Fertigation: Feeding Through the Irrigation Water

Fertigation applies fertilizer dissolved in irrigation water, usually through drip.

Advantages

• Nutrients go to the root zone in small, frequent doses, which suits sandy soils.
• Dose can follow crop stage: more nitrogen when growing, more potassium for fruit.
• Saves labour and often cuts fertilizer use for the same yield.

Requirements

• Fully soluble fertilizers to avoid clogging.
• Injection by venturi, dosing pump or tank, with a non-return valve to protect the water source.
• Compatibility: do not mix calcium with phosphate or sulphate in one tank.
• Check EC and pH of the solution and runoff.

Tip

Start and end irrigation with clean water, so the fertilizer does not sit in the lines and feed algae.