Frequent fertigation in pivots presents an efficient alternative to traditional fertilization, allowing simultaneous application of fertilizers and irrigation water without invasive methods. This facilitates fertigation, the addition of nutrients through the irrigation system. It also enables pH adjustment, soil improvement, and controlled pesticide application, a process known as chemigation.
What are the advantages of fertigation with irrigation pivots?
Rational use of fertilizers
Integrating nutrients into the irrigation system allows for more precise and efficient fertilization, adapting to the actual needs of each crop type. This increases yield and ensures that nutrients are distributed based on factors like plant type, crop development, and climate. Thus, fertilizer application is adjusted exactly to growth phases, optimizing the use of every resource.
Reduced production costs
Using pivots for fertilizer application significantly reduces operating costs. By automating the process, it eliminates the need for additional labor, allowing for more uniform distribution and, in the long run, a reduction in the total amount of fertilizer used. This translates into a cost-effective system, where fertigation can be done as often as needed without increasing operational costs.
Minimized impact on crops
Fertigation reduces machinery intervention in the fields during plant growth, which decreases crop damage and prevents soil compaction. Additionally, applying nutrients gradually reduces salinity spikes, creating a healthier growth environment for plants.
Lower environmental impact
Fertigation via pivots helps avoid traditional fertilization methods that often increase leaching and fuel use. With optimized fertilizer use, nutrient loss is minimized, and CO₂ emissions are reduced. This sustainable approach not only enhances crop yield but also supports more environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Recommended equipment for fertigation application
For efficient fertigation, it is essential to have precise injection equipment, such as an electric dosing pump. This equipment facilitates the automation of nutrient and other chemical applications, adapting to the needs of each irrigation type.
Basic Operation Equipment (Pivots or Laterals)
For constant flow systems, manual solution preparation and injection equipment are used, controlled directly from the pivot panel. These systems inject a uniform amount of product throughout the irrigation process.
Advanced Operation Equipment (Pivots with corner or endgun, variable speed installations)
In variable flow installations, a flow meter communicates data to an advanced control pump. This system automatically adjusts the amount of fertilizer and other chemicals applied based on the flow rate, maximizing the efficiency of every drop of water and fertilizer.
