Compare batch dosing vs direct injection fertigation systems: benefits, applications, and how Bluelab's solutions automate plant nutrition.
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Batch Dosing vs Direct Injection
Manually mixing and applying fertilizer is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Automating it through your irrigation system, known as fertigation, saves time, ensures consistent nutrient delivery, and keeps your plants healthy, even when you're not around.
The two autonomous mixing systems for fertigation are batch dosing and direct injection. Both offer greater precision, control, and efficiency compared to manual feeding and can be used with hydroponic, substrate, or soil plants. Bluelab's controllers provide growers with the freedom of automated dosing and the assurance that their plants are receiving the correct solution, whether for small or large fertigation setups. Understanding the differences and benefits of each system will help you choose the best method for your plants.
Batch dosing – Precision before application
Batch dosing involves mixing a large amount of nutrient solution in a reservoir and delivering it to plants in measured doses at scheduled intervals. Many articles equate batch dosing with manual fertilizer mixing, which is true – when you mix water-soluble fertilizer by hand, you're essentially batch dosing!
Learn how simply you can automate irrigation and nutrition with Bluelab’s Intellidose here.
With Bluelab's IntelliDose, you can pre-program the exact pH and Conductivity (EC) levels, maintaining them within a 0.1 tolerance. The system allows you to schedule fertigation either directly on the device or remotely through the Edenic app, via the Bluelab IntelliLink.
Batch dosing ensures that the nutrient solution is within set parameters before it's added to the irrigation line, reducing the risk of crop issues from incorrect nutrient levels or pH. This method requires a reservoir large enough to hold the solution for each fertigation cycle. Bluelab's Pro Controller integrates with existing reservoir systems, allowing you to automate feeding without overhauling your current setup.
Batch dosing systems are generally more affordable and easier to implement compared to direct injection systems.
"We have to constantly check that our temperature, pH and EC are perfect. That's the foundation of everything we do. In a system like this, it's literally something you can't live without."
Kyle Pope Artisan Grown Oregon, USA
Explore adding fertigation to your irrigation with Bluelab’s Pro Controller Wi-Fi. Watch here
Direct injection – Precision in real-time
Inline dosing injects nutrients and pH adjusters directly into the irrigation lines as water flows to the plants. This method offers real-time nutrient delivery but requires careful consideration of pump compatibility with water pressure to prevent backflow, which can dilute the nutrient solution. Inline systems often need a secondary system to verify the nutrient concentration and pH before reaching the plants.
Bluelab's Guardian Monitor Inline Wi-Fi tracks nutrient levels and lets you set alarms. It can send alerts through the Edenic app if the solution falls outside set parameters, but it can also operate independently to help minimize plant damage. To ensure proper mixing, extra piping and turns are needed in the irrigation system.
Inline systems require less space than batch systems since they don't need a nutrient reservoir. This makes them a good choice for large grow spaces with limited extra room, although they can be more complex to set up.
"Your Guardian is unlike anything on the market, and it's literally the center of my operation where I mix everything. Absolute game changer. I've found your products are much more reliable and don't bounce around nor need calibration. I've tried them all…"
Discover how easy you can guard against dosing malfunctions with Bluelab’s Guardian. Watch here
Automating your fertigation process enhances your control over nutrients and water, making it easy to adjust for different stages of plant growth and environmental conditions. This efficiency gives you and your team more valuable time to focus on growing your business.
It's recommended to work with your greenhouse supplier for additional fertigation equipment for your Bluelab system, such as feeder tubes, pressure gauges, check valves, filters, and pressure regulators. Our pumps come in various sizes for full customization.
Always use water-soluble fertilizers and regularly flush your system to prevent blockages in the tubes and pipes.
Gain remote access, alerts, real-time management, and long-term data for both inline and batch dosing systems with the Bluelab Edenic app and compatible products.
Learn more about Edenic and Bluelab’s Edenic-compatible devices here: edenic.io
