Fertigáció

Fertigáció is a method of agricultural irrigation that combines fertilization with irrigation. It involves applying dissolved fertilizers through an irrigation system, delivering nutrients directly to the plant's root zone. This technique aims to optimize nutrient uptake efficiency and minimize nutrient losses.

The process typically uses a central injection system to introduce liquid or water-soluble fertilizers into the irrigation water. This mixture is then distributed to the crops through various irrigation methods such as drip irrigation, micro-sprinklers, or even furrow irrigation, though drip irrigation is most common due to its precision and efficiency. Fertigación allows for precise control over the type, amount, and timing of nutrient application, which can be adjusted based on the specific needs of the crop at different growth stages and soil conditions.

Benefits of fertigación include improved nutrient use efficiency, leading to reduced fertilizer consumption and costs. It can also enhance crop yield and quality by ensuring a continuous and balanced supply of nutrients. Furthermore, by delivering nutrients directly to the root zone, it minimizes nutrient leaching into groundwater and reduces environmental impact. However, proper management and calibration of the irrigation and fertilization systems are crucial to avoid over-fertilization or plant stress. The selection of appropriate fertilizers that are soluble and compatible with the irrigation system is also important.