Emco Sprinkler Company :: Pittsburgh Irrigation, Outdoor Lighting, Lawn Fertigation

Traditional methods of applying granular fertilizers and other chemicals (herbicides, pesticides etc.) leave much to be desired compared to newer application techniques using fertigation. The term “fertigation” is used is to describe a particular fertilizing method that has been used for decades in the agricultural sector. Benefits of fertigation over traditional broadcast or drop fertilizing methods include: • Increased nutrient absorption by turf and other plant materials • Reduction in fertilizer and chemicals needed • Reduction in water usage EZ-FLO Fertilizing Systems manufactures products that automatically dispense fertilizers through your irrigation system. EZ-FLO has successfully adapted the key delivery aspects required for fertigation to the smaller sized landscape. We have incorporated fertigation’s proven benefits into easy to use, reliable and maintenance-free systems that owners of homes and small commercial properties can readily use. Increased Nutrient Absorption: Fertilization – Dry Broadcast Under traditional drop or broadcast fertilizing methods, fertilizer is applied in concentrated granular form. Depending on the fertilizer brand, size ranges of the fertilizer granules can range from fine granular dust to pellet size. Once applied, water from natural sources (rain) or from artificial sources (irrigation systems including sprinkler, spray or drip) dissolves the fertilizer solids so that they can leach down to the plant root zone. This method of application results in uneven nutrient delivery due to uneven dissolving of the fertilizer granules. The concentration of fertilizer reaching the roots is dependent on the temperature and amount of water available to dissolve the fertilizer solids. Traditional drop or broadcast fertilizing also increases the danger of burning plant leaves and root systems due to the uneven and uncontrolled release of fertilizer. In addition, especially in high heat conditions, dry fertilizers can volatilize- meaning that these fertilizers can breakdown and release gases that damage or burn the nearby foliage. Dry fertilizers are typically applied in concentrated amounts every four to six weeks creating a “feast or famine” feeding schedule for the plant. Delivering too much nitrogen to the plant in the “feast” portion of the cycle, increases the succulence of the grass, increases its demand for water, makes it more susceptible to heat damage and inhibits its root growth. It also weakens the plant, making it more susceptible to disease and insect infestation. Fertilization - Liquid Fertigation With the advent of liquid fertilizers that were sprayed onto the plant material, fertilizing effectiveness jumped significantly. Liquid fertilizers have a significant advantage over granular applications because liquid fertilizers can be absorbed through the above ground pores of the leaf/stalk/branch structures of plants as well as through their root systems. This above ground process is termed “foliar absorption”. In addition, the liquid fertilizer making its way to the root zone is more consistent since it is already dissolved and ready for the plant to absorb. All above ground plant structures (available on all grass, flowers, trees, shrubs etc.) can absorb water and nutrients through tiny pores on the plant structure. Typically leaves have the densest pore structures on the plant and maximum nutrient uptake occurs there. Applying fertilizers in a water stream works in harmony with a plant’s natural nutrient absorption and growth processes. A plant’s stomates typically open at dawn in response to sunlight to expose a dense network of pores and the process of photosynthesis begins. Plants require water for photosynthesis to occur, and water is typically drawn into the plant through roots as well as the leaves. Using fertigation, the water taken in by the plant leaves and roots can also include fertilizer nutrients. Fertigation applies the nutrients in a form that is ready to absorb immediately. This not only lessens the amount of time that fertilizer is sitting atop the turf or plant in an inactive, precarious position but also gives the landscaper or gardener more control over the application. According to a Congressional study conducted by the Research and Development Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy, Washington, D.C., it was reported that fertilizers when applied in liquid form are as much as 95 percent effective. If a similar amount is applied to the soil, only about 10 percent of it is used. EZ-FLO Fertigation EZ-FLO Fertilizing Systems optimize the benefits of fertigation. EZ-FLO fertigation eliminates the “feast or famine” feeding cycle caused through the application of granular fertilizers by delivering consistent, small quantities of nutrients. EZ-FLO has patented certain fluid flow processes that ensure that fertilizer concentrate is accurately proportioned into a water stream on a consistent basis regardless of pressure or flow levels. Through these flow mechanics (which are achieved without the need for any moving parts and using existing water pressure within the irrigation lines) an EZ-FLO fertigation unit provides consistent, small doses of nutrient rich water into the irrigation system. EZ-FLO has perfected the process of “micro-dosing”, which means to deliver minute amounts of nutrients at trace levels in the water systems. Micro dosing allows you to fertilize every time you water for maximum nutrient uptake while keeping the application amounts very low. Another important aspect of EZ-FLO proportioning is the ability to achieve uniform levels of fertilizer proportioning over the entire fill cycle of a fertigation unit. Many fertigation units start out fertilizing with high concentrations of dissolved fertilizers and, as the tank contents empty, the proportion of fertilizer falls as a percentage of the water applied. Independent flow testing of our EZ-FLO fertigation unit by the J. R. Peters Laboratory, a Scott’s Fertilizer Company affiliate, demonstrates that delivery of the main elements of almost all fertilizers N P and K (i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) remains very consistent over the duration of the fertilizing cycle, regardless of fertilizer tank capacity. EZ-FLO’s patented fluid flow technology creates a separation of fertilizer and water in the fertigation tank which effectively prevents dilution and creates consistent metering, from start to finish. Reduction in Fertilizer and Chemicals Needed The spread of chemicals into neighboring and unintended environments is beginning to be recognized by local and state governments as an environmental hazard. In 2000, New York State passed the Neighborhood Pesticide Notification Law to protect the health and safety of the community. Currently seven of New York’s counties have opted-in to the requirements of the law and an eighth is in the process of joining them. This could very well be the beginning of a movement across localities to recognize the danger inherent in the spread of chemicals to unintended surroundings. A greater initial absorption rate of chemicals (fertilizer as well as pesticides and herbicides) would limit the amount susceptible to run-off. Another aspect of reducing fertilizer relates to the behavior of the consumers when applying fertilizers through dry broadcasting methods. The largest consumer fertilizer companies bombard the public with advertising directed toward making the consumers’ lawns and landscapes as beautiful as the ones shown in the ads. According to a recent study by lawn care experts “roughly half of homeowners admit they don’t read or follow directions when applying pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to lawns, often using significantly more than the recommended amount.” EZ-FLO accomplishes the goal of reducing fertilizer needed based on the increased efficiencies from foliar absorption, the improved efficiencies of root absorption by creating a larger root mass and delivering the nutrients in micro-amounts in liquid form during the watering cycle so they are more readily absorbed by leaves and roots. By limiting the concentration of fertilizers applied, there is a reduced chance that the fertilizers applied will find their way back into streams, lakes and rivers. The dry fertilizer absorption rate of 10% compared with the fertigation absorption rate of 95%, means that nearly 10 times the amount of dry fertilizer would need to be applied to accomplish the same results as realized with fertigation. This suggests that 90% of the dry fertilizer applied either remains in the soil in the form of nitrate salts or could become future runoff into streams, lakes, rivers and ground waters.

Traditional methods of applying granular fertilizers and other chemicals (herbicides, pesticides etc.) leave much to be desired compared to newer application techniques using fertigation. The term “fertigation” is used is to describe a particular fertilizing method that has been used for decades in the agricultural sector. Benefits of fertigation over traditional broadcast or drop fertilizing methods include:

• Increased nutrient absorption by turf and other plant materials
• Reduction in fertilizer and chemicals needed
• Reduction in water usage

EZ-FLO Fertilizing Systems manufactures products that automatically dispense fertilizers through your irrigation system. EZ-FLO has successfully adapted the key delivery aspects required for fertigation to the smaller sized landscape. We have incorporated fertigation’s proven benefits into easy to use, reliable and maintenance-free systems that owners of homes and small commercial properties can readily use.

Increased Nutrient Absorption: Fertilization – Dry Broadcast

Under traditional drop or broadcast fertilizing methods, fertilizer is applied in concentrated granular form. Depending on the fertilizer brand, size ranges of the fertilizer granules can range from fine granular dust to pellet size. Once applied, water from natural sources (rain) or from artificial sources (irrigation systems including sprinkler, spray or drip) dissolves the fertilizer solids so that they can leach down to the plant root zone. This method of application results in uneven nutrient delivery due to uneven dissolving of the fertilizer granules. The concentration of fertilizer reaching the roots is dependent on the temperature and amount of water available to dissolve the fertilizer solids.

Traditional drop or broadcast fertilizing also increases the danger of burning plant leaves and root systems due to the uneven and uncontrolled release of fertilizer. In addition, especially in high heat conditions, dry fertilizers can volatilize- meaning that these fertilizers can breakdown and release gases that damage or burn the nearby foliage. Dry fertilizers are typically applied in concentrated amounts every four to six weeks creating a “feast or famine” feeding schedule for the plant. Delivering too much nitrogen to the plant in the “feast” portion of the cycle, increases the succulence of the grass, increases its demand for water, makes it more susceptible to heat damage and inhibits its root growth. It also weakens the plant, making it more susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

Fertilization - Liquid Fertigation

With the advent of liquid fertilizers that were sprayed onto the plant material, fertilizing effectiveness jumped significantly. Liquid fertilizers have a significant advantage over granular applications because liquid fertilizers can be absorbed through the above ground pores of the leaf/stalk/branch structures of plants as well as through their root systems. This above ground process is termed “foliar absorption”. In addition, the liquid fertilizer making its way to the root zone is more consistent since it is already dissolved and ready for the plant to absorb. All above ground plant structures (available on all grass, flowers, trees, shrubs etc.) can absorb water and nutrients through tiny pores on the plant structure. Typically leaves have the densest pore structures on the plant and maximum nutrient uptake occurs there.

Applying fertilizers in a water stream works in harmony with a plant’s natural nutrient absorption and growth processes.

A plant’s stomates typically open at dawn in response to sunlight to expose a dense network of pores and the process of photosynthesis begins. Plants require water for photosynthesis to occur, and water is typically drawn into the plant through roots as well as the leaves. Using fertigation, the water taken in by the plant leaves and roots can also include fertilizer nutrients.

Fertigation applies the nutrients in a form that is ready to absorb immediately. This not only lessens the amount of time that fertilizer is sitting atop the turf or plant in an inactive, precarious position but also gives the landscaper or gardener more control over the application. According to a Congressional study conducted by the Research and Development Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy, Washington, D.C., it was reported that fertilizers when applied in liquid form are as much as 95 percent effective. If a similar amount is applied to the soil, only about 10 percent of it is used.

EZ-FLO Fertigation

EZ-FLO Fertilizing Systems optimize the benefits of fertigation. EZ-FLO fertigation eliminates the “feast or famine” feeding cycle caused through the application of granular fertilizers by delivering consistent, small quantities of nutrients. EZ-FLO has patented certain fluid flow processes that ensure that fertilizer concentrate is accurately proportioned into a water stream on a consistent basis regardless of pressure or flow levels. Through these flow mechanics (which are achieved without the need for any moving parts and using existing water pressure within the irrigation lines) an EZ-FLO fertigation unit provides consistent, small doses of nutrient rich water into the irrigation system. EZ-FLO has perfected the process of “micro-dosing”, which means to deliver minute amounts of nutrients at trace levels in the water systems. Micro dosing allows you to fertilize every time you water for maximum nutrient uptake while keeping the application amounts very low.

Another important aspect of EZ-FLO proportioning is the ability to achieve uniform levels of fertilizer proportioning over the entire fill cycle of a fertigation unit. Many fertigation units start out fertilizing with high concentrations of dissolved fertilizers and, as the tank contents empty, the proportion of fertilizer falls as a percentage of the water applied. Independent flow testing of our EZ-FLO fertigation unit by the J. R. Peters Laboratory, a Scott’s Fertilizer Company affiliate, demonstrates that delivery of the main elements of almost all fertilizers N P and K (i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) remains very consistent over the duration of the fertilizing cycle, regardless of fertilizer tank capacity. EZ-FLO’s patented fluid flow technology creates a separation of fertilizer and water in the fertigation tank which effectively prevents dilution and creates consistent metering, from start to finish.

Reduction in Fertilizer and Chemicals Needed

The spread of chemicals into neighboring and unintended environments is beginning to be recognized by local and state governments as an environmental hazard. In 2000, New York State passed the Neighborhood Pesticide Notification Law to protect the health and safety of the community. Currently seven of New York’s counties have opted-in to the requirements of the law and an eighth is in the process of joining them. This could very well be the beginning of a movement across localities to recognize the danger inherent in the spread of chemicals to unintended surroundings. A greater initial absorption rate of chemicals (fertilizer as well as pesticides and herbicides) would limit the amount susceptible to run-off.

Another aspect of reducing fertilizer relates to the behavior of the consumers when applying fertilizers through dry broadcasting methods. The largest consumer fertilizer companies bombard the public with advertising directed toward making the consumers’ lawns and landscapes as beautiful as the ones shown in the ads. According to a recent study by lawn care experts “roughly half of homeowners admit they don’t read or follow directions when applying pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to lawns, often using significantly more than the recommended amount.”

EZ-FLO accomplishes the goal of reducing fertilizer needed based on the increased efficiencies from foliar absorption, the improved efficiencies of root absorption by creating a larger root mass and delivering the nutrients in micro-amounts in liquid form during the watering cycle so they are more readily absorbed by leaves and roots. By limiting the concentration of fertilizers applied, there is a reduced chance that the fertilizers applied will find their way back into streams, lakes and rivers. The dry fertilizer absorption rate of 10% compared with the fertigation absorption rate of 95%, means that nearly 10 times the amount of dry fertilizer would need to be applied to accomplish the same results as realized with fertigation. This suggests that 90% of the dry fertilizer applied either remains in the soil in the form of nitrate salts or could become future runoff into streams, lakes, rivers and ground waters.