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Fertigation, compared to traditional fertilization methods, offers several advantages that significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. One of the main benefits is the improved efficiency of nutrient uptake. By delivering water and fertilizer directly to the root zone, this system ensures a steady and uniform supply of nutrients, which enhances root absorption. The even distribution of the nutrient solution in the soil leads to more efficient nutrient utilization. In micro-irrigation systems, the limited wetting area focuses on where the roots are most concentrated, maximizing fertilizer use. The slow flow rate also extends the time crops have to absorb nutrients, reducing leaching, especially for nitrate nitrogen. Traditional methods often result in inefficient nutrient uptake due to insufficient or untimely irrigation, but with drip irrigation, crops can absorb nutrients more effectively. For example, in tomato farming, the nitrogen utilization rate can reach up to 90%, phosphorus 70%, and potassium 95%. This increased efficiency reduces the amount of fertilizer needed, leading to cost savings.
Another advantage is labor reduction, particularly in greenhouse and vegetable cultivation. In fruit tree farming, managing water and fertilizer manually is labor-intensive. In some banana-growing regions, farmers may apply fertilizer up to five times a year, requiring digging holes and filling them with water. With fertigation, these tasks are automated, saving significant time and effort. A study in Shenzhen showed that using drip irrigation saved over 95% of labor, which is crucial as labor costs continue to rise.
Fertigation also allows for precise control over the timing and amount of fertilization. Farmers can tailor nutrient applications based on the crop's growth stage—such as providing more nitrogen during the vegetative phase, and more potassium during fruit development. This targeted approach ensures optimal nutrition at each stage, improving yield and quality.
Additionally, fertigation enables timely nutrient delivery, allowing large farms or orchards to complete fertilization quickly, promoting uniform crop growth and better field management. In one case, a 52-hectare lychee farm was fertilized by one person in 24 hours using drip irrigation, whereas manual application required 32 people over a week.
The system also supports the efficient use of trace elements, such as chelated metals, which are more expensive but can be precisely applied through micro-irrigation, increasing their effectiveness while lowering costs.
Moreover, fertigation improves soil conditions by maintaining good water and air balance without compacting the soil. It helps preserve the original soil structure, promotes microbial activity, and supports nutrient cycling.
It is especially beneficial in marginal soils, such as sandy or arid areas, where traditional irrigation often leads to water loss. Drip irrigation and fertilization allow crops to thrive in such conditions, as seen in Israel’s successful desert agriculture.
Fertigation also enhances crop resilience to environmental stresses, such as drought. In southern China, fields with micro-irrigation systems maintained higher yields during prolonged dry periods, demonstrating the system’s ability to support plant health.
Environmentally, fertigation reduces fertilizer runoff and groundwater contamination, addressing issues like eutrophication and pollution caused by excessive chemical use. It also conserves water by optimizing the interaction between irrigation and fertilization.
Finally, the adoption of fertigation supports standardized and modern agricultural practices, making it a key technique in sustainable farming. However, there are limitations, such as high initial investment, the need for proper management to prevent clogging, and challenges like salt accumulation in certain regions. Despite these, the benefits make it a valuable tool in modern agriculture.