Automated Plant Nutrient Delivery Systems

Automated Plant Nutrient Delivery Systems, Fertigation Systems, Plant Dosing Systems, and Nutrigation Systems

Working Towards the Future in the Commercial Greenhouse Industry: Using Automated Plant Nutrient Delivery Systems

As the commercial greenhouse industry grows, the need for making things simpler and less intensive grows a bigger operation. Eventually overtime an operation may grow bigger than anticipated and it can become a struggle for maintaining the workforce employed. The secret to this expanding industry is the use of automated systems. These automated agricultural systems can be used to fully automate a greenhouse or a little automation to aid in things like irrigation, lighting, and ventilation.

A common system that is used is an auto-dosing system that automatically applies plant nutrients and water at specific times and measures. Before utilizing an auto-dosing system in a greenhouse, it is important to understand the components, the effects on crops, the steps in purchasing and installing, and possible problems that may occur with the use of the automatic dosing system. As each greenhouse operation is different and unique based on goals, crops grown, and financial feasibility, research and planning should occur before making the decision to automate in a greenhouse.

What are the components of an auto-dosing system?

Within the auto-dosing system, there are individual parts that keep the system running smoothly and efficiently. In this system there is a fertilizer injector, a booster/ source pump, a control interface, a pressure gauge and electrical readout of pH and temperatures, and the dosing pump. There are three different types of dosing pumps that can be installed into an auto-dosing system, The magnetic diaphragm pump uses a magnet to control a diaphragm to pump nutrients and inject them into the system. A volumetric piston drive is also known as a water driven pump, uses water to move nutrients through a system. In a venturi drive, the use of narrowing and widening pipes changes the water pressure to create a movement of water and nutrients through the system.

Why use an auto-dosing system? 

An automated dosing system is seem most commonly in a commercial setting rather than a small scale operation. Once a commercial operation reaches a certain size and scale, the use of hand watering becomes more of a burden than a simple task. Once this occurs, the use of auto-dosing is a true necessity rather than a luxury. With this investment, the commercial grower has many benefits gained from the use of an auto-dosing system. These systems are regarded as profitable investments for just about every commercial growing facility. The largest benefit is the elimination of the ‘human error’ and the reduction of overall workloads. This is in part to the system taking measurements of pH, EC, and temperature readings that help with the settings of the system to ensure proper dosage for crops. When these tasks are done by hand, they take up valuable time and can result in some form of error with over or under dosing within a system. Not only is a dosing system ideal for commercial hydroponic systems, it is also excellent for commercial aquaponic systems as well.

Time saved from an auto plant nutrient delivery system adds up over the life of the system that make the savings of a salary ideal for a commercial operation. These systems also help prevent costly events that result in the loss of crops, and instead aid in the development of increased yields and quality. Precise dosing also benefits the operator through the reduction of waste and use of materials. By using specific amounts only when needed, the use of water and plant nutrients is reduced to the most efficient amounts- saving money.

Effects of the Auto-Dosing System on Crops

Overall, what’s best for the crops is what should be done in a greenhouse. If the crops don’t benefit, there is no point in installing a piece of equipment. A good mantra is ‘happy plants- happy wallet”. If a plant is not given the best of what it needs, then it will not grow to the full potential. Yields that lack in quality and quantity can have a negative impact on returns of investment. An auto-dosing system is very beneficial to crops. With the elimination of human error, the applications of nutrients are more precise leading to applications that are more efficient and beneficial for a plant.

Through readings and tests, a grower can set a dosing system to apply the correct amounts of plant nutrients when it is needed. By ensuring proper dosing, the plants will not be wanting for nutrients or drowning in nutrients. The dosing system applies the appropriate amount. When the plants receive the proper amounts of nutrients, growth rates are optimized and yields are much more consistent.

 Possible Disadvantages of an Auto-Dosing System

.With any automated system, a grower may come across some issues that need addressing periodically through a growing cycle. The most common issue with the Auto-dosing system is clogs in the delivery lines. The best way to avoid such a problem is to make sure that the nutrient solutions that are placed in the system are quality and fully dissolved. If the nutrients are not fully dissolved, build up will occur along the nutrient delivery line and cause problems over time.

On an off-chance, some nutrients for plants can have small amounts of metals in the mix. These small metal pieces can on rare occasions, get attracted to the magnetic pumps in the system leading to deficiencies in the system. To prevent this from occurring there are specialized pH balanced solutions that prevent build up of metal material.

Installation and Maintenance of an Auto-Dosing System

Overall installation and cost is dependent on the unique needs of a growing operations fertigation and cultivation needs and goals. Due to the high customization capabilities of a system, prices can differ similar to that of car models on a lot. A car with the general specs and equipment is a lower price than the exact same car model with all the bells and whistles.

To accurately estimate the cost of installation of an auto-dosing system, a grower must look to their specific needs. To do this, it is essential to examine the individual components that are needed, including estimates for energy and water costs to operate the entire auto dosing system. For overall maintenance of the auto-dosing system, regular maintenance is essential to the proper operation and longevity of the system. Regular checking of the nozzles, lines, and mechanisms will ensure that lines remain open and running smoothly.

The auto dosing system manufacturer should provide necessary resources for maintenance of the system, as well as, some retailers offering installation and maintenance services. Always research a system before installation for the needed maintenance throughout the growing season and the machine’s projected lifespan. Some regular maintenance includes- clearing lines of buildup and lubricating moving parts to ensure smooth movements and prevention of rust buildup.

These systems use cleaning solutions that are also run through the nutrient delivery system to assist even further with keeping the auto dosing system running efficiently and effectively.

Manufacturer Highlight: Netafim

Netafim was created in 1965 by farmers and agronomists with the idea that drip irrigation is a solution to the water crisis- a lack of quality water for food production. With a focus on plant health and optimum yields, Netafim was a pioneer for the drip irrigation system method of watering crops. Their systems utilize maximum usage with minimum quantity of water to deliver needed nutrients to plants in the field or commercial greenhouse.

With optimum water filtration systems to ensure minimal clogs in the lines, Netafim is there to ensure every growing season is as smooth as possible. When a commercial operation is ready to upgrade their system to meet the demands of crops, the best solution for the long-run is to invest in an automatic dosing system. Having a manufacturer that is trusted and knowledgeable in the field is essential to the success of an auto-dosing system.

MORR Inc. is a Southern California based integrated distributor and service provider offering agriculture products, grow-facility services, and individually tailored solutions above and beyond what is currently available to the commercial operator.

For more information on state of the art auto dosing systems for fertigation, nutrigation, and plant nutrient delivery, please visit- https://morr.com/watering-irrigation/fertilizer-dosers-injectors.html