Fertigation is the simultaneous application of plant nutrients (soluble fertilizers) and water through an irrigation system (drip, trickle, sprinkler, furrow, or flood). Most plant nutrients can be applied through an irrigation system. Currently, nitrogen is the nutrient most commonly used in fertigation. In good practice, soil fertility analysis is used to determine which of the more stable nutrients to apply preplant instead of through the irrigation system. Then fertigation is used to “spoon feed” additional nutrients or to correct nutrient deficiencies detected with plant tissue analysis.
Use of fertigation is increasing in U.S, Europe and Asian countries as producers strive to be more efficient with production inputs and practice good environmental stewardship. It is usually practiced with high value crops such as vegetables (strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, etc.), turf, fruit trees, vines, and ornamentals. The main advantage of fertigation is the application of nutrients at the precise time they are needed and at the rate they are utilized. Yields are optimized and fertilizer costs are reduced because the nutrients are applied when, where, and in the soluble form needed.
Overall, fertigation conserves water and nutrients. Factors to consider with fertigation are • water quality (especially in drip/ trickle systems), • soil type/leaching potential, • daily plant nutrient consumption, • potential nutrient precipitation and volatilization, and • appropriate nutrient materials. Fertigation systems have been developed for many crops to provide nutrient management guidelines. In addition, plant, soil, and water analyses provide information to optimize the whole program.
Use of fertigation is increasing in U.S, Europe and Asian countries as producers strive to be more efficient with production inputs and practice good environmental stewardship. It is usually practiced with high value crops such as vegetables (strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, etc.), turf, fruit trees, vines, and ornamentals. The main advantage of fertigation is the application of nutrients at the precise time they are needed and at the rate they are utilized. Yields are optimized and fertilizer costs are reduced because the nutrients are applied when, where, and in the soluble form needed.
Overall, fertigation conserves water and nutrients. Factors to consider with fertigation are • water quality (especially in drip/ trickle systems), • soil type/leaching potential, • daily plant nutrient consumption, • potential nutrient precipitation and volatilization, and • appropriate nutrient materials. Fertigation systems have been developed for many crops to provide nutrient management guidelines. In addition, plant, soil, and water analyses provide information to optimize the whole program.
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