What is fertigation? Fertigation is the injection of fertilizers, soil amendments, and other water-soluble products into an irrigation system. Fertigation is related to chemigation, the injection of chemicals into an irrigation system. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably however chemigation is generally a more controlled and regulated process due to the nature of the chemicals used. Chemigation often involves pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, some of which pose health threat to humans, animals, and the environment. It is nothing new to the world of horticulture, but the cannabis industry is giving the process increased exposure. Professional growers and fertigation system makers say that automation through a fertigation system is crucial for any cannabis cultivator looking to scale up commercially.
Here are strategies and insights to help break down the ins and outs of fertigation. How does it work? Simply put, fertigation automatically injects fertilizer into your irrigation water. This process removes the need for any hand mixing, which significantly decreases any room for wasted time and resources while keeping processes consistent. The nutrient solution runs from a soluble mixing process in your water tank through your water lines to the plant, like any normal irrigation system. Using a pump, the fertilizer solution feeds the series of plants on a schedule.
What are the types of system? The main consideration when deciding whether to invest in fertigation is envisioning how big your operation will be. Being a system meant for smaller growers, handling one type of fertilizer at a time, that still needs some manual operation. As cultivators scale up, the systems become more complex and can handle several nutrient recipes at once. There are multiple levels of fertigation systems to consider, and prices may vary tremendously. The simplest type of fertigation system consists of a tank with a pump, distribution pipes, capillaries, and a dripper pen. On the other hand drip-irrigation is Less wasteful than sprinklers. It is not only more efficient for fertilizer usage but can also be for maximizing nutrient uptake in plants like cotton. Drip irrigation using fertigation can also increase yield and quality of fruit and flowers, especially in subsurface drip systems rather than above surface drip tape. All systems should be placed on a raised or sealed platform, not in direct contact with the earth. Each system should also be fitted with chemical spill trays.
What is Controlled by a Fertigation System? First are the Emitters. Emitter selection is based on container size, media, irrigation times, and irrigation method. Next are the Controllers. The controller is the brain of the fertigation system. A majority of controllers have cloud-based capabilities and allow the user to remotely program the system. And the Filters, Flush Valves and Maintenance. Filters, flush valves, and system maintenance keep the system operating properly and consistently. They are customized to each fertigation system based on your facility’s parameters.
Greenhouse Automation for Indoor Grow Cannabis Facilities is a trend nowadays. Today, more indoor grow cannabis facilities are searching for new automation technology that would help increase their cannabis crop yields and annual sales numbers. Climate Control Systems Inc, has been creating greenhouse systems for over 35 years and is leading the way with greenhouse control innovation.
Here are some benefits of automating a cannabis greenhouse. The use of greenhouses or warehouses can provide consistent harvests all-year round without high power consumption and carbon footprint, if utilizing automation to keep energy costs low. A greenhouse automation system, just like with any tasks, can save labor and energy costs. Together with reliable greenhouse with proper sensors and controls are the foundation for achieving high-quality yields in commercial medical marijuana business.