The Benefits Of Fertigation

Fertigation is the application of fertilizers, soil amendments, or other water soluble products through an irrigation system. Chemigation, a related and sometimes interchangeable term, is the application of chemicals through an irrigation system. Chemigation is considered to be a more restrictive and controlled process due to the potential nature of the products being delivered (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) to cause harm to humans, animals or the environment. Therefore chemigation is generally more regulated than fertigation.

Fertigation is used extensively in commercial agriculture and horticulture and is starting to be used in general landscape applications as dispenser units become more reliable and easy to use.

Benefits of fertigation over traditional broadcast or drop fertilizing methods include:

• Increased nutrient absorption by plants

• Reduction in fertilizer and chemicals needed

• Reduced leaching to the water table
  

• Reduction in water usage due to the plant's resulting increased root mass being able to trap and hold water
• Cost Savings - Usually when factors such as labor, fuel, and interrupted play are factored into traditional fertilizer applications, significant cost savings can be seen from use of
  fertigation techniques. Additionally, using fertigation, you can usually get the
  same results from using inexpensive liquids as you can from expensive time release
  granular fertilizers
• Consistent Nutrient Levels - Feeding low levels of nutrition continuously as opposed to intermittent applications provides improved turf consistency.
• Reduced Labor - Fertigation reduces the amount of labor required to apply granular fertilizers or sprayed out foliars.
• Low operational costs