or pumping device, and the concentrated fertilizer solution is forced into the water line by the water pressure. Inside the injector, concentrate is mixed with water, and water pressure forces the solution downstream. Start the test by collecting an on site sample of clear irrigation water. Periodic calibration is needed to ensure that an injector is operating properly. When installing a stationary injector, you may want to consider a location with limited access, such as a room with a lock, to safeguard against possible employee misconduct and any attempt to compromise your crops. Often ratios are expressed as percents. You also need to be aware of the following State Act, put forth by the Georgia Department of Agriculture: You MUST have appropriate anti-siphon equipment installed in the water supply line between the pump and the chemical injection port. Gewas are manufactured in Germany and have been distributed in the United States since 1949. Take a second reading after the water has run for a period of minutes. Turn on the injector and collect a known volume of diluted fertilizer solution (e.g., 5 gallons). Add the desired amount of a concentrated, water soluble fertilizer and set the adjustment valve. In case of retrofitting an old pipeline, you might need to purchase individual components to fit into the current pipe configuration.
When a drip irrigation system is in place, water soluble fertilizer can be directly dispersed through the system by way of a fertilizer injector. Because these injectors deliver liquid nutrients only where plants need it most directly to the roots fertilizer injectors are also the most efficient way to nourish plants. Constant agitation is needed when applying wettable powders because they suspend but do not dissolve in water. Also, if a constant liquid feed program is used, a larger stock tank size is beneficial. Recent updates, initiatives and programs from UGA Extension. There is virtually no maintenance other than flushing the fertilizer out of the machine after each use.
Injectors with stainless steel parts, or other options for injecting corrosive chemicals should be chosen. Fertilizing gives our efforts an extra boost by notably improving plant vigor and production. The following three backflow prevention devices are all required by Georgia Anti-siphon law: These three devices work together as a system to prevent pollution of wells. MixRite fertilizer injectors are some of the most accurate units on the market in terms of portion control.
This bronze, spring loaded float measures water flow on the inlet side of the valve. Pennisi, B., & M. van Iersel. Find out more about them on our website. Contact information for fertilizer injector companies. Base your fertility program on the types of crops grown, nutrient requirements of individual crops, and number of different species. Because of water pressure fluctuations variable amount(s) of chemical may be injected into the hose. Smith Injectors.
There are Advantage models specially designed for water pH adjustment, and others that allow remote injection of chemicals downstream for in-series application. At 1:1000 the unit will empty of fertilizer after 750 gallons of water have passed through the unit. Electrical Conductivity (EC) and pH controllers offer a wide range of management options for optimizing the nutritional program and the root zone environment. Have your water analyzed regularly. The EZ Flo mainline dispensing system is a commercial unit that can be used by those needing a constant pressure system.
For every revolution of the water motor, there is one stroke of the injector pump. Sorry we couldn't be helpful. If (in the above test) 370 ml of concentrate was used to make 5 gallons (18,925 ml) of diluted solution, the actual ratio is: 18,925 370 = 51. This makes it easy to determine whether the injector is functioning properly. Water flow activates the injector, which takes up the required percentage of concentrate directly from a container with stock solution. Georgia Anti-Siphon Device Act.