University of California

Maintenance of Microirrigation Systems

Mixing Fertilizers Containing Calcium and Sulfate

Mixing a fertilizer that contains calcium with one that contains sulfate can cause calcium sulfate
(gypsum) to precipitate. One example of this occurs when you mix calcium nitrate with
potassium sulfate. While both of these fertilizers are water soluble, mixing them together in
irrigation water causes the formation of gypsum, which is much less soluble and will precipitate
out of the water.

Testing a Mixture

The potential for precipitation from injecting fertilizers can be evaluated by analyzing the water
for calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and sulfate content. Concentrations of any of these
constituents in exceed of 2.5 meq/l suggest a potential for the water to form precipitates when
mixed with certain fertilizers.

You can also conduct a jar test. Mix the fertilizer in the water at the concentration that will occur
during fertigation. Cover the mixture and let it stand overnight. If the mixture turns cloudy or
white, or if a precipitate collects on the bottom of the container, precipitation will probably occur
in the drip lines. This testing procedure may have to be repeated frequently, particularly when
phosphate fertilizers are used, since characteristics may differ by manufacturer. Use extreme
caution when mixing fertilizers for a jar test since some mixtures may generate heat. Check
with the manufacturer before you mix a product.

The best policy is to not mix fertilizers because of the many unknowns regarding these chemical
reactions.

References

Burt, C., K. O’Conner, and T. Ruehr. 1995. Fertigation. San Luis Obispo: California Polytechnic
State University Irrigation Training and Research Center.
Rolston, D. E., R. J. Miller, and H. Schulbach. 1986. Management principles. In F. S. Nakayama
and D. A. Bucks, eds., Trickle irrigation for crop production. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
UNOCAL. 1996. N-pHURIC reference manual.

Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California

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