Definition and operational mechanism
- Fertigation merges 'fertilization' and 'irrigation' into a unified automated crop nutrition system.
- Water-soluble specialty fertilizers are dissolved in a stock tank and drawn into the pressurized mainline through Venturi injectors, fertilizer tanks, or dosing pumps.
- Nutrients are delivered in dilute concentrations directly into the wetted root zone (rhizosphere), minimizing nutrient volatilization and deep leaching.
Compatible fertilizers used in fertigation
- 100% water-soluble fertilizers: Grades like Urea, Ammonium Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate (13:0:45), Monoammonium Phosphate (12:61:0), and Monopotassium Phosphate (0:52:34).
- Chelated micronutrients: Fe-EDTA, Zn-EDTA, and Borax that remain dissolved without precipitating in irrigation pipelines.
- Compatibility precautions: Never mix phosphatic fertilizers directly with calcium fertilizers in the same stock tank to avoid line-clogging calcium phosphate precipitation.
Agronomic benefits and government subsidies
- Saves 25% to 40% in fertilizer quantity while enhancing crop yields by 20% to 35% compared to conventional broadcasting.
- Allows precise split applications synchronized with crop vegetative, flowering, and fruit-sizing stages.
- Micro-irrigation and fertigation equipment receive capital subsidies under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component of PMKSY at pmksy.gov.in.
Official source
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Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the practical meaning of fertigation?
Fertigation is the application of water-soluble fertilizers dissolved directly in irrigation water through drip or sprinkler systems.
How does fertigation save fertilizer?
It places nutrients directly in active root zones in small, absorbable doses, preventing leaching, volatilization, and weed uptake.
What device injects fertilizer into a drip irrigation system?
A Venturi injector, fertilizer injection pump, or pressurized bypass fertilizer tank is used.
Which scheme subsidizes fertigation equipment in India?
The Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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