fertigasjon

Fertigation is a method of delivering fertilizers directly to plants through an irrigation system. The term is a portmanteau of "fertilizer" and "irrigation." This technique allows for precise application of nutrients, ensuring that plants receive the exact amounts they need, when they need them. It is commonly used in agriculture, particularly in greenhouse cultivation, hydroponics, and in fields where efficient water and nutrient use is critical.

The primary advantage of fertigation is its efficiency. By combining irrigation and fertilization, it reduces labor costs associated with manual fertilizer application and minimizes nutrient loss through leaching or volatilization. This precision also leads to improved plant growth, higher yields, and better quality produce. The dissolved fertilizers are delivered directly to the root zone, where they can be readily absorbed by the plants.

Various types of fertilizers can be applied through fertigation, including soluble salts, liquid fertilizers, and even suspensions. The irrigation system used can range from drip irrigation, which is highly efficient and precise, to sprinkler systems. Careful management of water quality and fertilizer concentration is essential to prevent clogging of the irrigation system and to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm plants and the environment. Regular monitoring of soil or nutrient solution parameters is crucial for successful fertigation.