Continuous Fertigation System for Micro-Irrigation Plugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-irrigation systems are prone to plugging due to the sensitivity to water quality and additives, leading to uneven distribution of water and nutrients, and high labor and equipment costs in conventional fertigation methods.
Innovation Solution
A method of continuous fertigation where crop-quality-enhancer feedstock, including fertilizers and micronutrients, is added to the irrigation system at low levels throughout the irrigation process, using an automated system to maintain a high-dilution environment and produce a customized fertilizer with minimal nutrient-extraneous materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fertigation methods are used to deliver fertilizers to crops, then crop nutrient supply is achieved, but plugging of micro-irrigation systems occurs due to sensitivity to water quality and additives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of fertilizers by using highly diluted formulations (e.g., 19-4-12 instead of conventional 19-19-19). This parameter change allows the fertilizer to be delivered through micro-irrigation systems without causing plugging, while still providing adequate nutrition to crops over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fertilizer application by delivering highly diluted solutions continuously or intermittently through the irrigation system. This dynamic approach allows flexibility in delivery timing and concentration, preventing plugging while ensuring nutrient availability when needed by crops.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional fertigation methods are used, then fertilizers are delivered to crops, but labor and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fertilizer delivery with the existing irrigation system infrastructure. By integrating highly diluted fertilizer solutions into the water irrigation process, the system eliminates the need for separate fertilizer application equipment and reduces labor requirements for manual fertilizer handling and application.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing the concentration parameter to highly diluted fertilizers allows use of existing irrigation pumps and delivery infrastructure without requiring specialized high-concentration fertilizer handling equipment, thereby reducing equipment costs and simplifying the manufacturing/delivery process.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional fertigation methods are used, then fertilizers are applied to crops, but uneven distribution of water and nutrients occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The use of highly diluted fertilizer solutions (e.g., 19-4-12 concentration) enables uniform distribution through micro-irrigation systems. The low concentration prevents precipitation and clogging that would cause uneven distribution, while the diluted nature allows complete dissolution and uniform mixing with irrigation water for consistent nutrient delivery to all plants.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional fertilizers with high nutrient content are used, then crop nutrient requirements are met, but nutrient-extraneous materials cause plugging and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter to highly diluted fertilizers where the ratio of nutrient-extraneous materials to actual nutrients is minimized. This parameter change eliminates plugging caused by excessive salts and extraneous materials while still providing adequate nutrients to crops through continuous or intermittent application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential nutrient components needed by crops and delivers them in highly diluted form, leaving behind the harmful extraneous materials that cause plugging. The selective delivery of diluted nutrient solutions removes the harmful factors while retaining the beneficial nutrient supply.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces labor and equipment costs, minimizes plugging issues, and ensures uniform nutrient availability, enhancing crop health and productivity while reducing fertilizer waste and excess nitrogen application.
Implementation Method 1
the feedstock components intermix as the feedstock is charged to the irrigation system
Implementation Method 2
via a system that provides a high-dilution environment in the feedstock-component intermixing zone
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.