Fertigation is the of fertilizers, used for soil amendments, water amendments and other water-soluble products into an irrigation system. Fertigation is related to chemigation, the injection of chemicals into an irrigation system. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably however chemigation is generally a more controlled and regulated process due to the nature of the chemicals used. Chemigation often involves insecticidesherbicides, and fungicides, some of which pose health threat to humans, animals, and the environment.
Uses
Fertigation is practiced extensively in commercial agriculture and horticulture. Fertigation is also increasingly being used for landscaping as dispenser units become more reliable and easier to use. Fertigation is used to add additional nutrients or to correct nutrient deficiencies detected in plant tissue analysis. It is usually practiced on the high-value crops such as vegetables, turf, fruit trees, and ornamentals.
The benefits of fertigation methods over conventional or drop-fertilizing methods include:
Increased nutrient absorption by plants.
Accurate placement of nutrient, where the water goes the nutrient goes as well.
Ability to "microdose", feeding the plants just enough so nutrients can be absorbed and are not left to be washed down to stormwater next time it rains.
Reduction of fertilizer, chemicals, and water needed.
Reduced leaching of chemicals into the water supply.
Reduced water consumption due to the plant's increased root mass's ability to trap and hold water.
Application of nutrients can be controlled at the precise time and rate necessary.
Reduction of soil erosion issues as the nutrients are pumped through the water drip system. Leaching is decreased often through methods used to employ fertigation.
Disadvantages
Concentration of the solution may decrease as the fertilizer dissolves, this depends on equipment selection. If poorly selected may lead to poor nutrient placement.
The water supply for fertigation is to be kept separate from the domestic water supply to avoid contamination.
Possible pressure loss in the main irrigation line.
The process is dependent on the water supply's non-restriction by drought rationing.
Methods used
Drip irrigation – Less wasteful than sprinklers. It is not only more efficient for fertilizer usage, but can also be for maximizing nutrient uptake in plants like cotton. Drip irrigation using fertigation can also increase yield and quality of fruit and flowers, especially in subsurface drip systems rather than above surface drip tape.
Sprinkler systems-Increases leaf and fruit quality.
Continuous application-Fertilizer is supplied at a constant rate.
Three-stage application-Irrigation starts without fertilizers. Fertilizers are applied later in the process.
Proportional application-Injection rate is proportional to water discharge rate.
Quantitative application-Nutrient solution is applied in a calculated amount to each irrigation block.
Other methods of application include the lateral move, the traveler gun, and solid set systems.
System design
Fertigation assists distribution of fertilizers for farmers. The simplest type of fertigation system consists of a tank with a pump, distribution pipes, capillaries, and a dripper pen. All systems should be placed on a raised or sealed platform, not in direct contact with the earth. Each system should also be fitted with chemical spill trays. Because of the potential risk of contamination in the potable water supply, a backflow prevention device is required for most fertigation systems. Backflow requirements may vary greatly. Therefore, it is very important to understand the proper level of backflow prevention required by law. In the United States, the minimum backflow protection is usually determined by state regulation. Each city or town may set the level of protection required.
