If you have a large or mid-size grow, you know how much work goes into tending to your plants. Automated watering systems and temperature monitoring help to reduce some of the stress, but what other automated systems have you looked into? Fertigation isn’t a new concept, but in the world of commercial growing, not many producers have fully investigated this option.
What Is Fertigation?
Fertigation is a process by which plants are given fertilizer by way of an automated delivery mechanism. In the clutvation industry, fertigation is used most often (and most successfully) with hydroponic systems, which help to evenly distribute nutrients to the plants.
The point of adding a fertigation system to your grow operation is two-fold. First, fertigation reduces the amount of hands-on time your team will need to spend measuring, mixing, and distributing fertilizer. Second, fertigation systems provide the most accurate delivery of fertilizer, reducing potential human error.
Why Fertigation
Many crops can benefit from fertigation. For example, fruit and vegetable farmers can use fertigation to provide their crops with the necessary nutrients throughout the growing season. This approach can be particularly useful in areas where traditional irrigation methods are not sufficient, such as in arid regions or areas with poor soil quality. Fertigation can also be used in large-scale agriculture, such as in commercial farming operations. By using fertigation, farmers can reduce their water usage and improve the efficiency of their fertilizer application. This can lead to significant cost savings and improved crop yields.
With its ability to deliver precise amounts of water and nutrients directly to the roots of the plants, fertigation is a valuable tool for any farmer looking to improve their crop yields and overall plant health.
How Does Fertigation Work
The two methods of fertigation most commonly used in the cannabis industry are called ‘dilute tank control’ and ‘in-line injection.’ In both methods, the fertilizer is added to your water supply where it becomes diluted, then runs through an irrigation system to feed seeds, seedlings, and plants on a set schedule. While some fertigation systems only control the nutrient dosing equipment, others can also schedule irrigation along with nutrient dosing.
Learn More → Irrigation Installation Services | Fertigation Installation Services
Advantages of Fertigation
Other than less hands-on work for your team, what advantages does fertigation offer?
- Direct delivery of nutrients to root zone
- Consistent and uniform distribution of nutrients
- Consistent delivery to plants without low or high periods
- Improved nutrient absorption
- Improved accuracy
Fertigation System Maintenance
Fertigation systems are designed to enhance crop yields and save time, but they need maintenance to work at their best. Conducting leak checks, clearing the lines on a regular basis, and cleaning the tanks frequently can all contribute to the smooth operation of the fertigation system for an extended period.
Vulcan Squad has over 15 years of experience installing fertigation systems for cultivation. If you are considering making the switch, want help deciding what option is right for you, or maintenance. Contact us for a consultation today!
