Fertigation: A Novel Method of Applying Crop Nutrients

Fertigation necessitates a comprehensive grasp of the underlying scientific principles to ensure its full potential is realized in crop production. Although the concept of fertigation originated during the era of solution culture, it failed to garner the attention of plant nutritionists and agronomists when it emerged in the context of micro irrigation.

In the realm of field agriculture, fertilizer application has yet to evolve into a precision technology. Presently, recommendations for the quantity of fertilizers required for crops in India are not based on current crop varieties or growth rate and developmental changes. Most of the existing fertilizer recommendations are outdated, and efforts to adapt them to contemporary growing conditions, soil status, crop variety, and environmental factors are limited.

Unfortunately, when growers follow the advice of traders, who aim to sell more fertilizer, the results are often lower yields, diminished fertilizer use efficiencies, and the degradation of soil and water resources.

P. Soman: Chief Agronomist, Jain Irrigation (Global), Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.