A Guide to Fertigation Systems

Fertigation is the application of water combined with liquid fertilizer on growing plants and trees through an irrigation system. Surface, drip, and sprinkler irrigation systems are used to dispense the combined liquids.

These irrigation systems are chosen according to the size, growing patterns, root systems, and water requirements of the plants they irrigate, as well as the composition and drainage rate of the soil where they are planted.

A fertigation system operates as any other irrigation system and trees and plants readily absorb the combined liquids. Water and liquid fertilizer can be combined and used on a schedule that is most beneficial for the specific vegetation being irrigated. For convenience, water and a diluted-strength liquid fertilizer can be used every time trees and plants are irrigated.

This post explains a few of the different fertigation systems and some things you should consider when designing a fertigation system for your trees and plants.

Surface Fertigation

This irrigation system uses gravity to deliver water and liquid fertilizer to growing plants and trees. Water is pumped to the highest point of a field and then released to flow down to the lower parts of the field.

Liquid fertilizer can be held in a storage tank at the top of the field where it is combined with irrigation water before it is released. A valve can be installed on the fertilizer tank so that it can be manually or automatically turned off and on.

Drip Fertigation

This irrigation system uses flexible tubing and drip emitters to deliver water and liquid fertilizer to the soil’s surface at each plant’s base. One advantage of a drip irrigation system is that is can operate continuously to keep moisture in the soil at a consistent level. It is also less wasteful than other irrigation methods as the liquids are dispensed to specific individual plants.

Liquid fertilizer is combined with the water in a drip irrigation system at the water source. Pressure regulators are installed on drip irrigation systems to keep the drip rate slow and consistent.

Sprinkler Fertigation

This irrigation system uses buried water pipes and upright sprinkler heads to irrigate and fertilize trees and plants. Some systems use sprinklers mounted on a moving platform that travels within a planted field to irrigate and fertilize it. A sprinkler system is beneficial to those plants that like a moist environment and thrive with moisture on their leaves and stems.

Manual Fertigation

This irrigation system is usually used for landscaped residential properties and small gardens. This hand-watering system is good for small planter boxes, flower and vegetable beds, and container gardens. It allows the user to water each plant individually and apply the liquids in the best location for each plant.

The water is usually combined with liquid fertilizer in a small tank at the water source. Liquid fertilizer can also be poured into a hose-end sprayer and dispensed with water as it exits the hose.

When adding liquid fertilizer to any irrigation system, it is important to use a backflow prevention device on the system to prevent the liquid fertilizer from flowing back into the water supply. Backflow prevention devices are simple mechanisms that can be attached to the system where liquid fertilizer is combined with water.

These devices are available online or at local home and garden supply centers and can be useful regardless of the fertigation system you choose to use.

For complete design and installation of a customized fertigation system, contact Waterford Irrigation Supply. Our licensed engineers and installation experts can discuss your irrigation and fertilization needs with a free consultation. We can then design and install a system specifically for your property

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