FERTIGATION CONTROL

SYSTEMS
• What Is Fertigation?
• Chemigation
• Advantages And Disadvantages
• Backflow Prevention And Safety Equipment
• Injection Systems
• Injector Selection
• Designing A Fertigation System
• Irrigation System Considerations
• Site Considerations
• Design Considerations for Sprinkler Systems
• Calculating Injection Rates
 What is Fertigation?
Can Be Done By:
Fertilizer + Nutrient
Irrigation = “Spoon
Fertigation Feeding” Drip
Sprinkler
Hand System
Irrigation
System
• Chemigation is the application of chemicals via an irrigation
application system. Included are fertilizers, soil amendments
(gypsum or sulfur), herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides.
• Specific forms of chemigation are sometimes called fertigation,
herbigation, or insectigation; however the most commonly used
term that covers everything is chemigation.
• Chemigation is accomplished by injecting the chemical into a
flowing water supply. Most chemigation is applied by sprinkler
systems (linear or center pivots) or micro systems.
• Soil amendments are typically applied in surface systems.
• Properly managed chemigation requires injecting chemicals into
the water in carefully measured amounts.
• Care must be taken to prevent backflow of chemically laden water
into any water source. Backflow prevention devices are required
where chemicals are injected into any pressurized irrigation
system.
• Distribution of water on the field must be uniform, carefully
managed, and controlled. This requires the proper equipment and
careful attention to detail.
• Water quality laws are strict concerning handling of chemicals
applied through irrigation systems. Only chemicals labeled for
chemigation (usually sprinkler system) application should be used.
Advantages
• Cost of chemigation versus aerial or ground application can be less.
• A chemical can be applied when it is needed without waiting for the proper
conditions
• Application can be more uniform than by other methods under certain
conditions.
• herbicide applying to the depth desired and to activate it immediately.
• Reducing soil compaction due to non-necessary to pass field equipment over the
field
• Mechanical damage to crops is less than with mechanical surface application
methods.
• The hazards to operators are fewer.
• Less fertilizer may be required.
• Reducing wind drift losses or eliminated depending on the method of irrigation.
• Chemigation techniques are compatible with notill soil management systems.
Disadvantages
• Some chemicals are corrosive to irrigation equipment, especially
immediately downstream of the injection point. In most cases the
chemicals are diluted further downstream to the point that corrosion is
not a serious problem.
• Injection equipment must be designed to handle concentrated
chemicals.
• Combining chemicals can be dangerous and expensive if not done with
full knowledge of the potential, sometimes violent, reactions. Chemicals
can also produce precipitates, which can clog equipment, or produce
toxic vapors.
• Losses because of volatilization can occur, particularly under sprinkler
irrigation.
• Chemicals that can be used successfully under chemigation are limited.
• Excess water application or rainfall during chemigation can cause the loss
of chemicals or make them ineffective through deep percolation or runoff.
Lost chemicals can contribute to water pollution.
• Special injection equipment and irrigation system safety equipment are
required. This adds to the expense of the operation.
• A potential hazard to water supplies is always present particularly with
pesticides and herbicides.
• Much is still not known about the best and safest ways to handle
chemigation.
• The technique is relatively new.
• A high degree of management and irrigation uniformity are required.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION
AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT
• Special chemigation safety devices, check valves, and air relief valves
are required for all chemical injection systems.
• Well heads must be protected from reverse flows, system drainage,
or backsiphoning.
• Electric and hydrauli interlocks with time delays must be installed
between the injectors and irrigation pumps to prevent chemical
injection when the irrigation system is not operating.
• Chemical Backflow can occur in a chemigation system by either
backsiphonage or backpressure.
• Backsiphonage is caused by low pressure or a reduced pressure in the
water supply piping.
• Backpressure occurs when the user system is operating at a higher
pressure than the water supply system.
• Failure of the irrigation pipeline main line check valve upon
pump shutdown or power failure;
• Creation of a severe hydraulic gradient by undersized piping
in the supply line;
• Pipeline breakages in the water supply main line, which is
lower than the customer service point;
• Reduced main line pressure due to a high water withdrawal
rate, such as for firefighting or main line flushing; and
• Reduced main line supply pressure due to pump or power
failure.
• Booster pumps on the user system used to increase flows and
satisfy pressure requirements;
• Interconnection with other piping systems operating at higher
pressures;
• Electric or gas-driven injector systems;
• Connections to pressurized systems, such as boilers;
• Elevation differences between the irrigation system and the
water supply system or water source
• The following devices can be considered for use on a
chemigation system.
• The device selected will depend the degree of hazard,
injector type, and irrigation system setup.
• All backflow prevention devices should be tested by a
certified tester before every irrigation season, and
inspected prior to each chemigation event.
• The backflow prevention device should be installed
between the pump discharge and the point of
chemical injection.
 Air gap.
• A 0.25-m air gap can be an effective backflow
prevention device.
• Air gaps are most commonly used where the water
source for the chemigation system is a self-
contained pond or reservoir.
• The air gap must be maintained between the
maximum surface elevation of the reservoir and the
pipeline used to fill the reservoir.
• Crops such as cranberries often use reservoirs for
irrigation supply and frost protection and can utilize
an air gap as a backflow prevention device.
• Vacuum breakers are effective for backsiphonage situations only.
• An atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB) can only be used in
situations where the unit is not subject to continuous pressure
and therefore does not have shutoff valves downstream of the
unit.
• The pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) has an atmospheric vent valve
which is internally loaded by a spring.
• A spring helps open the valve and the PVB can therefore be
installed on the pressure side of a shutoff valve and used in
situations that are operating under continuous pressure.
• An AVB and a PVB must be installed 30 cm (12 in.) above
the highest sprinkler or dripper on the chemigation
system.
• Acceptable use of atmospheric and pressure vacuum
breakers include situations where no potable water is
pumped into an irrigation system that is cross-connected
to an irrigation district or municipal pipeline where only
backsiphonage is likely.
• Vacuum breakers are not approved for use on irrigation
systems that are applying chemigation.
• The check valve low-pressure drain and vacuum
relief valve are combined with an inspection port,
whether manufactured as a single unit or assembled
as separate components.
• When combined, these devices constitute approved
backflow prevention device for chemigation
systems.
• The check valve and appurtenant devices should be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications and maintained in a working
condition.
• A check valve consists of a single internally loaded flapper
capable of closing and preventing backflow of the irrigation
back into the water source.
• The term is used generally to include all types of elements
regardless of shape and method of function.
• The check valve should provide for a watertight seal against
reverse flow.
• The check valve should contain a quick-closing and tight sealing
mechanism that will close the moment water ceases to flow in
the downstream direction.
• The check valve construction should allow for easy access for
internal and external inspection and maintenance.
• The preferred installation method for the check valve is to be
installed horizontally above ground with adequate space to
provide ease of maintenance, testing, and inspection.
• The check valve should be inspected and tested after installation
to ensure it is installed correctly and operating satisfactorily.
• The irrigation line and check valve should be drained in the fall
and protected from freezing.
• The automatic low-pressure drain is used with the check valve and
consists of a spring-loaded or hydraulically actuated valve located on the
bottom of the irrigation line between the valve and the water source.
• The automatic low pressure drain is designed such that if the check
valve leaks after system shutdown, the automatic low-pressure drain
will allow the water-chemical mixture to be drained away from the
water source rather than into it.
• The automatic low-pressure drain must be installed between the water
source and the check valve so that any fluid which seeps past the check
valve back toward the water source will automatically drain out of the
irrigation pipe.
• The drain should be at least 2 cm (3/4 inch) in diameter and
should be located on the bottom of the horizontal irrigation pipe
between the water source and the check valve.
• The outside opening of the drain should be at least 5 cm (2
inches) above grade.
• The flow from the drain should be controlled by a pipe, trough,
ditch, and slope of soil surface or other means so that it will
drain away from the water source.
• The vacuum relief valve is combined with the check valve and
low-pressure drain.
• The device consists of a spring-loaded or hydraulically actuated
atmospheric vacuum breaker valve.
• An atmospheric vacuum breaker allows air to enter the irrigation
pipeline when the line pressure is reduced to a gauge pressure of
zero or less.
• The vacuum relief device is typically located on the top of the
horizontal irrigation pipeline between the check valve and the
water source.
• The vacuum relief device should be installed in such a
position and in such a manner that insects, animals,
floodwater, or other pollutants cannot enter the irrigation
pipeline through the vacuum relief device.
• The vacuum relief device may be mounted on the
inspection port as long as it does not interfere with the
inspection of the other antipollution devices including the
check valve and low-pressure drain
• An inspection port allows for easy access to the internal components of the
check valve, automatic low-pressure drain, and vacuum relief device for the
purposes of testing, inspection, and maintenance.
• The inspection port should allow for visual inspection to determine if
leakage occurs past the check valve, seal, seat, and any other components
of the backflow prevention device.
• The port should have a minimum 10-cm diameter orifice or viewing area.
• For diversion works with irrigation pipelines too small to install a 4-in,
diameter inspection port, the check valve and other appurtenant devices
should be mounted with quick disconnects, flange fittings,
• dresser couplings, or other fittings that allow for easy testing, inspection,
maintenance, and removal.
• A double check valve assembly (DCVA) consists of two
approved check valves, internally loaded either by a spring or
weight, installed as a unit between two tightly closing shutoff
valves.
• The DCVA is an approved backflow prevention device effective
against backflow caused by backpressure or backsiphonage.
• The DCVA must be installed upstream of the chemical injection
system at a location that is readily accessible for testing.
• The irrigation lines should be thoroughly flushed before
installation of the DCVA.
• Most failures during testing are due to debris fouling either
the first or second check valve seats.
• The DCVA should be installed above ground with adequate
space to simplify maintenance and testing. It shall be
inspected and tested after installation to ensure it is installed
correctly and operating satisfactorily.
• A strainer with a blow-out tapping should be installed ahead
of the DCVA.
• The DCVA must be tested by a Certified Tester before every
irrigation season.
• If possible, a DCVA should not be installed in a pit, because
any leaky test cocks would then become cross-connections
when the pit is flooded.
• If the unit must be installed in a pit, provisions for pit
drainage must be provided.
• Test-cock taps should also be plugged to reduce the danger
of leaks if the device does become submerged.
• The vault should be large enough to provide free access for
testing or repairing the device. DCVAs larger than 6.4 cm (2.5
in.) shall have support blocks to prevent damage.
• A reduced-pressure backflow device (RPBD) consists of two
independently acting, internally loaded check valves separated
by a reduced-pressure zone.
• The device should be installed as a unit between two tightly
closing shutoff valves.
• The RPBD is effective against backflow caused by backpressure
and backsiphonage and is designed to be used in situations
that are considered very hazardous.
• The RPDB, while slightly more costly, is considered the best
protection for backflow prevention.
• The main reason is that the unit will leak water when it is not
operating properly, allowing a quick visual inspection to inform
the operator if the unit is malfunctioning.
• The unit can then be fixed prior to chemigation proceeding.
• An RPBD must be installed upstream of the chemical injection
system and preferably above ground with adequate space to
ease maintenance and testing.
• A strainer with a blow-out tapping should be installed ahead of
the RPBD. The lines should be thoroughly flushed before
installation of the RPBD.
• Most failures during testing are due to debris fouling either
the first or second check valve seats.
• If possible, the RPBD should not be installed in a pit below
ground level. Flooding of the pit could cause a direct cross-
connection through the relief valve.
• If installation in a pit is absolutely necessary, adequate
drainage must be provided.
• Devices that are larger than 6.4 cm (2.5 in.) shall have
support blocks to prevent damage.
 Safety Equipment
• A chemigation system should also contain
additional antipollution and safety devices on
the irrigation system and the chemical
injection system.
• These devices are used to reduce hazard to
the environment and the operator during the
chemigation application.
• An injection-line check valve should be installed to prevent the
flow of water from the irrigation system into the chemical
supply tank, possibly overflowing the supply tank.
• A check valve is also used to prevent gravity flow from the
chemical supply tank into the irrigation system if the opening
pressure of the check valve is sufficient.
• The opening or cracking pressure of the chemical injection-line
check valve should be at least 70 kPa or greater to prevent
gravity flow.
• The injection-line check valve should be located downstream
from any backflow prevention equipment and fresh water
supply valves.
• When physically possible, the point of chemical injection
should be higher than the chemical supply tank and lower
than the lowest sprinkler or outlet on the irrigation system.
This will prevent siphoning from the chemical supply tank.
• The point of chemical injection should also be located as far
as possible from the water source to protect the water source
in the event of a chemical leak or spill to the ground.
 Flow sensor.
• An injection-line flow sensor installed on a
high-pressure injection line upstream of the
chemical injection-line check valve can assure
system shutdown if flow in the injection line
ceases.
• This device guards against continued operation
after a rupture or disconnection of injection
line, injection pump failure, loss of prime,
empty chemical supply tank, or plugging of the
injection port.
• A manually operated valve should be installed on the chemical supply tank.
• Installation of a manual valve will allow the operator to manually stop the
flow of chemical from the supply tank during equipment maintenance, or in
case of accidents.

• A strainer should be installed on the suction side of the chemical injection

pump.
• It located upstream of the calibration tube, injection pump, air bleeder
valve, and injection-line check valve is essential to prevent foreign materials
from clogging or fouling these devices or other safety equipment.
• A calibration device of sufficient volume should be installed on
the suction side of the injection pump to accurately calibrate
the injection pump.
• The installation of a calibration tube provides an easy way to
check and fine tune the injection pump output.
• The calibration tube volume and graduation markings should
be sufficient to provide for a minimum 5-min calibration
period.
• Chemical compatibility is a key to preventing the calibration
tube from being discolored or degraded.
• An air-bleeder valve should be installed on the high-pressure side
of the chemical injection pump immediately upstream of the
chemical injectionline check valve.
• The air-bleeder valve can be used to relieve trapped air and
pressure in the high-pressure injection line, which might
otherwise affect the calibrated injection rate.
• Pressure within the line should be relieved any time the injection
line is to be disconnected. This prevents the operator from being
sprayed with the chemical in the line.
• The valve is especially helpful while making equipment
inspections.
• Chemical supply tanks should be constructed of chemically resistant
materials. Supply tanks that remain in the field throughout the year should
also be constructed of sunlight-resistant materials.
• The supply tanks should be designed so that they can be easily drained after
each use. The capacity of the tanks will depend upon the type of chemical
injected. A containment system helps guard against site contamination in
the event that a supply tank leaks or ruptures.
• Containment structures can be made of chemically resistant plastics,
painted metal, or concrete.
• Chemical supply tanks should be located as far away from the water source
as is possible. The slope of soil surface should be graded to force drainage
away from the water source in the event of a chemical leak or spill.
• For further safety, a normally closed solenoid valve on the
chemical suction line can be electrically interlocked with the
engine or motor driving the injection pump.
• This valve, which is located on the suction side of the
chemical injection pump, provides for a positive shutoff of
the chemical injection line.
• The chemical cannot flow if the injection pump is stopped.
The solenoid valve should be constructed of chemically
resistant materials since it will be in contact with the
chemical concentrate.
• An interlock system should be used between the power system of
the injection unit, the irrigation pumping plant, and the irrigation
system, if it is electrically controlled.
• Interlocks can be accomplished electrically, hydraulically, and
mechanically.
• The interlock should function so that if the irrigation pump stops, the
injection pump will also stop. This type of interlock is referred to as a
one-way interlock.
• A disadvantage to the one-way interlock is that some motorized
irrigation systems may continue to run if the injection pump stops.
• In this situation, it may be difficult for the operator to
determine where the chemical treatment ended in the field.
• A two-way interlock ensures that both systems shut down
simultaneously and, for non-electrical systems, can be
accomplished by installing a flow or pressure sensor on the high-
pressure injection line.
• A loss of pressure in the chemical injection line due to injection-
line breakage, an empty chemical tank, a plugged strainer, or
injection pump failure would then trigger a simultaneous shutoff
of both the irrigation system and the chemical injection system.
INJECTION SYSTEMS
 centrifugal pumps,

positive displacement pumps

pressure differential injectors,

Venturi injectors.

Some injectors may be a combination of these types.

• Pressure differential systems are often the least expensive
and are also the least accurate.
• The basic costs of Venturi injectors and water-drive systems
are lower than the other alternatives;
• the cost of these injectors with feedback and control systems
is in the range of the cost of positive displacement pumps.
• Positive displacement pumps are generally preferred for
most chemigation applications due to their accuracy in
metering chemicals into the system, and backflow
prevention.
• Chemicals injected can be gases or liquid
• Injected gases such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia
have their own special requirements, and producers
should work with their chemical supplier for these
unique applications.
• These devices are used to apply water-soluble
fertilizers, pesticides, plant growth regulators, wetting
agents, soil amendments, mineral acids, and various
other chemicals.
Injector Selection
 The primary selection criteria for injectors
Resistance to
Ease of corrosion by the
Flow-rate
Durability Accuracy operation and Service life chemicals being
range
repair used.

Other important considerations

number of chemicals to
available chemicals to
cost power source be injected
be injected
simultaneously.
• Injection systems should be able to inject any water-soluble
chemical, acid, emulsifiable concentrate, or wettable powder at
low concentration levels (e.g., 1 to 100 mg/L).
• Solutions may have a wide pH range or other corrosive index that
may require multiple injectors made from different materials.
• Separate injectors may also be required for fertilizers and
pesticides as fertilizers typically require a higher injection rate
than the other chemicals.
• It is often not possible to accurately adjust an injector of the type
required for fertilizer to inject at the low flow rate required for
pesticides or acids.
 What is the size of What chemicals will be
What are the irrigation
field, pesticide and injected, at what
system water flow
fertility programs, and desired
rates?
types of crop(s) ? concentrations?

Are multiple injection What are the pressure

Is a portable or
heads needed (for and flow requirements
stationary injector
incompatible for proper operation of
desirable?
chemicals)? the injector?
• Once the size and type of injector are determined, consider the
ease of repair and reported longevity of the unit.
• Growers should also consider the manufacturer’s reliability,
technical support, service, and other qualifications.
• Much of this information is available on the Internet, and by
talking to other growers and extension personnel.
• Injection of multiple chemicals at the same time requires careful
planning to ensure compatibility, separation distances, and
flexible pump operations over a range of conditions.
• Some positive displacement pumps are available that can drive
multiple, separate heads for each different chemical.
• Feedback and control systems are available that measure
irrigation pipeline flow rate and automatically adjust Venturi or
positive displacement pump injection flow rates.
• For example, drip irrigation systems may have several different
sizes of blocks or blocks with different water requirements.
• A feedback and control system could adjust the rate of injection
as the irrigation system is automatically changed from block to
block.
• Controllers can also manage variable speed drives to provide a
broad range of injection rates, which is advantageous with large
(e.g., center pivots) or multi-zone systems with either constant
or varying flow rates.
• Small radial-flow centrifugal pumps (booster pumps) are often used to
inject chemicals into irrigation systems.
• The pump draws water directly from the chemical reservoir and delivers a
pressure that is higher than the pressure in the irrigation line to inject the
chemical.
• The flow rate of the chemical from the pump depends on the pressure in
the irrigation line at the time of injection.
• To accurately determine the amount of chemical being injected requires
calibration while the system is operating.
• Because these systems are sensitive to irrigation system pressure
fluctuations and changes, they are not recommended for the injection of
toxic chemicals where the injection rates must be precisely controlled.
• Positive displacement pumps are the most recommended injection system.
• They are generally classified as reciprocating (piston and diaphragm), rotary
(gear and lobe), or a miscellaneous type (e.g., peristaltic, progressive
cavity), depending on the mechanism used to transfer energy to the fluid.
• Few rotary and other types of positive displacement pumps are used for
chemical injections into irrigation systems.
• Gear-and lobe rotary pumps and peristaltic pumps can be used when only
small injection rates are required.
• Piston pumps, diaphragm pumps, and combination piston/diaphragm
pumps, are the most commonly used types for chemical injection into
irrigation systems.
Schematic showing a typical layout for positive displacement injection pump systems
• Positive displacement pumps are recommended where precise
control of injection flow rate of chemicals is required, as with
pesticides. They are also the pump of choice for highly viscous
materials.
• They are easy to monitor and calibrate, and most can be adjusted
while in operation (preferred).
• Piston, fluid-filled diaphragm, and piston/diaphragm pumps come
closest to being ideal positive displacement pumps.
• These systems can typically control injection flow rates with a range
of error of ±1% to ±2%.
• Injected flow rates remain constant over a range of chemical
viscosities and irrigation pipeline pressures as long as there is
minimal pressure in the irrigation pipeline.
•
• Both piston pumps and diaphragm pumps are adjustable; however,
some pumps cannot be adjusted while the system is running.
• A piston or a diaphragm displaces a given amount of chemical with
each stroke.
• Both piston and diaphragm pumps consist of a pumping device and
two check valves
• As the diaphragm or piston is retracted, chemical is drawn into the
chamber from the tank through the first check valve.
• As the diaphragm or piston is pushed out, the chemical is forced out
the second check valve into the irrigation pipeline.
• Diaphragm pumps have a small flexible Teflon or rubber diaphragm
that is moved in and out of a small chamber.
• Diaphragm pumps are thus less prone to corrosion than piston
pumps, because they have less contact with the chemical.
• For piston pumps, which draw chemical into a long metal cylinder,
care must be taken to select a piston and cylinder that will not be
corroded by the chemicals.
• Positive displacement pumps can be purchased that cover a wide
range in flow rates and chemical properties.
• For example, piston pumps can be purchased with two different sized
cylinders on either side of the pump in order to provide a range of
injection flow rates.
• Positive displacement pump systems are especially adaptable to
feedback and control systems, which provide additional management
flexibility.
• Variable frequency, electric motor drives are often used with control
systems.
• Since positive displacement pumps displace a fixed volume of fluid
with each stroke, they can produce very high injection pressures.
• This situation should be avoided (e.g., trying to operate against a
closed valve in a discharge line) since this will often result in pump or
injection line damage.
• Three-phase electric motors are the most common source of power
for piston and diaphragm pumps.
• Some injection pumps are driven by belt power, compressed gases, or
a water motor. Another problem with electric injector pumps is that
they can continue to inject chemical once the irrigation system is shut
down.
• Preventing independent operation requires electrical and mechanical
interlocks and careful monitoring. A variation of positive
displacement pumps are water-pressure driven injectors.
• As is the case with Venturi systems, the water-driven systems are
installed on a parallel bypass line that draws water from the main line
above a flow constriction through the device to inject the material.
However, in this case, the water powers a small turbine or piston
device.
• The injection rate is controlled by regulating the amount of water going
to the drive unit.
• Water-driven injection devices generally operate at injection ratios from
0.2% to 2% of the total flow.
•
• The turbine uses system pressure to drive a small cam and piston rod
unit to move a diaphragm or piston injector.
• Piston water drives use as small amount of water (about 3 times the
amount injected), but do not lower system pressure due to their
operation.
• A drain needs to be provided for disposal of water from the water-
powered piston drives since the water is not returned to the system.
• Water-powered injectors are often referred to as ratio or proportional
feeders because the quantity of material injected depends on the flow
rate through the injector, which is a function of the pressure in the main
line.
• Venturi injectors rely on the Venturi pressure drop principle to draw
chemical from the tank into the irrigation pipeline.
• A small Venturi can be used to inject chemicals into a relatively large
mainline by shunting a portion of the flow through the injector.
• To assure that the water will flow through the shunt and injector, a pressure
drop must occur in the main line.
• This is created by a partially open valve, an orifice, or other obstruction.
• These obstructions are located between the mixing water supply fitting and
the injection point.
• It serves to increase water velocity and decrease pressures to values below
atmospheric pressure in the throat of the Venturi device.
Schematic of the basic Venturi injector system.
Venturi principle of injection
• Most chemical stock tanks in Venturi systems are vented to atmospheric
pressure and the pressure differential between the atmosphere and the
throat of the Venturi device forces the chemical solution into the irrigation
pipes at this reduced-pressure zone.
• Mixing of chemical with irrigation water is facilitated by the flow velocity in
the Venturi device.
• Because chemical is sucked into the irrigation system after the main or
booster pumps, there is no contact between the chemical and the pump;
thus, Venturi injection systems are less susceptible to corrosion than some
other types of injectors.
• Venturi injectors come in various sizes and can be operated under different
pressure conditions. Suction capacity (injection rate), head loss required,
and working pressure range will depend on the model.
• Venturi injection systems, with or without feedback and control, can be
purchased in units with injectors of different sizes to provide a broad range
of injection flow rates.
• A large chemical stock tank may be required because the proportion ratios
are low (typically in the range of 1:15). This tends to limit the use of
Venturi-type injectors to relatively small areas.
• A Venturi injector does not require external power to operate, although
ancillary equipment (e.g., control systems, booster pumps) may require
power. It does not have any moving parts, which increases its life and
decreases probability of failure. The injector is usually constructed of plastic
and it is resistant to most chemicals.
• It requires minimal operator attention and maintenance. Since the device is
very simple, its cost is low as compared to other equipment of similar
function and capability.
• The flow rate of a Venturi injector can vary dramatically due to changes in
irrigation pipeline pressure. Most Venturi injectors require at least a 20%
differential pressure to initiate sufficient vacuum for proper operation.
However, as long as the pressure differential across the upstream and
downstream side of the Venturi is greater than 200 kPa, the injection flow
rate is relatively insensitive to irrigation pipeline pressure.
• This situation creates a minimum pressure within the Venturi throat that is
• slightly above the limit of zero absolute pressure. The pressure differential
at which each Venturi injection system reaches a minimum can be observed
on the manufacturer’s flow rate vs. pressure differential curves. If a
constant chemical injection flow rate is required throughout the event, then
a high pressure differential across the Venturi must be maintained or a
centrifugal pump is used to boost pressure in the Venturi bypass line.
• The piping system is not suitable for accurate calibration and constant
injection rate. Thus, Venturi systems may also feature a pressure regulator
for more precise control of injection rates.
• The flow rate of a Venturi injector can be quite sensitive to temperature
changes because the viscosity of some chemicals can vary substantially with
temperature.
• However, there is basically no change in flow rate due to temperature for
chemical solutions with viscosities in the range of water because these
viscosity changes with temperature are minimal. When chemical viscosity is
an issue, a good method to keep flow constant over a temperature change
is a control system with feedback from a flow sensor.
• The suction capacity depends on the liquid level in the supply tank.
• As the liquid level drops, the suction head increases, resulting in a
decreased injection rate.
• To avoid this problem some manufacturers provide an additional small tank
on the side of the supply tank, where the float valve maintains the fluid
level relatively constant. The fluid is injected from this smaller auxiliary
tank.
• Often the injection criterion is that a known volume of chemical must be
pumped during a specified period for each irrigation zone, but the
concentration does not have to remain constant.
• One commonly used alternative for pressurized irrigation systems is the
combination of a Venturi device with a pressurized chemical tank. Since the
water flowing through the tank is under pressure, a sealed airtight pressure-
supply tank (constructed to withstand the maximum operating pressure) is
required. However, the injected concentrations will change gradually due to
the dilution of the chemical in the tank as the water enters the tank during
injection.
• Mixing-tank injectors and proportional mixers located on the discharge side
of the irrigation pump are two approved pressure differential injection
systems.
• Various metering or proportioning valves are used with mixing and
proportioning tanks that operate on pressure or flow changes in the
irrigation system. Frequently, these devices are an application of a Venturi
meter or an orifice with changing diameter.
• Using the irrigation pump’s suction line is not an approved method of
injection in most jurisdictions. The reason is that it is difficult to prevent
contamination of surface water sources in the event of an unexpected
pump shutdown. Chemical solution can then easily be siphoned out of the
tank and into the water supply.
• It is also difficult to monitor or determine the chemical flow rate as it
depends on the amount of the pump’s suction at the injection point, the
length and size of the suction line, and the level of chemical in the supply
tank.
• It is also difficult to adjust the injection rate in these systems. In addition,
the chemical solution is drawn through the pump and could result in
significant corrosion and breakdown of seals and bearings. This method of
injection is not recommended.
• A mixing-tank injector operates on the discharge side of the main pump and
operates on the same pressure differential concept as Venturi systems.
They are installed on a similar bypass shunt that runs parallel to the main
irrigation line.
• However, in these simple, low-precision systems the chemical reservoir is
sealed instead of being vented to the atmosphere.
• Water from the main line enters the reservoir and displaces the same
volume of the chemical mixture into the irrigation system. This results in a
constant rate decrease in the chemical concentration in the reservoir,
requiring that specific chemical batches be prepared for each and every
zone to ensure that each zone receives approximately the right amount of
material. The injection into the main line is often controlled by a metering
device installed on the inlet side of the injector.
• Proportional mixers are a modification of pressurized mixing tanks and
operate on a volume water displacement principle. It is commonly used in
irrigation systems where flow fluctuations are expected, perhaps due to
varying set sizes or sharing water with other users. Sufficient concentrated
chemical for one injection event is contained in a collapsible, impermeable
bag that is placed into the pressure tank.
• The chemical remains separated from the water and feeds chemical
solution into a proportioning valve that injects it into the irrigation system.
Chemicals in the bag are forced into a proportioning valve by the pressure
differential and injected into the irrigation system.
• The volume of chemical is displaced by water entering the tank at the same
rate the chemical is injected. This makeup water does not mix with the
chemical and is not returned into the system. Injection is completed when
the bag is totally collapsed and the tank is full of water. The proportioning
valve responds to the changes of flow, but not pressure changes in the
irrigation system. Thus, as long as the pressure and the flow rate in the
system do not vary significantly, the injection rate will remain relatively
constant. To insert a new bag of chemical the tank is isolated with valves
and drained.
Designing a fertigation
system
 Requirement of
Irrigation water
System capacity Nitrogen,
requirement
Potassium and

Phosphorous Nutrient
Capacity of
nutrients of the concentration in
fertilizer tank
crop irrigation water

Calibrated Nutrient
Calibration of
Injection rate concentration in
fertigation duration
irrigation water.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM
CONSIDERATIONS
• The design and operation of irrigation systems will impact the
effectiveness of a chemigation system. There are many operation
characteristics that need to be considered, but the main concern
is the distribution uniformity of the system.
• It is virtually impossible to achieve good chemical application
uniformity if the irrigation system is not designed to operate at a
high uniformity.
• Center pivot systems with drop tubes and trickle/drip systems
provide the best uniformity.
• Sprinkler and gun systems are susceptible to wind drift, pressure
variations, and crop interference, which often reduces the
achievable uniformity.
• The physical characteristics of the irrigation system will
determine the type of injection system, selection of chemicals
that can be applied, application rate, and duration of application.
• These systems irrigate a block of land at a constant application
rate over time.
• The duration of application will be determined by the type of
chemical being applied. Some chemicals must be incorporated to
be effective, requiring application of enough water to move the
chemical into the soil. Other chemicals, such as nitrate nitrogen,
are very mobile and should be left near the soil surface to avoid
potential groundwater contamination.
• Continuous move systems irrigate a block of land with a
predetermined amount of water but at varying application rates
(the application rate will be greater at the last tower, especially
on those systems using an end gun, than the application rate at
the pivot point).
• The rate of chemical injection must therefore be matched with
the rate of travel. Batch application of chemicals cannot be used
with these types of irrigation system.
• All system components must be able to withstand the effects of
corrosion from injected basic and acidic chemicals at the
expected concentrations at each location.
Site Considerations
• Field topography can cause pressure differences along an
irrigation lateral, which affects application uniformities. Low-
pressure center pivot and trickle systems are most susceptible
to pressure differences caused by elevation or friction loss.
• Sprinkler irrigation systems can also be affected if the
elevation changes are in excess of 5 m. Pressure or flow
regulators on each individual sprinkler head may be required
to ensure uniform discharge for each sprinkler along the
lateral. Pressure- compensating emitters are recommended to
maintain system uniformity for trickle systems.
• Trickle irrigation systems are often used for tree fruits,
grapes, strawberries, and other horticultural crops because
of water application efficiency and the ability to control
fertilizer application directly to the plant roots
• High-density orchard plantings require quick tree response
after planting and early fruit development to realize a
return on capital investment. However, the injection of
some pesticides through a trickle system may not be
effective.
• Chemigation systems must be operated within the limits
of the soil types present to reduce the potential for runoff
and for leaching.
• An understanding of soil water holding capacity is also
important to ensure that the chemical added is moved
into the soil to an appropriate depth with respect to the
plant rooting volume.
• Drift and runoff are two leading causes of chemical losses from
chemigation systems. Leaching can also be a cause of chemical
losses.
• Environmental conditions during application, sprinkler types, type
of chemical being applied, and climatic conditions after
application all affect the magnitude of chemical losses.
• Wind drift can cause a potentially hazardous situation.
• Chemigation should not be carried out if wind conditions are
strong enough to cause significant drift to non-target areas.
• Many center pivot systems will turn off high-pressure end gun
sprinklers as they move around the field to avoid water
applications to roads, buildings, or waterways. In these cases, the
end guns are often turned off during the whole chemigation event
to avoid changes in system pressure as these sprinklers cycle on or
off in various sectors of the field, as that could cause poor
uniformities along the entire lateral length.
• Combining the high pressures, small droplets produced, and the
end guns being mounted 3 to 4 m high directly on the lateral
piping creates a greater chance of chemical drift beyond the
intended application area.
• Irrigation systems applying chemicals should be designed and
operated to prevent any runoff from occurring.
• Some regions will require runoff to be contained before it leaves
property boundaries or the place of use.
• Treated water may be required to be reused on the crop or site
treated. Chemical label restrictions may prohibit the use of
treated water on crops or sites other than those listed on the
chemical label.
Design Considerations for
Sprinkler Systems
• Sprinkler irrigation systems used to apply chemicals
should be designed with a coefficient of uniformity of
at least 80% and preferably 90% whenever possible.
Even for uniformities of 90% the ratio of the depth of
irrigation applied on one part of the field compared
to another can be as high as 3:1.
• A coefficient of uniformity of 80% can only be
obtained by designing sprinkler systems to the
following minimum standards:
• The maximum pressure variation along the lateral must not
exceed 20% of the sprinkler operating pressure and 10% (or less)
pressure variation is desirable. Flow-control nozzles must be
used if pressure fluctuations exceed the 20% allowance. Another
option is to use pressure regulators at sprinkler heads operating
at pressures exceeding the normal operating range.
• For stationary sprinkler systems the sprinkler spacing along the
lateral and the lateral spacing should not exceed 50% of the
sprinkler wetted diameter.
• If the predominant wind speed exceeds 5 km/hour then the
spacing should be reduced to 40% of the wetted diameter.
• The sprinkler should be operated within the manufacturer’s
recommended pressure range to provide adequate stream
breakup for proper dispersal.
• The sprinkler should have a rotation time of less than 1 min and
the system operated for at least 15 min when chemigating to
improve uniformity.
Calculating Injection Rates
• Calculating the injection rate will help to ensure that all of
the chemical can be applied, and confirm whether the
injector will be able to apply the dosage that is desired.
• To ensure the best performance the injection rate used
should not be at the low end or high end of the injection
system.
• The following three methods—weight, volume, and injection
rate formula—can be used to determine an injection rate.
• The type of irrigation and injection system and type of
chemical being applied will often determine the method that
is used.