Maximizing growth with fertigation: A guide to efficient nutrient delivery

For many years, farmers have been fertilizing their crops with the best fertilizers for thriving results. Although fertilizers are essential in maintaining crop health, their traditional application method can negatively impact the environment. So, growers should adopt a new and advanced method of fertilizer application called fertigation.

Fertigation combines fertilization and irrigation to deliver nutrients to plants using fertigation systems. As a result, growers can save time and effort by using these two techniques together. Typically, fertigation meets the crop's calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen needs. Even growers can use soluble and liquid micronutrients in the fertigation system. However, proper care should be taken while using a fertigation system.

Growcycle offers top fertigation systems to nourish plants with maximum nutrient delivery. The article below will explore all the necessary details about fertigation, including its benefits, usage, and how to maximize plant growth using a fertigation system.

What is Fertigation?

Fertigation is the process of applying fertilizer to crops using irrigation water. It provides a useful opportunity to increase output and decrease environmental contamination by improving fertilizer efficiency, decreasing fertilizer application, and improving the return on fertilizer investment.

Fertigation allows for precise control over fertilizer timing, amount, and concentration. Incorporating fertilizers into irrigation systems requires the following primary conditions:

• Proper equipment for fertigation is required. The equipment must have a back-flow-prevention valve, a wet bulb, and a filter to prevent dripper clogging.
• The second most important thing for fertigation is selecting the right fertilizer. Always check the fertilizer's acidity and potential for corrosion.

Benefits of Fertigation for Optimal Plant Growth

Fertigation is increasingly popular in agriculture and horticulture due to its numerous benefits for optimal plant growth. Here are some key advantages:

Aligning Crop Needs and Nutrient Supply

Nutrient efficiency improves when crop demand matches fertilizer supply. Gardeners can use fertigation to apply nitrogen in line with crop needs, increasing the amount during the growth phase and reducing it as crops mature. This approach differs from granular fertilization, which often does not align with crop needs, even when applied in stages.

Increase Crop Yield

Using fertilizers together with water helps fruit and vegetable crops grow better and produce more compared to traditional methods. Researchers found that squash plants given different nitrogen levels through fertigation had higher yields than those treated with regular fertilization alone.

Improved Nutrient Absorption

Fertigation allows farmers to deliver nutrients directly to the roots, making it easier for plants to absorb them. This precise approach helps reduce nutrient waste and ensures plants get the maximum benefit from fertilizers. As a result, crops are healthier and produce higher yields.

Precise Nutrient Delivery

Fertigation systems can be adjusted to match the specific nutrient needs of different crops and their growth stages. This flexibility allows farmers to fine-tune fertilizer mixes based on factors like soil condition, crop type, and weather. Doing so can help plants grow better and improve overall crop production.

Time and Labor Savings

Fertilization saves time and labor compared to traditional methods like spraying or spreading fertilizer over fields. With automated systems, farmers can set schedules for fertilizer application, reducing the need for manual work and operating costs.

Water Conservation

Since fertigation combines nutrient application with irrigation, it reduces the need for separate fertilizer treatments, leading to less water use. This is especially useful in areas with limited water supplies or during drought, helping conserve water while supporting crop growth.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Fertigation is a more environment-friendly farming method as it minimizes nutrient runoff and leakage. Delivering nutrients directly to the root zone lowers the risk of polluting soil and water. Some fertigation systems can recycle water, reducing farming's environmental footprint.

Disadvantages of Fertigation

Although the fertigation system has several benefits in agriculture, it has some disadvantages, too. Here are some of them:

High Cost

Using a fertigation system requires an initial investment in infrastructure, including specific equipment such as water injectors, pumps, and controllers. Although these upfront expenses can be high, they are frequently compensated by less labor and fertilizer costs.

Maintenance Requirement

Fertigation systems require frequent maintenance and calibration for efficient operation and precise nutrient delivery. Uneven fertilizer distribution, caused by breakdowns or poor management, can put crop health and yield at risk.

Clogging Risk

Fertigation equipment, including injectors and emitters, can clog if not adequately managed or used with sediment water. Clogs can impair fertilizer flow and cause uneven distribution, demanding regular monitoring and cleaning to avoid crop damage.

Technical Expertise Necessity

Operating a fertigation system requires technical expertise and proficiency. Farmers must understand the fundamentals of irrigation scheduling, fertilizer management, and system maintenance to maximize efficiency and avoid possible dangers.

Limited Suitability for All Crops

Some crops may not be well-suited to fertigation, especially those that do not require constant or controlled irrigation. Additionally, fertigation may not work well in areas with high-salinity water, as this can harm certain crops or soil types.

Typical Methods Used for Fertigation

Growers can use various methods for fertigation to efficiently deliver nutrients to crops. Some of the typical techniques are:

1. Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is a micro-irrigation system that allows water to flow gently to plant roots from above to below the soil surface. It provides water to plants through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters. Drip fertigation is the most effective approach for crop development because it delivers nutrients directly to the root zone, improving water and fertilizer intake. Drip irrigation wetting patterns are often circular or hemispherical on the soil surface.

There are two types of drip irrigation systems:

• Micro spray heads
• Subsurface drip irrigation

Micro-spray heads spray water in a limited area and are applied to vine and tree crops with broader root zones. Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) employs permanently or temporarily buried drip tape near or beneath the plant roots. It is becoming increasingly common for row crop irrigation, particularly in areas with limited water.

2. Sprinkler Irrigation

Sprinkler irrigation-based fertigation is a popular pressured nutrient delivery system. Sprinklers deliver water and nutrients uniformly throughout the plant canopy. Despite its lower precision compared to drip irrigation, this method could be useful for fertigating large areas.

Agronomists can face serious concerns via sprinkler systems, such as canopy burns and rusting of metal components. Micro-sprinkler irrigation uses low-pressure sprinklers to water and fertilize plants. If managed correctly, this strategy produces excellent results for small—to medium-sized plants.

Types of Fertigation Equipment

Various types of equipment are used in fertigation to ensure efficient application of nutrients to crops. Here are the main types of fertigation equipment:

1. Pressure Differential Injection

A pressure differential injection system uses a difference in pressure within the main irrigation line. This is achieved through valves, pressure regulation, pipe bends, or pipe friction. This system helps push water through a bypass pipe into a pressure tank, which then sends the water back out mixed with different amounts of dissolved fertilizer.

There are two main methods for this system:

• Pressure Tank: This method uses a tank that holds both fertilizer and some irrigation water under pressure. Farmers can place these pressure tanks in specific field areas to apply fertilizer where needed without running long mainlines.
• Venturi System: Farmers can also use a simple venturi injector that relies on the pressure difference. This injector creates a vacuum that pulls dissolved fertilizer into the irrigation system. However, this system requires a pressure drop, which must come from either the irrigation pump or a small booster pump.

2. Injection Pumps

Injection pumps can use electrical, battery, solar, wind, fuel, or hydraulic power sources. The most commonly used injection pumps are:

• Electrical Pumps: They are widely used globally due to their ease of automation and convenience in areas with access to electricity. They require low maintenance and are easy to use.
• Piston and Diaphragm Pumps: These pumps can be tuned to achieve a particular discharge flow or a percentage of maximum flow. They offer flow rates ranging from a few to hundreds of liters per hour.
• Centrifugal Pumps: These pumps are fully automated and run continually. Farmers can use larger centrifugal pumps for direct pipeline injection, but their accuracy is often worse.
• Hydraulic Pumps: These pumps are ideal for areas without electricity. They use the system's water pressure, resulting in water loss. They are simple to use and move, with adjustable flow rates.

Common Nutrients Supplied to Plants Via Fertigation

Fertigation allows for the precise application of nutrients directly to plants through irrigation systems. Here are some common nutrients supplied to plants via fertigation:

Nitrogen (N)

This nutrient is crucial for plant growth. It helps plants develop strong leaves and stems. Farmers often provide nitrogen through fertilizers like urea, ammonium nitrate, or calcium nitrate. By delivering nitrogen through fertigation, plants can quickly absorb it, which boosts their overall growth.

Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus is essential for root development, flowering, and fruit production. It is typically administered as fertilizers such as mono ammonium phosphate (MAP) or diammonium phosphate (DAP). Plants can develop strong root systems and produce copious flowers and fruits when given the proper quantity of phosphorus.

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Potassium (K)

This nutrient is important for maintaining overall plant health, regulating water, and improving fruit quality. Potassium is often supplied through potassium nitrate or potassium sulfate. Fertigation allows for the precise application of potassium, which helps plants resist diseases and improves the taste and texture of fruits.

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium contributes to the structure of plant cells and is essential for the plant's overall strength. It is frequently applied as calcium nitrate or calcium chloride. When calcium is delivered through fertigation, it helps prevent issues like blossom end rot in fruits.

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium is key for photosynthesis, which allows plants to convert sunlight into energy. It also aids in nutrient absorption. Farmers can provide magnesium through magnesium sulfate (commonly known as Epsom salt) or magnesium nitrate. This nutrient is important for the vibrant green color of leaves and the plant's overall health.

Sulfur (S)

Sulfur is essential for producing proteins and aiding enzyme functions in plants. It is typically applied through ammonium sulfate or potassium sulfate. Adequate sulfur levels can improve plant growth and increase crop quality.

Micronutrients

These are trace elements that plants require in small quantity but are still necessary for appropriate growth and development. Important micronutrients include iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and boron (B). They are often supplied in chelated forms or as part of specialized micronutrient blends. These nutrients support various physiological functions, including enzyme activity and chlorophyll production.

Steps to Use a Fertigation System for Efficient Nutrient Delivery

Properly using the fertigation system ensures significant nutrient delivery to plants for maximum growth. Below are some steps that a gardener must follow to maximize crop yield and health.

1. Plan Fertigation Strategy

Start with soil tests to determine nutrient levels and pH. This information helps in deciding which nutrients need to be added. Identify the specific nutrient needs of the crops farmers are growing. Different crops have different nutrient requirements at various growth stages.

2. Select the Right Fertilizers

Select the right fertilizers based on the soil test results and crop requirements. This may include both macronutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and micronutrients. Calculate the appropriate rates for each fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization or nutrient deficiency.

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3. Dissolve the Fertilizers

After selecting the right fertigation system for the crops, fill the tank with fertilizer mixture. When making fertilizer solutions, ensure the ingredients are compatible with the same tank. Fill the tank 3/4 with water and gradually add fertilizer while stirring continually. Adding significant amounts of fertilizer at once might slow the dissolution process, especially for endothermic reactions. Therefore, proceed gently.

After completing the procedure, add more water to the tank and keep stirring to finish the solution. However, when using liquid fertilizers, consider the tank capacity and adjust the amount of water correspondingly.

4. Pre and Post Irrigation

Before starting fertigation, running the system without fertilizer is important for a while. This helps stabilize pressure, flow rates, and the wetted area around the plants. The time needed to stabilize the system depends on its design. Regularly checking the pressure gauge can help monitor this.

Post-fertigation management is even more critical. If the system is overflushed, nutrients like nitrate and calcium may wash away from the wetted area. Again, the system design determines the timing. Farmers can determine when the water arrives and inject the solution at the location farthest from the pump to calculate this.

5. Clean the System and Acidification

Farmers should have a regular cleaning schedule for the entire system. This is especially important for tanks, pipes, filters, and injection devices. Before shutting down the system, they should always clean the tank, especially if they plan to use different fertilizer ingredients for the next fertigation.

Acidification is important because some fertilizers work best in low pH conditions. While fertilization does not change soil pH, acidification helps maintain the system and has little effect on nutrient availability. Farmers can use acidic fertilizers, such as organic acid products or nitric or sulfuric acid, to lower the pH.

6. Monitor the System

Farmers must regularly check irrigation systems to ensure that nutrients and water are supplied efficiently to the plants. This includes two main checks:

• Pressure
• Dripper discharge

Pressure testing should be done when all drippers are functioning properly to detect unexpected pressure drops, such as those from broken pipes or weak connections.

Drippers need a minimum pressure to work correctly and provide the right amounts of water and nutrients. Normal operating pressure ranges from 1 to 4 bars. If drippers discharge inconsistently, it can lead to uneven plant growth and yields. Farmers should avoid mixing different types of drippers in one area, which may cause poor water distribution and fertilizers.

Key Factors for a Successful Fertigation

Fertigation refers to the delivery of liquid nutrients through an irrigation system. But simply adding them isn't enough. Here are some tips a gardener must follow for successful fertigation:

Solubility of Fertilizer

Different fertilizers have different solubility. However, the degree and speed of solubility are temperature dependent. So, it is essential to determine whether nutrients can dissolve at the current temperature in the field. The season should also be considered, as the solubility rate varies between spring and summer.

When used in high quantities, some fertilizers like ammonium nitrate have the potential to precipitate out of solution. Therefore, always read the fertilizer manual to check the solubility of fertilizer before using it in a fertigation system.

Compatibility of Fertilizer

When combining different fertilizers for fertigation, it is vital to identify their compatibility with the fertigation system. If the fertilizers are likely to react negatively, separate solutions should be made and kept in different reservoirs. Try not to mix sulfur and phosphorus with calcium and chelates with non-chelates. The main guidelines for fertilizer mixing are preventing precipitation and reducing solubility.

Acidity of Fertilizers

Solution acidity promotes corrosion in metal reservoirs and fertigation systems. This characteristic is measured as the pH level; neither too high nor too low is desirable. Acid solutions are highly corrosive, whereas alkaline liquids increase the chance of precipitation. Fertilizers can increase or decrease the pH, so choose wisely to prevent harmful reactions.

Osmotic Pressure

Irrigation water is usually saline, and adding fertilizers that contain salt makes it much more saline. Osmotic pressure and salinity are related. Negative osmotic potential makes it more difficult for plant roots to absorb water, which lowers output. Even when moisture is present in the soil, crops cannot use it due to osmotic stress, which occurs as water moves from less salinized to more salinized places.

If osmotic stress is severe, plants die because they expend more energy absorbing water and nutrients from fertilization. Therefore, fertilizers should be applied with the lowest osmotic pressure.

Adsorbility

Another factor influencing nutrient distribution is their nature and capacity to adsorb onto soil components. Nitrates and sulfates do not cling to soil particles, while potassium and phosphorus do. Specifically, positively charged potassium reacts with negatively charged clay, and phosphorus binds with either calcium or aluminum.

Therefore, gardeners should always check fertilizers' absorbability before incorporating them into the fertigation system.

Timing of Fertigation

Different crops require different amounts of nutrients depending on their growing stage. Applications, whether too early or too late, are almost discarded due to runoff or volatilization. Fertigation allows agronomists to supply nutrients to crops in the proper amount and timing, making it the most efficient method.

Farmers should follow the most vigorous fertigation plan throughout plant growth, while less vigorous or gentle fertilization is used during the harvesting phase. They can also plan fertigation events by tracking progress every week.

FAQs

What is the difference between fertilizer and fertigation?

Fertilizer is any natural or manmade material applied to soil or plants to provide nutrients. Fertilization is the application of fertilizers to plants and crops. It involves the combination of an irrigation system and fertilization.

What are the disadvantages of fertigation?

Although fertigation has various advantages, it can pose hazards when misused. It can result in overfertilization and nutrient imbalances. It is an expensive fertilizer application method. Moreover, it may clog soil salinity, leading to poor plant health.

What is the difference between foliar and fertigation?

Foliar feeding is a technique for feeding plants that uses a foliar spray to directly supply liquid fertilizer to leaves. On the other hand, fertigation involves using different equipment, like pumps, tanks, and drip injections, to supply nutrients to plants.

The Bottom Line

Fertigation is a new and advanced approach to efficient nutrient delivery for maximum plant growth. By combining fertilization and irrigation, fertigation guarantees maximum nutrient supply to plants' root zone and nutrient absorption. To get the desired results, gardeners must use the proper application techniques, including proper fertilizer mixing, pre and post irrigation, and regular irrigation system maintenance.

The Fertigation System provided by Growcycle guarantees adequate supply and delivery of nutrients to optimize crop growth and health. Gardeners can make their crops evergreen and healthier by including this modern fertigation system in their daily agriculture practice.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.

Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.