EManostw Farming, Saturday, May 5,1990 ANDY ANDREWS Lancaster Farming Staff LEOLA (Lancaster Co.) Some call it “fertiga tion.” Soil experts believe it may be one way to prevent the overap plication of chemical fertilizer to vegetables and feed crops. Fertigation involves controlling the time, amount, and rate of chemical or water-soluble fertiliz er injected into trickle irrigation lines placed at the roots of plants. Using fertigation, farmers can cut down on the costs and amount of fertilizer used and thereby reduce nitrogen leaching and potential groundwater contamination. _ jctor with the Eastern Lancaster County Adult Farmer Program, displays a filter assembly with the main and submaln irrigation lines as part of a sys tem soon to be Installed at the Leola Produce Auction Cen ter test plot. EAST EARL (Lancaster Co.) Fertigation methods are relatively new, and some equip ment can be modified for use in applying chemical fertilizer with irrigation water. One system, the Dosatron, is a non-electric proportional fertilizer injector. According to Dosatron International, Inc., based in Flori- One fertigation system, the Dosatron, top center, is a non-electric proportional fertilizer Injector. The injector Is available in various flow rates, Including 7,40, and 100 gal lons per minute (gpm). A frame to house the Injector pump and provide a bypass to the main irrigation line can be cus tom manufactured. ‘Fertigation’ Improves Nutrient Use Most agronomists and horticul turists agree that farmers should consider other ways of applying chemical fertilizer to their land especially in light of pending man datory fertilizer regulations. Possi ble legislation includes House Bill 1980, which may require farmers to plan the management and proper disposal of manure, provide soil analysis and evaluation proce dures, keep records of nutrients used, and develop and maintain a nutrient management plan. Local agronomists are studying several types of fertigation methods, including one developed for the Leola 'Produce Auction Fertigation Equipment Varies about $300) provides an accurate and uniform feeding of fertilizers, fungicides, and acids in irrigation water. The Dosatron is available in var ious flow rates, including 7, 40, and 100 gallons per minute (gpm). These proportional injectors pro vide a “precise injection ratio” that allows you to set your dial to the n V 'V < * t *• m •** % \ «*» tpt ..uns pl .ieoL ,; a tractor lays trickle irrigation hose, plastic mulch, and forms a raised bed at the test plot on the Jonas Z. Nolt farm at the Leola Produce Auction Center. Center in Leola, Pennsylvania. Here, in cooperation with the Jonas Z. Nolt family, a special veg etable demonstration plot has been developed on half an acre of land to test fertigation methods, veget able covers, and vegetable varieties. Project objectives In addition to studying the amount and rate of chemical fertil izer to be applied, this year’s plot will demonstrate and evaluate the following project objectives: • Three levels of management and how they woric (maximum input, low input sustainable, and organic methods of farming). • Four early crops produced on raised beds with close spacing, row covers, using trickle irrigation automatically compensates for any change in pressure or flow. A frame to house the injector pump and provide a bypass to the main irrigation line can be custom manufactured. Several manufacturers also supply a less expensive, siphon injector with flow meter using a Venturi-type suction method. These retail for about $250. Information about the Dosatron and other ' of ferti ition A Dosatron “movable” assembly, available at 0 & L Growers in Litltz, can be transported. The frame Is built by 0 & L Growers. (a method of applying small amounts of water twice a week, and sometimes daily, to the plant’s root system using less water than sprinkler systems, which broadcast the water), fertigation, and foliar fertilization (spraying nutrients directly on plant leaves). • Colored mulch trials red vs. black on tomatoes; silver vs. black on peppers. • Variety trials 2 beans, 4 tomatoes, 4 peppers, and 2 variet ies of spinach, beets, parsley, and radishes. • Fumigation effectiveness using Vorlex. “One of the biggest advantages of trickle irrigation is not the abili ty to put water at the plant when you need it, although that’s impor tant,’’ said Donald Robinson, equipment is available from the following manufacturers: Cones toga Irrigation, Route 3 Box 352-A, Ephrata, PA 17522, (215) 445-4144; Rain-Flo Irrigation, 884 The Gllmour Sprayer Co. tank can be used to inject chem ical fertilizer Into an Irrigation line. The pump supports up to 40 gallons/hour. Some dealers provide the tank, flow meter, back flow check valve, pressure gauge, and frame at time of purchase. ***** ' ' *o^ instructor for the Eastern Lancas ter County Adult Farmer Program who oversees the Leola test plot. ‘ ‘But just as important I think is the ability to put small amounts of nutrients at the root zone in a high ly soluble form right where you want them.” A fertigation system will be installed in early May this year at the plot. At the beginning of the season, the field will be cultivated, and plastic irrigation lines and cov erings will be in place. In the beginning, water will be applied through the lines twice a week for three to four hours each time, and fertilizer once a week. In extreme ly dry conditions, according to Robinson, irrigation may occur daily. (Turn to Page E 4) Center Ch. Rd., East Earl, PA 17519, (215) 445-6976; or D & L Growers Supplies, 546-B E. 28 Div. Hwy, Lititz, PA 17543, (717) 627-6737.
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