Nutrient Management Research Database

• Drip irrigation allows for the precise control over fertilizer applications.
• However, effective implementation of drip irrigation based fertilization (fertigation) systems requires informed practices.
• This guide outlines the essentials for implementing a fertigation system.

The topics covered in this guide include (in brief):

1)      Nutrient supply and monitoring

• Drip systems, like conventional systems, require careful nutrient monitoring to ensure efficient fertilization usage.

2)      Crop nutrient requirements

• Vegetable crops have different patterns of nutrient uptake through the growing season, which is important to consider when scheduling fertigation.

3)      What nutrients should be applied through a drip system

• N and K are most commonly applied through drip systems. Other nutrient can be applied through drip systems as long as the proper precautions are taken.

4)      Nutrient sources

• Fertilizers choices should be informed by forms, purity, solubility, and cost.
• Crop and nutrient specific guidelines are elaborated upon.

5)      Fertigation Schedule

• Fertigation efficiency can be maximized by adjusting fertigation timing to crop and site specific characteristics including soil type, temperature, precipitation, and pH.

Hartz, T.K., Hochmuth, G.J. (2007). Fertilizer Management of Drip-irrigated Vegetables. Vegetable Research and Information Center Retrieved from http://vric.ucdavis.edu/pdf/fertilization_fertilitymanagement.pdf