Water quality is key when choosing the right water-soluble fertilizer

Starting point to determine the best water-soluble fertilizer in your growing circumstances: water quality. The importance is often underestimated.

Fertilizer and water have to work in perfect harmony so the fertilizer will contribute to in the best possible way to produce high quality plants with a high sales price. Irrigation water quality is the root cause of many crop and growth problems. That's why you need to have your water analyzed, so you can pick the right fertilizer for your particular crop and growing situation. This is crucial, because salts in irrigation water impact EC and pH levels in the potting soil, which in turn affects the crop.

• Step 1:
  Have your irrigation water analyzed (irrigation water is the water used to feed and to water your plants). Don't just test the pH and EC values: the level of bicarbonate (HCO₃) as well as the composition (the different elements) is also key.
• Step 2:
  Determine whether acidification of the water is needed. We recommend acidifying water if the bicarbonate levels are higher than 2.5mmol/liter (=152.75g/l). The right way to acidify depends on a number of factors. Please contact your ICL SF advisor for tailor-made advice. Remember that the quality of water can change when you mix spring water with rainwater. It is also important to remember to change your fertilization plan if your rainwater is replenished.
• Step 3:
  Select the right Peters or Universol fertilizer for your situation.