Utilizing a nutrient delivery system results in less wasted product. This is another way these systems save growers money. This also means less excess fertilizer ending up in the environment leading to harmful outcomes such as algae blooms in waterways. Because crops get the right amount of nutrients in a nutrient delivery system, there is little that is wasted. In the event there is more nutrient solution than crops can use, backflow prevention devices in the system prevent the excess fertilizer from escaping into the environment.
Nutrient delivery systems, and how they work
As the name implies, nutrient delivery systems inject or transport water-soluble nutrients or amendments into irrigation water before being delivered to plants. These systems can do just that, or have other capabilities such as measuring and monitoring other vital metrics like EC, pH, and water temperature. Such systems (more on these later) rely on a series of monitors and can make adjustments as needed. But even without all of that, these systems aid in optimizing crop yields by delivering consistent amounts of pre-determined nutrients to plants, generally at the root zone through either a strategically located drip emitter or a more general wetting down of the root zone.
These systems are all but essential for hydroponic setups but are extremely beneficial to container-grown and even field-grown crops. Their importance is being seen even in aquaponic systems which include living creatures for harvest, such as fish or crustaceans. They deliver precise amounts of the nutrition that plants need to survive and thrive. A typical system consists of a reservoir that holds the fertilizer and water mix to be delivered. There is generally a pump that moves this solution into the irrigation lines, and some type of controller to regulate it. At its most basic, it is a reserve of fertilizer to be mixed with water, and a hose system to get it there.
There is a range of controller systems and monitors that regulate specific ratios of needed macro- and micro-nutrients through a networked system of hoses, pipes, or tubes, which are usually controlled by timers or some type of automation. These are regulated by sensors kept within the nutrient solution. The complexity of each system is totally customizable by the grower or operator of each grow room or greenhouse.
Types of delivery systems, and their components
As mentioned above, there is a wide variety of types of nutrient delivery systems on the market, not to mention the multitude of DIY setups possible, even on a commercial scale. It behooves the professional grower to do some research first or consult their supplier to consider which type of system would work best for their particular setup.
There are simple systems that rely on only gravity to deliver nutrients to crops, and of course, much more complex ones, needing pumps, timers, and sensors to deliver exact amounts of nutrients to the right plant at exactly the right time. Most of the time, nutrient delivery systems refer to systems that have some amount of complexity beyond just a bucket and a siphon. Generally, the larger the operation, the larger and more complex a nutrient dosing system is required, or at least recommended.
A typical nutrient delivery system has one or more tanks that contain premixed nutrient solutions or in some cases acid or other pH-adjusting materials. Once water starts to flow, a predetermined amount of solution(s) or other amendment(s) will be mixed with the water and delivered via hose, tubes, or piping directly to individual plants. For growers with more complex needs and space to devote, it is not uncommon to see several such tanks that can be switched either automatically or manually depending on plant needs and the grower's methods.
For systems utilizing tank storage for pre-mixed solution, it is important to make sure that the materials these tanks are made from do not allow light into them. Clear or translucent tanks can allow for algae to build up which is a sure recipe for clogging lines and emitters, leading to cleaning and maintenance of the system at best, and a lack of nutrients being delivered to crops in the worst cases.
While not required to have an effective nutrient delivery system, it is a great add-on and time-saver to install a pH controller into the system. If pH is not measured and adjusted as needed, all of the nutrients in the world will not be of any use to your plants if they can't absorb them due to improper pH levels. A quality pH controller will monitor pH levels and adjust them up or down accordingly to meet the needs of your plants.
Setting up a nutrient delivery system
As there is no one single type of nutrient dosing system, there is no single type of setup. They can be relatively simple, requiring no plumbing know-how all the way up to being fully plumbed into an irrigation system. Generally, even for a commercial system, with some proper guidance and installation instructions, most growers can install these themselves. The important thing is to make sure that the correct dosing rate, or the ability to dial it in, is achieved with the installation.
First, it is important to make sure you have a suitable location in your grow room or greenhouse to install such a system. It should be set up in an area that is easily accessible as adjustments will need to be made as well as, of course, the addition of nutrients to a stock tank. It will need to be sited near a water supply and a power source. Once an appropriate location has been designated, it is time to install.
Regardless of which type of system you have installed, it is imperative to test it before using it on your plants. Fill up your reservoir or tank with the desired nutrient at the appropriate ppm as per the manufacturer's recommendations. Run your system and test the output for proper levels of ppm, EC, pH, or any other relevant metric. Make any adjustments needed to get the desired output before putting the system to work. Don't leave it at that though. Once your system is at work, monitor your crops. Make sure that they are not getting too much or too little of their needed nutrients. Once you are satisfied that your system is operating as it should, frequent monitoring will still be needed, but it can be part of your regular scheduled maintenance.
For more information:
Hydrotek Hydroponics
hydrotekhydroponics.com/