Fertilizer through the sprinklers

[steinerguy]

I have read at a couple of sites about liquid application systems that hook directly into the sprinkler systems. Has anyone seen these as know of their success (or failure). It seems like a simple efficent way as the farmers sure do it through the center pivots.

Thanks

[Scott]

reply

There was two companies that where available to me. Bio-Green, which has gone bankrupt since it was a cheesy design, and http://www.fertigator.com/

Golf courses have been using injection systems for decades. It is easier and more economical to initially spend a few thousand on an injection system than having to buy spreaders and pay hired help continually. Liquid ferts or water soluable ferts have always been cheaper than granular also.

I've installed the bio-green several times and have had two blow up on me due to being overpressurized. I'm waiting for the rest of them to blow up so I can kindly give a refund to all I've duped into buying this, including myself.

If you're installing on a well source system that is dedicated to the lawn and gardens, I don't see any future problems with the fertigator but ones that have an irrigation meter or tied into your drinking source, well I'd be weary even if you do have a backflow preventer.

It's a great concept though. The yards that I've not had any problems with look just fantastic due to the slow continual release, similar to slow release granular but more even. I wish I had taken some before and after pics.

[steinerguy]

reply

Thanks guys. In my subdivision we have separate sandpoints for our irrigation systems so backflow is not an issue.

Thanks for the info.

[Lawngodfather]

reply

@ things about them.

1) low volume of fert is applied

2) you better have the same amount of overlap and coverage for each head or it will show.

[steinerguy]

reply

Things I was sure of when I installed my sprinklers were:
1. 100% overlap so there would be no wet/dry areas, otherwise how to you balance watering rates. You can really see this problem in this sand mid-summer in my neighborhood.
2. don't hit my house, I don't like hard water stains.
3. don't water half the street like everyone else.
Thanks for the information.