Fertigation is a method of applying liquid fertilizers or pesticides while watering. The technology has been known in the world since the 70s of the last century. At first glance, it is quite simple: concentrated solutions of fertilizers (or pest control agents) are fed into the main watering line of the sprinkler irrigation system using a pump with flow control. Then the mixture goes to the plants. BRIEF ABOUT ADVANTAGES
The key benefit of fertigation is to improve the efficiency of the nutrient / protective agent applied. When using sprinkler irrigation, the introduced elements are absorbed by all plant organs - both roots and leaves (it is known that plants consume substances dissolved in water best of all). At the same time, the optimal moisture regime is maintained without overconsumption of water (with the same water use per hectare, the yield during fertigation is much higher, and the unit cost is lower).
Fertigation provides the ability to carry out multiple feeding in small doses, taking into account the needs of the plant in a certain phase of growth. It is obvious that it is practically impossible to add nutrition to potatoes at the stage of flowering or the beginning of tuber formation in another way. Nutrients are delivered on time, regardless of weather conditions.
The consumption of substances in low concentration (the fertilizer content in irrigation water should not exceed 0,2–0,3% in dry and hot periods and 0,5% in cool or rainy weather) allows crops to absorb the maximum necessary nutrition / receive protection, and agricultural producers - to avoid losses of a significant part of fertilizers / plant protection products, subject to leaching in the traditional application scheme. The negative impact of chemicals on nature is excluded.
We also add that the introduction of drugs by fertigation does not require additional passes of the equipment in the fields and saves money on the purchase of a complex of this equipment.
Despite the significant number of advantages, it is important to remember that the technology also has certain disadvantages. Let's start with the fact that not all drugs can be applied in this way.
SELECTION OF FERTILIZERS
Certain substances (primarily poorly soluble or precipitating) can cause clogging or damage to sprinklers in sprinklers. And some even cause corrosion of the elements of the irrigation system.
The choice of fertilizers for fertigation should be approached carefully, be sure to read the instructions for each drug. And do not forget about the basic rules:
- Fertilizers must be completely water soluble and compatible with each other.
- Dissolution of substances should occur in a short time at "field" temperatures.
- Fertilizers should have a low salt index (since vegetable crops have low salt tolerance).
- Substances must be characterized by low corrosivity.
Among traditional solid fertilizers, these requirements are more fully met, for example, by ammonium sulfate, urea, potassium chloride, and potassium nitrate.
ACCOUNTING WATER QUALITY
The quality of fertilization / protection operations is also largely dependent on the composition of the irrigation water. For example, if it contains an increased percentage of water-soluble salts, the degree of solubility of fertilizers decreases. The content of bicarbonates, sulfates and chlorides should also be considered. The bicarbonate ion, for example, increases the pH of the solution, reduces the solubility of fertilizers, sulfates contribute to the precipitation of Ca, Mg and Fe, chlorides increase the salinity of water and reduce the solubility of fertilizers.
In addition, the water used for irrigation may be cloudy or contain impurities. In these cases, filters must be used to avoid clogging the equipment.
SOIL STATE CONTROL
One of the important conditions for the success of the introduction of fertigation is the constant monitoring of the soil condition, control of the EU and soil pH. Soil acidity determines the availability of many nutrients. The optimum soil pH is considered to be 6.0-6.5. Above 6.5, metals such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mg), copper (Cu) and trace elements (boron and phosphorus) become less available to plants. At soil pH below 5.5, phosphorus and molybdenum also become inaccessible. EC control determines the concentration of salts in the zone of the root system. In hot weather, the concentration of salts in the plant increases; to reduce it, it is necessary to water with a decrease in the EC value by reducing the concentration of the nutrient solution in the system.
In general, the use of this technology requires strict control of the forms, doses, timing and methods of applying fertilizers / remedies.
Often fertigation is implemented by farms with computerized control systems in order to eliminate errors caused by the influence of the human factor.
With proper organization, fertigasia contributes to an increase in yield, an increase in product quality, and a decrease in its cost. In modern conditions, it becomes the most important (and under certain conditions necessary) instrument of intensive technology for growing vegetables and potatoes.
The Potential company, which is part of the Agrotrade Group of Companies, offers a full range of equipment necessary for the implementation of fertigation in your farm. The company's specialists are ready to provide professional advice and answer your questions.
Contact Information:
Group of companies "Agrotrade"
(831) 461 91 58
www.potential.pro
the bespalovav@agrotradesystem.r
+8 910 395 27 89
the valetovds@agrotradesystem.r
+8 910 882 60 52