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Fertigation systems for the perfect mix

August 21, 2024

The robustness, precision and efficiency of MixRite fertigation systems help farmers and growers reduce wastage and save on fertiliser costs.

Fertigation systems allow fertiliser and nutrients to be applied accurately through irrigation, helping growers improve crop consistency, reduce waste, and save labour. By using proportional dosing pumps, fertigation delivers nutrients at a precise ratio regardless of changes in water flow or pressure. Depending on the application, systems may be water-driven or electrically powered, making fertigation a reliable and scalable solution for horticulture, orchards, cropping, and irrigation-based farming operations.

Fertilising and watering are two of the most important tasks in a growing operation, and they are also among the most time-consuming. Fertigation reduces manual handling by delivering compatible, water-soluble products through the irrigation system as part of normal routines. This can include fertilisers, pesticides, plant growth regulators, wetting agents, and mineral acids where appropriate. MixRite fertigation systems make it simple for farmers and horticulturalists to regulate nutrient application rates and schedules with confidence.

Nutrient delivery without the waste

Automated fertigation saves agricultural producers and growers money. Fertiliser only goes where it is needed. Traditional fertiliser applications can be wasteful, and their associated run-off often can damage local ecosystems. Dissolving fertilisers in water and delivering them to plants in a liquid form via MixRite fertiliser injectors allows plants to absorb and utilise their growth-giving goodness more quickly, and typically uses less product.

Growing significant operations in Aotearoa

As more efficient, affordable and durable technologies and fertigation systems, such as our MixRite fertiliser injectors, have become more readily available in New Zealand, fertigation has become more effective. MixRite fertigation units deliver the right solutions on farms, open-field agriculture, orchards, greenhouses and nurseries. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability empowers agricultural and horticultural operations New Zealand-wide.

MixRite for flexible automated systems

The MixRite fertigation unit becomes part of the irrigation system. Fertiliser injectors use a water-driven pump to move a small amount of concentrated fertiliser from a stock tank and inject it into a water line. They have adjustable injection rates and a variety of flow ranges. Scale our fertigation systems up or down to suit.

A metering pump gives precise control over the amount of fertiliser being added to the irrigation water. It adds a measured amount of liquid fertiliser to the irrigation main line every time the system runs. Growers can create automated systems to target specific crops and their growing needs.

As an example, kiwifruit has specific nutrient requirements that vary throughout the growing season. The plants need higher levels of nitrogen in the early growth stages and potassium during fruit development. Fertigation allows growers to adjust nutrient delivery, ensuring that plants receive the right nutrients at the right time. That means kiwifruit with better size, sweetness, and overall quality.

fertigation system
Fertigation systems NZ

MixRite provides a long-lasting solution

The effectiveness of fertigation is often dependent on the effectiveness of the irrigation system in distributing water and fertiliser evenly. Because of the corrosive nature of many fertilisers, the irrigation system’s components must consist of durable non-corrosive materials. MixRite pumps are world-renowned for their durability and reliability. Robust and accurate, MixRite pumps can withstand the challenges of chemical exposure and varying temperatures, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

 

Our fertigation systems have been used effectively around the world and are recognised as an effective, affordable Dosatron alternative.

In terms of portion control, MixRite fertiliser injectors are some of the most accurate units on the market.

For growers that means less waste and lower costs. Plus, a better mix for fertilisers, pesticides and other water-soluble products means better growth.

Fertigation systems - MixRite

MixRite proportional pumps deliver the solution

MixRite fertigation systems are the ideal unit for any growing operation requiring the proportional dosing of an additive. They offer a tailored approach to nutrient management, allowing growers to address the specific challenges of their regions. They provide precise control over fertiliser volumes and rates regardless of varying water pressure and flow rates, and without the need for an external power source.

Partner with us for superior fertigation solutions, healthier crops and a more sustainable future. We provide excellent technical support and guidance wherever and whenever. Want to know how our irrigation pumps can promote your growing operations? Our team of experts will happily answer your inquiries and work with you to find the perfect solution.

Frequently asked questions about fertigation systems

What is a fertigation system and how does it work?

A fertigation system applies fertiliser and other compatible nutrients through an irrigation system using a dosing pump to control how much product is added to the water. The dosing pump mixes nutrients at a set ratio as water flows through the system, ensuring consistent and accurate delivery across crops. This allows watering and feeding to occur at the same time while maintaining control over application rates, improving efficiency and reducing waste compared to manual fertilising.

What types of growing operations use fertigation systems?

Fertigation systems are used across a wide range of growing operations, including horticulture, orchards, cropping systems, and irrigation-based farming. They are particularly well suited to operations that require consistent nutrient delivery across multiple irrigation zones or changing flow conditions. Both small-scale growers and large commercial operations use fertigation to improve control, efficiency, and repeatability in nutrient application.

How accurate are fertigation systems?

Fertigation systems can be highly accurate when they use proportional dosing pumps. These pumps maintain a fixed dosing ratio relative to water flow, which means nutrient concentration remains consistent even when pressure or flow rates change. This level of control helps ensure uniform application across irrigation zones and reduces the risk of over- or under-dosing.

Do fertigation systems require electricity?

Not always. Many fertigation systems use water-driven dosing pumps that operate without electricity, making them suitable for rural or remote locations. Electrically powered dosing pumps are also used in some horticultural or automated systems where additional control, monitoring, or integration is required. The choice depends on the application, site conditions, and system design.

What products can be applied through a fertigation system?

Fertigation systems are commonly used to apply water-soluble fertilisers and compatible nutrient products through irrigation systems. Depending on system design and materials, they may also be used for wetting agents and other approved inputs. Product compatibility, solubility, and chemical suitability should always be considered when selecting products for fertigation.

Why do growers choose fertigation over manual fertilising?

Growers choose fertigation to reduce labour, improve consistency, and integrate nutrient application into normal irrigation routines. Using dosing pumps allows nutrients to be applied accurately and regularly without repeated manual handling. This helps improve efficiency, supports more consistent crop performance, and reduces waste compared to manual fertilising methods.