Irrigation & Fertigation
MixRite pumps bring precision, efficiency, and adaptability to irrigation and fertigation.
Fertigation delivers nutrients through the irrigation system, ensuring plants receive a consistent, measured dose at the root zone. This improves nutrient uptake, reduces labour, and helps water efficiency. Mixrite supplies both hydraulic and electric dosing pumps to suit NZ growing conditions, from remote blocks to controlled greenhouse systems.
By responding to crop needs in real time, MixRite proportional pumps are the best choice for irrigating farm crops, vegetable blocks, berry operations, orchards, nurseries, and gardens.
Fertigation or micro or trickle irrigation optimises water usage while ensuring precise nutrient delivery for healthier plants and improved crop yields. Through drippers or emitters, fertiliser can be applied directly to plant root zones.
It’s all in the mix
When it comes to delivering the perfect mix of fertilisers, pesticides and other water-soluble products, MixRite dosing pumps are the answer. You can control nutrient delivery to suit the specific needs of different crops, soil types, and environmental conditions throughout the growing season.
Precision, adaptability, and efficiency
The MixRite range of dosing pumps delivers fertiliser at a precise, repeatable ratio. Accurate control over timing and volume ensures delivery when it is most needed, minimises waste and you can flush fertiliser from lines and drippers at the end of each cycle.
Why MixRite systems work so well
The system creates a fully proportioning dosing system that adapts to variations in the flow rate of the main fluid to maintain the predetermined ratio.
The MixRite injector provides volumetric proportioning; it can accurately measure and inject a specific volume of additive in proportion to the water flow. The injector is supported by a sophisticated hydraulic assembly that helps regulate the flow and pressure of both the water and the additive. The combination between the two units means effective fertigation, even in challenging conditions.
Multiple fertiliser and additive options can be used:
- A & B solution of nutrients (two dosing pumps required)
- Single composition nutrients
- Organic fertiliser, e.g. seaweed
The delivery choice is yours
Choose from a constant uniform injection ratio or proportional injection. The flexibility of the MixRite automated systems allows growers to make adjustments whenever necessary.
MixRite offers a range of dosing pumps to suit any scale of growing operation. Water-powered MixRite pumps can be installed in remote areas where there is no electricity. Tefen’s MixRite E-300 electric dosing pump can be powered using mains electricity 230VAC or alternative network power sources, such as car batteries and 12VDC solar panel charged batteries.
A solution that keeps on giving
MixRite pumps are highly resistant to chemicals and UV radiation, providing a long-lasting solution. They are simple to install and maintain and are very cost-effective. We can supply MixRite models for different applications, according to growers’ needs.
MixRite pumps can revolutionise your fertigation
Automating the simultaneous application of water and fertilisers directly to crop roots through an irrigation system reduces manual labour and gives you more time to focus on growing great crops.
Frequently asked questions about irrigation and fertigation
What is fertigation and how does it improve yields?
Fertigation applies nutrients through the irrigation system so plants receive a consistent, measured dose at the root zone. This improves nutrient uptake, reduces labour, and lowers waste compared with manual application. Proportional dosing keeps the rate stable as flow varies across zones, resulting in more even growth and efficient water use.
Should I choose a hydraulic or an electric dosing pump?
Hydraulic pumps are powered by water flow, so they suit remote sites or systems without mains power. They are reliable, simple to maintain, and automatically adjust dosing with flow changes. Electric pumps allow precise control, support multiple recipes, and integrate with controllers or sensors for automation. If mains power is not practical, some electric models can run on 12V battery or solar systems.
For setup instructions and performance details, refer to the Mixrite product manuals
How do I size a dosing pump for my irrigation zones?
Start with the minimum and peak flow for each active zone and your typical working pressure. Confirm fertiliser type and concentration, and the target application rate per hectare or per 1,000 L. Select a pump with a dosing range that covers your operating band with headroom for peaks. For multi-zone systems, choose an injection point and pump capacity that maintain the target rate across all ranges.
For sizing and technical data, refer to the Mixrite technical documents and manuals.
Where should the injector sit and how do I calibrate the dose?
Install the injector at a stable mixing point in the system, following your irrigation layout and the pump manual. Ensure clean water supply, proper filtration, and clear access to a non-return valve. For calibration, set the ratio, run at normal flow, collect output for a set time, and compare the result to the expected dose. Adjust until you reach your target rate and record the final settings.
For calibration diagrams and step-by-step setup, refer to the Mixrite Installation & Operation manuals.
What fertilisers and treatments can I inject?
Most fully soluble fertilisers and treatments can be injected if compatible with seals and wetted parts. Check chemical compatibility before use, especially for acids or oxidisers. Avoid mixes that may precipitate or cause scale in hard water. Always flush lines at the end of the fertigation cycle.
For chemical compatibility information, refer to the MixRite documentation and compatibility charts
How do I prevent blocked drippers and uneven distribution?
Use proper filtration for your water source and keep strainers clean. Dose only fully soluble fertilisers and avoid incompatible mixes. Flush lines after fertigation cycles and, where suitable, apply safe periodic acid dosing to prevent scale. Maintain seals and check valves regularly to ensure uniform delivery and crop performance.
Do I need backflow or anti-siphon protection?
Yes. A non-return or check valve should be installed downstream of the pump whenever there is a risk of water or chemical flowing back into the supply line. Where the water line sits higher than the pump, or there is any risk of siphoning, install an anti-siphon valve. Always follow NZ plumbing and back-flow rules.
For installation guidance and valve placement details, refer to the MixRite product manuals.
MixRite provides step-by-step instructions for the installation and operation of MixRite dosing pumps
Pump options for fertigation
Hydraulic dosing pumps
Hydraulic pumps are water-powered and do not need mains power at the injection point. They are reliable, simple to calibrate, and suit remote or off-grid sites. Because dosing is proportional, the rate stays consistent across normal flow changes in the system.
Electric dosing pumps
Electric pumps support tighter control, multiple recipes, and links to sensors and controllers. They are a good choice for complex programmes, specific dose profiles, or when you want remote monitoring. Where mains power is not practical, some models can run on battery or solar-charged systems.
Sizing the dosing pump
Flow, pressure, and dose range
Start with the minimum and peak flow for each active zone and your working pressure. Choose a pump with a dose range that covers your normal operating band with headroom for peak demand. Confirm there is adequate mixing length after the injection point.
Fertiliser type and concentration
Use fully soluble fertilisers where possible and check compatibility for acids, oxidisers, and higher-viscosity products. Match seals and wetted parts to the fertiliser and temperature. Avoid mixes that may precipitate in hard water and plan for periodic flushing.
Precision, efficiency, and adaptability
Please contact us for advice on your irrigation and fertigation needs and how MixRite can help your operation grow.