Learning how to fertilize through a drip irrigation system is quite simple, but understanding what fertiliser to use and incorporating it in the injector. This process is also called fertigation and offers many benefits for different production systems. More so, fertilising itself would be more comfortable through irrigation water, given that you understand how a drip irrigation system works.
With proper knowledge in fertigation in the UK, you can take advantage of faster water and nutrient uptake. You can also be more efficient in using water and fertilisers. If you’re using a polytunnel instead of an outdoor garden in the UK, you may also find fertigation more beneficial for your plant management.
How To Fertilize Through A Drip Irrigation System Correctly
Step #1. Know what fertiliser to use
As one can assume, the proper fertiliser for a drip irrigation system is water-soluble. You will then incorporate a fertiliser injector into the drip irrigation system, then disperse the fertiliser. This way, you can control both the watering and fertilising in one system.
How to avoid clogging
However, do note that you want to avoid clogging the drip emitters with the water-soluble fertiliser. To do this, filter the downstream of the fertilising unit and use a product that mixes well with water. Remember that a poorly dissolved solution will clog the emitters because the particles will stay in suspension.
Some other common fertiliser mistakes to avoid are combining chemicals and fertilisers. Combining can cause residues, which will eventually plug the emitters of the system. You also want to dilute the fertiliser concentration that would suffice one irrigation cycle.
How to avoid backflow
More so, add something upward to the unit’s stream because a common problem with fertigation is when the fertiliser backflows into the water source. Ensure that you check your device to avoid any issues. Some areas in the UK also have laws about the placement of a backflow prevention device.
Step #2. Incorporate fertiliser into the drip irrigation system
The next step is incorporating the fertiliser into the drip irrigation system. You want to check the emitter at a great distance from the pump so that it’s at full pressure. This way, you won’t face problems with the injection from a poorly pressurised drip irrigation system.
Backflow prevention device and filters
As mentioned earlier, you want to guarantee that no particles will clog the emitters, and you may need to add a backflow prevention device. For the filter itself, consider your injector type and water source to choose the appropriate one and place it between the injector and water source. Another filter is also necessary between the laterals and the injector to keep particles from potentially clogging the emitters.
How to ensure equal fertilisation and prevent clogged drip lines
Once you have all those parts secured, you must allow the system to reach full pressure by injecting the fertiliser. The emphasis is necessary on ensuring that the drip irrigation system is at full pressure because you want each emitter to be in conjunction with the other. This way, you can ensure equal fertiliser distribution throughout the drip irrigation system.
After the injection, clean the irrigation system thoroughly. Failure to flush the nutrients in the system can clog the drip lines.
Common Injectors For Fertilizing Through A Drip Irrigation System
In general, fertilising through a drip irrigation system is as straightforward as adding fertiliser injectors to the drip head assembly. Adding fertiliser injectors makes fertigation an excellent option for commercial growers and even those growing in the greenhouse. There are two common types of injectors that you can use for a drip irrigation system.
The first type is an injector that you add to the drip head, which draws the fertiliser for you and injects it into the irrigation system at a concentration. On the other hand, you can also use T and Y filters as injectors and add pellets into them, dissolving and entering the system. Both injectors are easy to use as long as you follow the instructions, know your fertiliser, and check their compatibility with your system.
Other Fertilizing Methods For Drip Systems And What Won’t Work
Some growers do not rely on drip irrigation to fertilise. Instead, they place time-release fertiliser under each emitter or side-dress between the emitter and the plant with a soluble fertiliser. The central concept here is to guarantee that the fertiliser will reach the plant roots and get into the emitters’ wet zone.
Therefore, you can’t sprinkle dry fertiliser on the soil surface or use a hose to feed with liquid fertiliser. Using manure and other mulch won’t also work because underneath it, and won’t create a wet zone to bring the nutrients into the soil.
Conclusion
Fertigation or using a drip irrigation system to fertilise is an excellent way to conserve fertiliser and water and ensure faster uptake of both with your plants in the British garden. Learning how to fertilize through a drip irrigation system is also something you shouldn’t get intimidated by as long as you understand the two subjects this article has discussed.
First, understand that a water-soluble fertiliser that readily dissolves in water is crucial to prevent clogging in the system. Second, you want to add filters and a backflow prevention device to anticipate common problems with fertigation, such as blocking and backflow of fertiliser. And lastly, you must use the system under full pressure to ensure equal fertiliser distribution.