Nutrient dynamics under fertigation

Fertigation is the process of application of water soluble solid fertilizers or liquid fertilizers through drip irrigation system. Increased nutrient absorption by plants, minimize soil borne disease, reduction of fertilizer, chemicals, leaching, erosion and water. Through fertigation, nutrients are applied directly into the wetted volume of soil immediately below the emitter, where root activity is concentrated. The right combination of water and nutrients is the key for increasing the yield and quality of produce. The availability of N, P and K nutrient was found to be higher in root zone area under. Nitrogen and potassium moved laterally from point source up to 15 cm and vertically up to 15-25 cm and P moved 5 cm both laterally and vertically and thereafter dwindled. Fertigation frequency enables to reduce the concentration of immobile elements such as P, K and trace elements in irrigation water. Fertigation of nutrients increased saving of fertilizer nutrients up to 40 per cent without affecting the yield of crops compared to the conventional method of nutrient application.