Application / chemistry / water

Fertigation fertilizer application requirements

Specify the crop and water conditions before comparing a fertilizer injection package. This page defines questions for procurement, not an agronomic recipe or a claim that a listed configuration fits every crop.

Crop → Water → Stock solution → Injection

Four operating contexts to describe

Protected vegetables

For greenhouse tomatoes or peppers, identify substrate, drainage reuse, nutrient tanks and independent zones. Ask how fertilizer stock solutions are kept separate until dilution, and who defines the nutrient recipe. The equipment quotation must state dosing and EC/pH sensor scope.

Orchards

For perennial blocks, provide terrain elevations, pipe lengths and source-water analysis. Compare the minimum zone flow with injector requirements. Chemical compatibility and flushing access matter when the same system operates across different blocks and seasonal schedules.

Field drip rows

For vegetables under drip tape, record drip irrigation emitter flow, zone area and filtration requirements. A fertilizer name does not establish solubility in the site's water. Ask for a compatibility review and an agreed sample-mixing check before accepting a proposed stock concentration.

Container nurseries

For mixed nursery stock, distinguish irrigation event volume, recipe changes and different container media. Compare small-event dosing and maintenance burden, not daily throughput alone. List spare seals, probes and cleaning parts with the main order to clarify recurring costs.

Compare application boundaries, then compare price

Decision	One approach	Alternative and check
Drip versus center pivot	Drip targets root-zone delivery but requires emitter maintenance and filtration planning.	A center pivot serves a broad field footprint; confirm injection location, application uniformity and backflow arrangements with the designer.
System flow rate	Record normal, minimum and maximum flow in gpm or m³/h, with operating pressure in psi or bar.	Keep measurement locations and simultaneous zone demand identical. A nameplate maximum is not a verified field operating point.
Single versus multiple stock tanks	A simpler stock arrangement reduces components and may suit a stable recipe.	Separate tanks allow independently handled concentrates but add dosing channels and cleaning work. Ask the supplier to review precipitation risks for the actual chemistry.
Water-driven versus powered injection	A water-driven arrangement may reduce electrical interfaces, subject to flow and pressure requirements.	Powered metering adds wiring and control needs. Compare dosing range, calibration, materials and service access rather than assuming either approach is more accurate.

For a proposed acceptance check, document inlet water quality and temperature, stable flow, inlet/outlet pressure and injection settings. Collect the intended dosing quantity over a measured interval using the supplier's safe procedure; record instrument units and repeat at the agreed operating points. Resolve tolerances with the designer and factory before testing. This is a verification request, not test data from Terra Compass Sourcing.

Do not infer fertilizer compatibility from a controller certificate. Request the exact chemical specification or SDS, wetted-material statement, calibration instructions and installation diagram. US destination requirements, backflow protection and safe handling must be reviewed for the actual installation. The catalogue contains inquiry options, not confirmed inventory.

Describe the crop and injection duty

Include water quality, the design operating range, stock solution scope and your destination. Ask for base and optional configurations separately.