Integrated Plant Nutrient Management System

Integrated Plant Nutrient Systems: What are they and what sets them apart from the pack? 

All growers know that a successful operation needs to have plans and procedures in place. The first thoughts that pop up when talking about plans and procedures may revolve around planting schedules, harvest dates, pest management, and overall safety procedures for staff and customers. However, there is another management plan that when done correctly and precisely, it becomes the definition of plant husbandry as plants and grow areas are able to be run smoothly and efficiently.

A Plant Management System Defined

A plant management plan is one that takes land husbandry and applies it to a broader sense embracing nutrient, soil, water, vegetation, and plant management practices that are customized to s specific operation type and crop.

These systems have a goal of improving soil fertility and land productivity while at the same time reducing environmental impacts. With scientific backing, plant management systems provide positive benefits in higher yields, but also in conserving soil resources as well.

Traditional plant management systems are those that focus on the traditional systems that use soil and land. With the rise in new systems and techniques, plant management systems have morphed to meet the needs of the newer next generation system styles. Instead of a focus on land management for soil conservation, attention is diverted to nutrient management. Management of nutrients is also a contribution to pest management as stressed crops are more susceptible to disease and to the effects of pests. Instead of reacting to an event, prevention and action need to be in place to reduce the instances of crop pesticide application.

Although pests in a greenhouse can be counted on, the amount, and overall effects can be greatly reduced and minimal if proper prevention and control is given. Nutrient management is additionally linked to other practices that are linked to other practices that are related to sustainable crop production.

Plant Nutrient Systems

There are at least seventeen known plant nutrients that a plant relies on to grow strong and healthy. They are required in differing amounts and are labeled as macro and micronutrients.

Each nutrient plays a role in the growth and development of a plant through all stages of its life. A lack of any nutrient no matter how much is needed throughout its life will cause a plant to stress and not grow to its full potential.

Plant nutrient systems are designed to monitor, apply, and control the application of these nutrients to ensure proper growth and reduce the chances of under and over application of the nutrients. Thanks to advancements in technology, there are several types of nutrient dosing systems available for the commercial grower.

Automatic Nutrient Dosing Systems- The Key to Plant Management

Automatic nutrient systems or auto-dosing systems are mechanized systems that apply specific amounts of nutrients to crops according to a set timer and dosage. These systems are extremely necessary for the commercial greenhouse as it assists with keeping large scale operations at a manageable level.

These sophisticated fertilizer application systems are designed with several parts that work together to make a large job an easy one. The system uses injectors, booster/ source pump, a control interface, and a monitor kit. An integral part of the system is the dosing pump as it introduces the nutrient solution to the overall system and keeps it moving through the growing area at the correct rate and pressure. There are several pump types on the market from magnetic diaphragm pumps, volumetric piston drives, and venturi drives. The pump that fits the operation solely depends on the specific grow operations needs and goals.

Automation and Controlling a Dosing System

It is essential to monitor nutrient levels and plant needs. This monitoring can be conducted in person and on a regular basis, however, in large scale operations this can become laborious and in some instances be impossible to adequately monitor. This is where technology steps in.

With the use of automated technology and monitoring systems, an entire industrial indoor farming operation can be monitored easily and in most cases in the palm of the operator's hand. The most advanced systems can monitor a system connected via wifi and communicate via an app to the operator to give stats and reports in real time as well as alerts to any system issues. Other crop management systems are self monitoring and run on data and set timers to apply nutrients. Other hand held devices can be used by an operator to walk the grow area to record nutrient needs and adjust a system manually.

Overall the amount of automation is dependent on the operation. There are no cookie cutter operations and what works for one operation may not for another. Proper research should be conducted before making a decision on controls of a dosing system.

Advantages of Auto Dosing Systems

Automatic dosing systems as a means of a plant management system are really geared for the commercial grower and large scale operations. Smaller operations may choose to use an auto system, but for large scale operations these are not a luxury, but a necessity. The largest benefit of these systems is the overall lack of human error that may lead to stress or death of a crop from the under or over application of nutrients. These systems also save space as plant nutrients are mixed directly into the water used in irrigation.

Dosing systems are very much the perfect solution for hydroponic operations. With the use of a pump to divert nutrients into the line, the solutions are also constantly mixed and agitated, reducing the instances of clogs and uneven concentrations. When determining if nutrient management and dosing systems are the right fit for the operation, it helps to have another person to help. MORR Inc. has a team of experts with decades of combined experience in the horticulture industry. With services in consulting, planning, design, installation, maintenance, and overall operations, MORR Inc. is ready to help any operator with their commercial or industrial grow operation needs. Click here for more information about Rf Agriculture's selection of plant nutrient delivery systems

About MORR Inc.

MORR Inc. is a wholesale commercial agriculture distributor for planting, growing, and farming located in Los Angeles, CA. MORR Inc. supplies top of the line wholesale commercial hydroponic systems, commercial grow systems, a wide selection of grow lights and automated control systems, nutrient rich soils and growing media, a large selection of specialized advanced plant and hydroponic nutrients for different plant life cycles, dosing and drip irrigation systems, high tech environmental meters and automated systems, fans, filters, plant pesticides, plant fungicides, general commercial grow facility supplies and services, plus much more! https://MORR.com