[Arid_gardener] Re: Drip Fertigation

[Olin Miller]

I have been using MiracleGro through an EZ FLO System for quite a few years 
with good results. I use DripWorks' High Flow T-Tapes  for vegetables and 
drip line with in-line, turbulent flow, pressure-compensating emitters 
elsewhere and have not had any problems with stoppage.  But there are 
whitish spots where the water weeps from the emitters - can be minimized by 
keeping the lines covered with a loose mulch.  Just add two of the portioned 
MiracleGro bags to the 3/4 gallon tank (I use the cheapie), fill it with 
water, shake it up to dissolve the powder, connect it and torn on the drip 
system.

You can also get water soluble fertilizer powders for drip systems from 
DripWorks, Peaceful Valley and a few others.  But it's pretty costly plus 
S&H makes it prohibitively expensive.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ
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----- Original Message ----- From: <imap8ntr at cox.net>
Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 2:43 PM
> Ivan Brauer,  85020
>
> I live in Phoenix and have a desert landscape garden.  I use a fertigation 
> tank in line with my drip irrigation system to minimize fertilizer waste. 
> I am having trouble locating a retailer of water soluble dry fertilizer 
> for the tank.  I used to use EZ Gro fertilizer which is difficult to find. 
> Do you have any suggestions regarding water soluble fertilizer.  I 
> irrigate with 3000 gal 2-3 x weekly in the summer.  The fertigator can 
> dilute a concentrated solution anywhere from 1:400 to 1:1600 dilution. 
> Any suggestions? Can another type of fertilizer be used in this system.  I 
> think the formulation is slightly acidic to keep the nutients in solution, 
> minimize drip nozzle plugging and also lowers the ph of the soil down a 
> bit for our high alkaline soil.
>
> Thanks
> Ivan