Liquid Fert for Sprinker System

[lindy rig]

So just found out my sprinker system has a tank for liquid fertilizers (just bought the house last fall). The sprinker guy said to still use granular for best control, but could use this system to supplement a couple feedings and/or for insect control.

Does anyone have experience with these liquid chemicals that run through the sprinker system?

Can you do broadleaf control also?

[fishersofmen]

I would think a broadleaf herbicide would not work well being it would become very diluted from all the water unless you put a strait concentrate in there and stopped each zone after just getting the lawn covered. Sounds risky.

As far as a liquid fertilizer you want an even application so that you don't get striping or burning. This would also be very difficult with a sprinkler system being that the vast majority spray water out very uneven.

One thing I would love to try if I had that system is running some Cross Check insecticide through there every couple of weeks. Easy way to be mosquito and bug free.

Can you adjust how much product gets fed into the system per gallon or how does that work Lindy?

[lindy rig]

Basically just a holding tank, currently filled with water. It has a dial from fast to slow. The sprinker guy said to leave it on 'fast' and you empty the water and put your chemical inside. From there, he said it would take 2 or 3 cycles to be emptied of chemical and basically be water again.

Hoping to get more info / opinions

[leechlake]

thinking of my system I'd be concerned on this although it sounds cool. I have three separate types of head that spray differently and every Spring I do my best to set them so they cover evenly but at times when it quits raining I can generally see where the coverage lacks or over waters.

I hope this works for you because it does seem like a really efficient way to get chemicals on your lawn.

[hugonian1]

I had this installed when my system was put in.

Sounded like a great idea.

I think it is called "Fertigator"

Frankly, I used it 1 season and now it just collects dust.

Even the irrigation guy that put it in no longer advises to spend the money on it.

When I did use it I had to mow twice a week so I guess you could say it worked.

The chemical were not that cheap and I prefer to do the controlled applications at the proper time that address all the issues at that point of the season rather than just fertilize.

Also, on occasion the kids like to run thru the sprinks and this did not seem like a good way to get them "nutrition".

Mine was installed 10 years ago so maybe there are different systems now that have more validity.

[lindy rig]

I called John Deere Landscape center to get their opinion. They said, now you can only use organic types of fertilizer and rodent type repellent for these systems. Said the actual chemicals are no longer on the shelves because of back flow concerns. Dunno.

[delcecchi]

My daughter's system has a vacuum breaker backflow preventer on it. But I can understand the concern, since it is connected to your drinking water. Wouldn't want to suck 2-4-D or Fertilizer into the drinking water.