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Fertigation, compared to traditional fertilization methods, offers several significant advantages. One of the main benefits is the improved efficiency of fertilizer use. When water and nutrients are delivered directly to the root zone through an irrigation system, it ensures a steady and effective supply of essential nutrients, allowing roots to absorb them more efficiently. The uniform distribution of the nutrient solution in the soil enhances the absorption capacity of the root system. In micro-irrigation systems, this efficiency is further increased because the wetting area is focused on where the roots are most concentrated, maximizing the contact between the plant and the nutrients. Additionally, the low flow rate of micro-irrigation extends the time crops have to absorb nutrients, reducing leaching and runoff. Under drip irrigation, nutrient-rich droplets slowly infiltrate the soil, keeping the root zone saturated without allowing excessive nutrients to seep deep into the ground—especially nitrate nitrogen, which can cause groundwater contamination.
Traditionally, irrigation and fertilization are done separately, often leading to inefficiencies. Fertilizer may remain unused in the soil if irrigation is not timely or sufficient, and during irrigation, the watering duration is usually short, limiting the time for nutrient uptake. For example, in tomato cultivation under drip fertigation, the nitrogen utilization rate can reach up to 90%, phosphorus around 70%, and potassium as high as 95%. This improved efficiency means less fertilizer is needed, saving both cost and resources.
Another advantage is the reduction in labor. In greenhouses and vegetable farms, managing water and fertilizer manually can be very labor-intensive. In banana production in southern China, for instance, farmers may apply fertilizer five times a year, each time digging holes or making shallow trenches and then filling them with water. With modern fertigation systems, this process becomes much simpler and faster. A study in Shenzhen’s Xili Fruit Field found that using drip irrigation saved over 95% of labor. As labor costs continue to rise, adopting such technology significantly reduces overall production expenses.
Fertigation also allows for precise and flexible control over the timing and amount of fertilization. Based on the specific nutritional needs of crops at different growth stages, targeted fertilization can be applied. For example, fruit trees need more nitrogen during the shoot period, while they require balanced nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during fruit development. This precision helps provide the right nutrition at the right time, promoting healthier growth and higher yields.
Timely fertilization is another key benefit. Intensive farming operations can complete fertilization tasks quickly, ensuring even crop growth and efficient field management. A case study in Shenzhen showed that one person could fertilize 52 hectares of lychee in just 24 hours, whereas manual application would have required 32 people working for a week.
The system also supports the efficient application of trace elements, which are often expensive when used in chelated forms. Micro-irrigation ensures accurate delivery, improving nutrient uptake and lowering costs.
In addition, micro-irrigation improves the soil environment by maintaining consistent moisture and air levels without compacting the soil. It promotes strong microbial activity, aiding in nutrient cycling and long-term soil health. This makes it especially suitable for marginal soils like sand or desert areas, where traditional irrigation might fail. Countries like Israel have successfully used drip irrigation and fertilization to grow crops in arid regions, turning deserts into productive farmland.
Fertigation also enhances a crop's resilience to environmental stress. In drought-prone areas, fields with micro-irrigation show better performance, with stable yields and fewer losses. The improved root health from consistent nutrient supply boosts the plant’s ability to withstand harsh conditions.
Environmentally, fertigation reduces fertilizer waste and pollution. Excessive fertilizer use has led to groundwater contamination and waterway eutrophication in many regions. By controlling irrigation depth, nutrient leaching can be minimized, particularly for nitrates, helping protect soil and water quality.
Moreover, the integration of water and fertilizer in fertigation maximizes their combined benefits, reducing overall water usage. This makes it a sustainable choice for modern agriculture.
Despite its advantages, there are some limitations. Initial investment in equipment can be high, especially for greenhouse applications. Proper management is crucial to avoid clogging of emitters, and fertilizers must be highly soluble. In arid regions, root growth may be restricted to the wetted area, potentially limiting plant size. Long-term use can also lead to salt accumulation at the edge of the wet zone, though this is less of an issue in humid climates. Lastly, system failures or power outages can cause backflow, potentially contaminating the water source.
Overall, fertigation is a valuable technique that supports efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.