Agriculture Dept.

Chemicals Injection into Drip Irrigation Systems

Recommendations & Precautions

Basic assumptions:

All water types can be used for irrigation: well, river, reservoir, drinking,
wastewater, canal, lake, etc.
Water is of varying quality presenting diverse physical, chemical and
biological characteristics. Water quality is constantly changing.
In view of the above, it is necessary to test water before use and treat it
as required.

Expected problems due to injection of unsuitable chemicals:

A. Sedimentation in drippers due to reaction between water and fertilizers.

B. Physical and chemical damage to dripperlines
C. The market is abundant with chemical fertilizers and disinfectants in
solid, liquid and gaseous states; it is absolutely impossible to supply a
detailed list of all globally available manufacturers that are permitted/
forbidden for use. The selection is infinite in terms of preparation
technique and of salts/ emulsions/ coagulants concentrations and
dosages. It is therefore recommended to:

1. Consult a professional before use!

2. Follow the general lists enclosed

3. Send new chemicals to Netafim for preliminary testing.

We shall be willing to assist as best we can.

4. It is essential that the Netafim manual for irrigation

system maintenance (Hydrogen peroxide, chlorine,
acid, treflan and Methyl Bromide) be supplied to both
Netafim field technicians and end users.

Sebastian Schifris
Tel: +972-8-6473869 cel: +972-5 979995 Fax: +972-8-6473017
E-Mail: Seba@netafim.com Web Site: http://www.netafim.com
 Agriculture Dept.

5. Preliminary test should be conducted on fertilizers of

1liter quantity at appropriate dosage, with waiting
period of 24hours to check possible appearance of
sedimentation, flocculation or suspended solids.
6. Once a chemical has been injected, irrigation must be
applied for at least ½ -1 hour with water only (without
any additives)!
7. Iron clad principle: Preventive measures are the best
treatment!!! It is therefore highly important to follow
instructions and conduct relevant tests.

Chemicals forbidden for injection into drip irrigation systems:

Fertilizers containing beyond 20 units of Phosphorus.
Ploy-phosphates (generally)
Potassium Chloride / Sulfate (red)
Borax
All organic products with high content of suspended solids (without
preliminary treatment).
Solid/ liquid organic fertilizers (pre-consulted with professional authority).
Products and fertilizers with low solubility like: Gypsum
Pesticides (upon NETAFIM professional approval).
Waxy chemicals, oil solvents, petroleum products and detergents
Active Chlorine over 40ppm at injection point
Acid over 1% - 2pH

Sebastian Schifris
Tel: +972-8-6473869 cel: +972-5 979995 Fax: +972-8-6473017
E-Mail: Seba@netafim.com Web Site: http://www.netafim.com
 Agriculture Dept.

Chemicals permitted for injection through drip irrigation systems:

Liquid fertilizers permitted for fertigation:

N – Nitrogen
Urea
Ammonium Nitrate
Nitrate acid
P- Phosphorus
Phosphoric acid
MAP =Mono Ammonium Phosphate (with high solubility 12:61:00)
Ammonium phosphate
K – Potassium
Potassium Nitrate
Potassium Chloride
Microelements
Chelates, EDTA, DTPA, EDDHA, HEDTA, ADDHMA, EDDCHA,
EDDHSA, Boric acid

It is essential to find out about chemical quality, purity,

recommended dosage, solubility, EC-PH, and about the
method and order of preparation recommended by the
manufacturer.
Note: Remove the membrane or oily surface layer formed after
fertilizer preparation. Any product not included in the above list
requires initial approval

Sebastian Schifris
Tel: +972-8-6473869 cel: +972-5 979995 Fax: +972-8-6473017
E-Mail: Seba@netafim.com Web Site: http://www.netafim.com