Whereas, MixRite Injectors use a water driven pump to move the fertilizer. The water motor actually meters the water running through the unit. This goes back to the size of your operation. A good solution is to have a mixing tank equipped with an agitator, where you would dissolve the concentrated fertilizer solution (Figure 9). With some standard type injectors, acid concentrations should not exceed 5 percent. Selection of a particular acid depends on the acid concentration and water temperatures. The only moving part in the GEWA is the float in the valve. When the water hits a closed valve, such as a solenoid valve, it comes back in the line at four times the original pressure. 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. 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. Ez-Flo injectors use water pressure to move fertilizer from the tank into the water line. 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. When a drip irrigation system is in place, water soluble fertilizer can be directly dispersed through the system by way of a fertilizer injector. 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. Precipitation will not occur in this case, because the fertilizers do not mix until after they are diluted to final concentration. Earth City, MO, Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service (NRAES). Modified on: Thu, 5 Nov, 2020 at 7:47 AM, Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell, fertilize. -Emily Whaley. For example -- a 20-10-20 fertilizer has 20% nitrogen, 10% phosphate and 20% potash. Regardless of the type of injector being used, always inject clean water after the injector has been used. So if you have 3 zones you would need 3 units. Water-soluble fertilizers tend to accumulate in the bottom of stock tanks, which can result in large differences in fertilizer concentrations. 4.0 oz per 25 gal x 30 = 120.0 oz per 25 gal using 1:30 injection ratio. Also check the injector manual for other ways to test your specific injector. The injection ratio depends on the size of cylinders and the relative rate of displacement of fluid in the cylinders by the pistons.

The injector is set for a 1:50 ratio. Features of some commercially available injectors. You can use the difference in pressure readings to tell when the filter is plugged up. 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. ", Procedure for Calibrating Granular Pesticide Applicators, Alternatives to Synthetic Herbicides for Weed Management in Container Nurseries, UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, UGA College of Family & Consumer Sciences. 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. NRAES-56. For every revolution of the water motor, there is one stroke of the injector pump. A pressure regulator if in-line water pressure exceeds the maximum allowable for the unit. If you don't calibrate your injector, you will get poor results and make the wrong decisions concerning your fertilizer program. Published on Nov 13, 2003Published on Feb 27, 2009Published on Apr 10, 2009Published with Full Review on Apr 10, 2012Published with Full Review on Jan 30, 2017. If you do not find answers to all your questions, please contact our customer support team for assistance or contact the manufacturer for installation applications and technical support. The range is 0 (most acid) to 14 (most basic). Measure the EC of this water sample and record it.

Choose an injector after some important factors have been considered. Use only reliable, calibrated conductivity meters to ensure the accuracy of readings. 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. Water flow activates the injector, which takes up the required percentage of concentrate directly from a container with stock solution. 2001. Have your water analyzed regularly. They are ideally suited for inline injection and are often used for farms, greenhouses or nurseries. This is the most economical EZ-Flo unit, but its not built for constant pressure, so when used with a drip system the tank must be installed after any valve system or timer. If the stock tank is left uncovered, some evaporation will occur, thus increasing the concentration of the stock solution to be higher than recommended. Chemicals being injected can be important, particularly if acid injection is desired. Ithaca, NY. Dosatron injectors (Figure 3). If debris build-up occurs, it may plug the injector intake and cause less than the required amount of stock solution to be taken up. If the water supply flows through a single orifice, a suitable container can be used to measure the water flow rate. It is unlawful for any person to use any irrigation system designed or used for the application of fertilizer, pesticide, or chemicals, which system is not equipped with an anti-siphon device. Recent updates, initiatives and programs from UGA Extension. 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.

Therefore, you will need to use an injector with dual heads to apply both fertilizers at the same time from two separate fertilizer concentrates. So as you can see, getting the right size and feed ratio is important. Incorporating a fertilizer injector into a drip irrigation system allows you to automate fertilizing as well as watering. Because of water pressure fluctuations variable amount(s) of chemical may be injected into the hose. Repeat this test several times. Petroleum based lubricants (Vaseline, lanoline, WD-40, motor oil) should not be used on dosage pistons or seals. Ask manufacturer about repair policy and costs. The hose bib EZ-Flo injectors have an adjustable ratio that makes them flexible and easy to use. The EZ-Flo Fertilizing System accommodates water pressure as low as 5 psi and up to 50 psi. The MixRite TF series models have adjustable injection rates and a variety of flow ranges. Maintain the EC meter in good condition in order to obtain correct results (Example: change the batteries when needed.). Consider potential future expansion because this would be the most economical approach. These include ones that use pressurization in the solution tank; venturi types that use a vacuum created by pressure differential across the inlet and outlet of the injector; and another that uses a water driven pump to move fertilizer from the solution tank into the system. Starting with the backyard gardeners needs, generally a smaller unit at an economical price will work perfectly. Recommended fertilizer application rate: 16 oz per 100 gal, Fertilizer formulation and analysis: 20-20-20, Recommended fertilizer application rate: 150 ppm nitrogen, Fertilizer formulation and analysis: 20-10-20. 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. In such a setup, it is impossible for contaminated water to enter the water-supply line. 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. Desired EC levels can be achieved by pumping fertilizer from one to several stock tanks into the mixing tank (Figure 7A). Table 4. bowa seeder The Mazzei Venturi Injectors create a vacuum within the unit that suctions fertilizer solution from a tank into the water lines. Turn on the injector and collect a known volume of diluted fertilizer solution (e.g., 5 gallons). 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. Recommendations are to obtain a water report: Stock tank size should be based on proportion ratio and daily water usage. Precise control over the amount of injected chemicals, smaller stock tanks and broader injection ratios have made positive displacement injectors an industry standard. (See "Fertilizer Injector or Proportioner" illustration below.).

Attend trade shows and talk to company representatives about the full range of their products and their features. We work the soil, sow seeds, set in transplants, and we install drip irrigation to water efficiently. This will protect the seals and prevent insects from plugging up the openings. (see "Calculation of Water Flow Rate" below). When the injector is removed from service it should be drained completely to prevent water from freezing inside. A sudden loss in water pressure or flow does not affect the proportioning of the valve. Be sure to calibrate your EC meter before use. Fertilizer suppliers generally provide charts with EC readings of various concentrations of water-soluble fertilizer solutions. At 1:100 the unit will empty of fertilizer after 75 gallons of water have passed through the unit. 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 Greenhouse Operation and Management. The solution tank should be cleaned regularly (weekly or biweekly, depending on frequency of use) to prevent dirt and scale buildup. They are installed directly in the water supply line. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, H.E. Inspect and service O-rings. The downside to the non-constant pressure tanks is that you will normally connect one unit to each zone. UGA Extension is not responsible for any damages, costs, liability, or risk associated with any use, functionality, and/or content of the website translations. The intake strainer should be suspended 2 to 4 inches from the bottom of the solution tank to avoid siphoning undissolved concentrate. Smith Injectors. Flow rates fall into three categories: low (0.05 - 12 gpm), medium (12 - 40 gpm) or high (over 40 gpm). Built almost entirely from plastics, the R-1 can be used to inject any combination of liquid fertilizers, fungicides, chelates, insecticides or mild acids. At 1:1000 the unit will empty of fertilizer after 750 gallons of water have passed through the unit. 1996. Fresno, CA, Dosatron International Inc. 2002. www.dosatronusa.com, DosMatic U.S.A. Inc. 2002. www.DosMatic.com. DosMatic injectors also operate without electricity, using water pressure as the power source. Water hammer can generate pressures up to 500 psi or more! They are a vital part of modern greenhouse or nursery operations. Gewas are manufactured in Germany and have been distributed in the United States since 1949. Calculate the EC contributed by the fertilizer by the following formula: EC FERTILIZER = EC FERTILIZER SOLUTION - EC IRRIGATION WATER. Bulletin Georgia Department of Agriculture. Step 2: Use equation 1 to adjust for a stock tank size of 25 gallons.

Stronger acids can be injected if units containing PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) parts, or other options for injecting corrosive materials are in place. Contact your local UGA Extension office to find out how our team of county agents can assist you. 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. The stock tank should be sufficiently large to allow the entire fertilization job to be completed with one batch of fertilizer concentrate. For more than a century, we've provided research and education through a

It connects directly to the irrigation piping after the backflow prevention device. Ounces of different types of water-soluble fertilizer needed to make 1 gallon of concentrate for use with Hozon (1:16 ratio). There are several types of fertilizer injectors. In the case of commercial growing, it means healthier and higher crop yields that are critical to financial success.

This calculation method gives a ballpark estimate on the fertilizer program. Inside the injector, concentrate is mixed with water, and water pressure forces the solution downstream. Often ratios are expressed as percent. network of committed specialists, agents and volunteers to help Georgians learn, grow and do more. Some materials are incompatible with others. This injector has no suction or pumping device, and the concentrated fertilizer solution is forced into the water line by the water pressure. Particulate matter (solids such as grit or sand) in your water supply act as abrasives and will wear away the water measuring mechanism. Find out more about them on our website. Divide the capacity of the tank in gallons by the number of minutes to obtain the flow rate in gallons per minute. This makes it easy to determine whether the injector is functioning properly. Water and Nutrient Management for Greenhouses (NRAES-56). Any irrigation system designed or used for the application of fertilizer, pesticide, or chemicals must be equipped with an anti-siphon device adequate to protect against contamination of the water supply. Part per million (ppm) is defined as 1 part of a substance into 1 million parts of another substance. This method checks the functionality of the injector, e.g., if the injector is delivering at the correct injection ratio. 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%).

They are installed directly in the water supply line. We have faculty and staff in every county across the state that are available to assist you. 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.

It will be clearly stated in the product description if a unit is built for constant pressure or not. The limiting factor in these injectors, in most cases, is the minimum and maximum water flow rate permissible. In addition, the injection ratios are low (typically 1:16) and therefore require a large stock tank, thus limiting the use of Venturi-type injectors to small growing areas. The chelating agents in fertilizer (they help to make micronutrients available to the plants) break down if exposed to light. These systems inject a precise amount of fertilizer solution to create a particular ratio of solution to water. They are designed to be used with a master valve in large systems. This will neutralize the acid and minimize injuries. Base your fertility program on the types of crops grown, nutrient requirements of individual crops, and number of different species. This increases maximum flow rate from the sum of the connected injectors while maintaining the low minimum flow rate from one small injector. To determine if you would need acid injection, send a water sample from your water source(s) to a lab and request a pH, alkalinity and hardness test. 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. As temperatures increase, so does the speed of acid reactivity. We translate science of everyday living for farmers, families and communities to foster a healthy For information or the status on programs, contact your local Extension office by email or phone. 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. The EZ Flo mainline dispensing system is a commercial unit that can be used by those needing a constant pressure system. Fertilizer Injectors Made Easy. They also have other farm uses such as portioning vitamins for animals or dispersing cleaning fluids. If your water pressure is lower than recommended for the injector, it will not work properly. These tanks can feed multiple zones but are generally much more expensive and require some minor plumbing to install. Fertilizing gives our efforts an extra boost by notably improving plant vigor and production. 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. Often ratios are expressed as percents. 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. 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. 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. and prosperous Georgia. In large operations divided into several greenhouse sections, growers often install an injector in each section so that different fertilizer programs can be used for different crops. Multiple fertilizer injector heads are possible (up to six).

You have successfully removed your county preference. Both of these precautions will help minimize the risk of clogging drip emitters. Before mixing different chemicals in the injector, consult chemical manufacturers to determine the compatibility of the products. Water passing through the water motor provides the power to run the injector pump. These injectors operate without electricity, using water pressure as the power source. Get weekly updates sent to your inbox with the latest UGA Extension news. This is close to expected, being off by only 1 percent. In case of retrofitting an old pipeline, you might need to purchase individual components to fit into the current pipe configuration. The original Series S is water driven while the intermediate Series J-Plus are electric units. If you are using a large stock tank, make sure the stock solution is mixed well before using it. 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. Mazzei Venturi Injectors are perfect for advanced growers or commercial use. Most municipal water suppliers require backflow prevention devices to prevent mixing. However, if these two chemicals are mixed in the same concentrate tank, the calcium will combine with phosphate and precipitate out of solution. Contact information for fertilizer injector companies. All units have adjustable feed ratios from 1:50 to higher than 1:1000 on various models.

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