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The Feeder is an all-mechanical (requires no electricity) injector that is powered completely by water flow. Simply remove the fill cap, pour in one gallon of fertilizer into the reservoir and turn the device on. The Feeder’s unique patent-pending design automatically regulates the amount of fertilizer that gets injected into the line rate based upon the amount of water that passes through the device. As water goes through the Feeder, it spins a paddle wheel, which turns a planetary gear system that powers the injector. The speed of the paddle will is determined by how much water is going through at any given time. The Feeder will operate efficiently up to 125 PSI of water pressure and at least 2 GPM (gallons per minute) of water flow.

What equipment or tools do I need to install it?

To protect potable water (drinking water) from foreign materials, municipalities require that a code-compliant backflow prevention device be installed prior to using a fertigation device. Most new homes are already equipped with backflow prevention as it is generally required by code, however, check with your local municipality for code requirements in your area. You will also need a standard valve box to protect the Feeder from the elements. To install the device, all you need is a a shovel, pipe cutters, glue, adapters to attach from your sprinkling system to the 1” NPT male threaded posts on the Feeder and a long Phillips (#2) screw driver. If you are retrofitting the device into an existing irrigation system, a telescoping pipe extender such as the Nibco™ Slip Fix (shown below) can be used to easily extend PVC pipe without breaking it. The image to the left illustrates a fully assembled using PVC unions on 1" line.

The SmartFeeder is an all-mechanical injection system that requires no electricity and is powered completely by water.

Will it work with any sprinkling system?

The Fertile Earth Feeder connects to virtually any sprinkling system that uses a 1” service line or smaller and is best suited for residential or small business landscape between 2000 and 10,000 square ft. The Feeder has 1” NPT male threaded connections and will adapt to virtually any sprinkling system type with the appropriate adapters (not included). The device properly functions with drip systems, pop-ups, or impact sprinklers. For drip systems, make sure that your sprinkling system is pushing at least 2 gallons per minute through the device. Consult an irrigation specialist for assistance.

Where do you install it?

The Fertile Earth™ Feeder can be installed on either a pressurized or non-pressurized line. To feed your entire landscape, install the device on the pressurized side of the line after your backflow prevention device and before all valve boxes (or “T’s” in the line). All parts of the system down-stream from the Feeder will be fertilized. To feed a specific area in your landscape, install the device on a non-pressurized section after the valve, followed by a check-valve to prevent any siphoning.

A code-compliant backflow prevention device is required. The device is typically installed between the backflow prevention device and the first valve box.

Is the Fertile Earth Feeder easy to use?

The Fertile Earth Feeder has an ON/OFF switch which also serves as a refill cap. Simply fill the device with Fertile Earth Formula, turn the device to the ON position and watch your landscape grow. The device automatically regulates the amount of fertilizer distributed to each sprinkler line based on the water flow. You do not have to worry about shutting off the water main to refill it, or other complicated settings. If you don’t want to fertilize, simply turn the device to the OFF position.

How much landscape will it cover?

Each device ships with a one gallon reservoir which will feed up to 5,000 sq. ft when it is filled once per month with Fertile Earth Formula™ plant food. For a 10,000 sq. ft. landscape, simply fill the device twice per month or insert two devices and fill each of them once per month. Fertile Earth will release a larger version of the device in the fall of 2004 which will accommodate any size landscape above 10,000 square feet.

What kind of fertilizer does it use?

Fertile Earth Formula is an extraordinary plant food. It is simply the best all-purpose plant food you will ever use. Fertile Earth Formula contains a balanced mixture of naturally-derived macronutrients like (N)itrogen, (P)hosphorus and (K) Potassium, plus an ingredient called BioNatra. BioNatra is an all-natural biological growth activator and a source of essential micronutrients, complex carbohydrates, enzymes, vitamins and growth hormones not available in ordinary fertilizers. BioNatra stimulates deep root development and increases natural composting in your soil which results in more naturally available nutrients and less thatch. Fertile Earth Formula is safe for use around children, pets and the environment and contains no toxic chemicals. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER FERITLIZER PRODUCTS OR CHEMICALS IN THE FERTILE EARTH FEEDER as they may damage or clog the device and may not be safe for all plants.

Will the fertilizer stain or burn?

Fertile Earth Formula will not stain or burn when used as directed because our plant foods are derived from low biuret nitrogen, which removes the element of fertilizers that has a tendency to burn. Staining comes from

How does it handle weeds?

The Fertile Earth Feeder uses an all-natural broad-spectrum plant food that is completely safe for use around kids, pets and the environment. For safety reasons and for the protection of bedding plants, shrubs and trees, the Fertile Earth Feeder should never be used to distribute herbicides, pesticides or fungicides. Fertile Earth recommends that a pre-emergence (use only as directed) be manually applied to turf and bedding plants in the early part of the growing season and that spot weeding be used thereafter to control weeds. The best defense against weeds is a consistently healthy landscape.

Is it cost effective compared my current fertilization method?

The cost of a monthly refill of Fertile Earth Formula is a little more than a bag of granular fertilizer but is significantly less expensive than outsourced lawn care services. However, when you consider that the Fertile Earth Feeder fertilizes your entire landscape, not just the lawn and allows the average user to decrease watering from 10-30%, the Fertile Earth program actually pays for itself.

Is it safe to fertilize through my sprinkling system?

Fertigation is actually safer than traditional methods of fertilization. Why? Because instead of dumping a ton of fertilizer on all at once, fertigation distributes fertilizer slowly, over time allowing plants to absorb nutrients as they need them. With fertigation, there is no accumulation of salts or leaching of chemicals into soil or ground water. Plus, Fertile Earth Formula is a naturally derived so it is safe for use around kids and pets and is earth-friendly as well. Fertile Earth Formula with BioNatra will not clog sprinkler heads or valves. As a matter of fact, BioNatra will actually help keep your valves and heads clean.

Does it work better than services like Chemlawn™?

Fertile Earth gives you the convenience and results of quality outsourced lawn care services, with the cost savings and satisfaction of doing it yourself. Fertile Earth also has the advantage of providing nutrients to your entire landscape, not just the lawn. Your flowers, bedding plants and trees will be healthier and more vibrant than ever. Your fruits and vegetables will be larger and more abundant. The benefits of slow fertilization will also allow your landscape to develop deeper root systems so that your landscape will be more resistant to disease, pests and drought.

Where can I buy a Fertile Earth Feeder?

Fertile Earth products are available only through landscape professionals and their suppliers. Contact a local landscape professional near you or call us at 877-88-EARTH.