By Lela Kelly, Dosatron International
Determine the best time of year for injector maintenance that fits your scheduleMany growers schedule greenhouse and equipment maintenance at the end of the season when the equipment is not in use. Organize first by numbering each fertilizer injector and putting it on a spread sheet to keep track of when you clean and replace the seal kit parts. Or take advantage of Dosatron’s Preventive Maintenance Program. Just register your Dosatron and we will send you a reminder when it’s time for a new seal kit.
Clean your injector and pre-filter first
Before replacing new seals, cleaning your fertilizer injector is the first step of basic maintenance. Open your fertilizer injector and take a good look inside. You may not realize how much mineral and algae buildup has accumulated. This is also the time to clean your pre-filter. Remove the cartridge and soak it, along with your injector parts, in a cleanser such as Dosa-Klean. This will remove minerals and any buildup you may have without scrubbing.Seal kits for basic maintenance
Now it’s time to replace the seals. Fertilizer injector manufacturers recommend injector seal kits for basic maintenance. Often growers ask me how often this should be done. If you are using a calibrated EC meter, it will tell you when your readings are off. Sometimes, it may only be an indication that you have injected undissolved particles from your fertilizer tank. At this point, a quick inspection of your injector parts and possibly a good cleaning, may fix the issue. If not, it is an indication that changing seals is necessary. If you are not using an EC meter, once a year is a good idea.
Clean your fertilizer stock tank when making up new fertilizer solution
Don’t forget to clean out your stock tank each time you make up a new batch of concentrated fertilizer. And remember, it’s recommended to keep the suction hose strainer off the bottom of the tank about 4”.Know the age of your fertilizer injectors
Remember that equipment has a life based on how much you use it. If you use your fertilizer injectors all year long, crop after crop, they will not last as long as a seasonal grower. When your injectors are about 7 – 10 years old, it may be a good idea to start rotating in a few new ones.Call customer service when you need assistance
Most good companies have trained, qualified representatives standing by to take your calls with your questions. Many should be able to walk you through a problem right over the phone. Today, websites are another great resource to show you how to do maintenance by linking to YouTube videos and more.Keep an eye on your fertilizer injectors and they will help you produce quality plant material. In the long run, a small investment of your time will pay off.
Lela Kelly is Vice President and owns Dosatron International with her husband Eddy Kelly. Lela has been a greenhouse grower in Long Island, New York. She has spent her entire career in Horticulture, traveling the US and Canada visiting and training customers. Lela can be reached at lela.kelly@dosatronusa.com or call 800-523-8499.