Fertilizer Question

[isurus79]

So how long does fert last if its dissolved in water? I think my spray system would be more effective if I filled it up, but that will last me a looooong time if I do.

[Ray]

It depends on the fertilizer, water supply, temperature, solution concentration and the storage conditions.

On the simplest level, once dissolved in water, if the container is sealed to prevent evaporation, the solution should be totally stable.

Unfortunately, all dissolved ions are not "created equal" in terms of solution stability, so over time some may precipitate - Mg and Ca being the worst players.

If you can find a way to agitate the tank contents, it will help a lot. I mix 25# of MSU RO in a 30-gallon tank - way more concentrated that could be considered a stable solution. To keep it in solution, I have a submersible pump in the tank, running 24 hours a day.

[isurus79]

Ray,
If I kept the container sealed to prevent evaporation and I got precipitate, could I just shake it up before I use it to dissolve the compounds? Thanks in advance for the reply!

[axle]

Just food for thought, or something to keep in mind;
Most submersible hobby pumps are magnetically driven, the magnet attracts iron from the solution therefor lowering the advertised ppm of chelated iron in your fertilizer solution.

[Ray]

Steve: Sure! Disperse, if not redissolve. The perticles would be ultra-fine, so it's OK either way.

Axle: I have used a submersible pump in my fertilizer concentrate tank for years, and see no buildup of anything on it.

[axle]

Ray, I don't think you would notice build up on the magnet.
most concentrated fertilizers contain roughly 0.1% chelated Iron, this is obviously a very small amount.
Over years buildup could perhaps be noticeable if it wasn't for iron bacteria. they oxidize the iron and can leave behind a light brown film of slime in the surrounding area. Again this may not be visible as the constant flow and pressure of water through the internals of the pump can easily wash away non ferrous particles.

[Brookpoint]

will someone tell me what msu formula is, and where to get is

[catgrrrl]

Originally Posted by Brookpoint

will someone tell me what msu formula is, and where to get is

My understanding is that when people are referring to MSU fertilizer that are referring to a formula for orchid specific food created by Michigan State University. FirstRays.com sells an equivalent and I have seen the original at RePotme.com. Both have different formulas for purified water vs. tap water. HTH.

[Ray]

The stuff I sell is the original - as developed by Bill Argo in his study at his alma mater - not "the equivalent".

[catgrrrl]

Originally Posted by Ray

The stuff I sell is the original - as developed by Bill Argo in his study at his alma mater - not "the equivalent".

Sorry, Ray, I misunderstood the phrase, "MSU-type". Thanks for the correction. It's also good to know since I purchased 5 lbs. of it earlier today from you.
Carol