Mastering Water-Soluble Fertilizer Mixing: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking to optimize your plant growth with water-soluble fertilizers but feeling overwhelmed by the mixing process? Fear not! With the right knowledge and tools, you can easily achieve the perfect blend for your plants’ needs. In this guide, we’ll delve into the essentials of mixing water-soluble fertilizers to help you navigate the process effortlessly.

Choosing the Right Injector

The first step in mastering water-soluble fertilizer mixing is selecting the appropriate injector. Opting for a 1:100 injector ratio simplifies the math and aligns with the most common settings, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. This injector ratio ensures accurate and consistent mixing, facilitating optimal nutrient delivery to your plants.

When searching for your injector, some great keywords are “Injector” and “Proportioner.”  The style pictured below is the one you want. The brand and color do not matter as much for small-scale production; just make sure it will support 1:100 and the flow you need. For larger-scale production, we recommend contacting M.L. Irrigation to get the correct size for your needs. 

Understanding Parts Per Million (PPM)

When it comes to water-soluble fertilizers, PPM (Parts Per Million) serves as a crucial metric for determining nutrient concentration. It’s essential to note that all PPM calculations are based on nitrogen content, which constitutes the first number in the blend formula (e.g., 20-10-20).

Practical Mixing Guidelines

If you have never used a proportioning injector, you are in for a treat. The first thing we need to do is mix the concentrated stock tank solution. Let’s break down the practical mixing guidelines for two common nitrogen percentages with an injector setting of 1:100: 

For a 15% Nitrogen Blend:

• 50 PPM: Mix 4.5 ounces per 1 gallon of concentrate
• 100 PPM: Mix 9 ounces per 1 gallon of concentrate
• 150 PPM: Mix 13.5 ounces per 1 gallon of concentrate
• 200 PPM: Mix 18 ounces per 1 gallon of concentrate

For a 20% Nitrogen Blend:

• 50 PPM: Mix 3.4 ounces per 1 gallon of concentrate
• 100 PPM: Mix 6.8 ounces per 1 gallon of concentrate
• 150 PPM: Mix 10.1 ounces per 1 gallon of concentrate
• 200 PPM: Mix 13.5 ounces per 1 gallon of concentrate

This stock tank solution will sit below the injector and be sucked into the irrigation water at the rate that you have set. 

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your plants receive the optimal nutrient levels for healthy growth and development. Remember to calibrate your injector regularly to maintain accuracy in mixing, especially if you notice any deviations in plant health or growth.

How to calibrate your injector and irrigation system:

• Put a known amount of water in your stock tank (2 gallons)
• Put some buckets under multiple drippers to catch the water.
• Run the system for a period of time (10 minutes).
• Average the water that was collected from the buckets and multiply by the total number of drippers that were run to see how many total gallons you just used.
• Measure the amount of water left in the stock tank and subtract this from the original amount to see how much stock solution was used.
• Now check to make sure that the injector did indeed work at the 1:100 rate by checking the water used from the stock tank against the water you sent through the system.
• It is good to do this test semi-regularly to catch any malfunctions before they affect the crop. Some growers will keep multiple buckets in their field throughout the entire crop and monitor this every watering. 

Tips for Success

• Consistent Monitoring: Regularly monitor your plants’ growth and adjust the fertilizer concentration accordingly to meet their evolving needs.
• Precision is Key: Invest in accurate measuring tools to ensure precise mixing, as even slight deviations can impact plant health.
• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidelines on fertilizer mixing and application rates.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of water-soluble fertilizer mixing is a fundamental skill for any gardener or agriculturist. With the right injector, understanding of PPM, and adherence to practical mixing guidelines, you can unlock the full potential of your plants and cultivate thriving gardens or crops. Embrace these techniques, and watch your green spaces flourish like never before!