Hello Randal, 

Unfortunately, I do not have much experience with fertigation systems. There are a few companies who do specialize in this area.

-Gopher Irrigation and Landscaping in Silt<personal data hidden>

-All about Sprinklers<personal data hidden>

-The Grounds Guys 

-SavATree

Here is a link for more information on various fertigation systems and their impact: https://extension.usu.edu/crops/research/fertigation-facts

Using fertigation (injecting fertilizer into irrigation systems) on crops other than grass—like vegetables, fruits, or ornamentals—can be effective, but it comes with several important concerns:

1. Uneven Nutrient Distribution

Grass lawns are dense and uniform, so fertigation spreads nutrients fairly evenly. Other plants (rows, spaced crops, trees) may receive inconsistent fertilizer depending on emitter placement, water pressure, or root zones.

2. Over- or Under-Fertilization

Different plants have very specific nutrient needs at different growth stages. A fertigation system that isn’t carefully calibrated can:

• Burn sensitive plants (too much fertilizer)

• Starve others (too little or poorly timed delivery)

3. Salt Buildup & Root Damage

Frequent fertigation—especially in drip systems—can lead to salt accumulation in the soil, which is more harmful for many crops than for turfgrass. This can damage roots and reduce yields.

4. Clogging of Irrigation Components

Fertilizers (especially organic or poorly dissolved ones) can clog emitters and drip lines. This is a bigger issue in systems used for:

• Row crops

• Greenhouses

• Orchards
  Clogs lead to uneven watering and nutrient delivery.

5. Crop-Specific Sensitivities

Some plants are sensitive to:

• Leaf burn if fertigation contacts foliage

• Specific nutrient imbalances (e.g., too much nitrogen causing poor fruiting)

Grass is more forgiving than many edible or ornamental plants.

6. Water Quality Interactions

Minerals in water can react with fertilizers, causing precipitation (solid buildup), which:

• Reduces nutrient availability

• Increases clogging risk

7. Environmental Concerns

With non-grass applications:

• Runoff or leaching can contaminate groundwater more easily

• Excess nutrients may harm nearby ecosystems

8. System Complexity & Management

Fertigation for crops often requires:

• Precise timing (growth stages)

• Monitoring pH and EC (electrical conductivity)

• Different fertilizer formulations over time

This is much more complex than feeding turfgrass.

Bottom Line

Fertigation works best when:

• The system is well-designed for the specific crop

• Nutrients are carefully managed and monitored

It’s not that fertigation shouldn’t be used beyond grass—it’s widely used in agriculture—but it requires much more precision and oversight.

As for recommendations on fertilizers-I will need to know what type of grass and/or crops you'll be growing. 

Best Regards,

Dani Wesolowski