Volumetric proportional fertigation is an advanced technique that involves the instantaneous and proportional dosing of fertilizers after each volume of water applied. This method allows for efficient use of nutrients, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing economic benefits.
Disadvantages of non-proportional fertigation
Traditionally, non-proportional fertigation can be less effective and harmful to both plants and the environment. This inefficient practice can result in soil toxicity due to the accumulation of unabsorbed nutrients, as well as significant economic losses due to the excessive use of inputs.
Functioning of proportional fertigation
In the method of volumetric proportional fertigation, the fertilizer is applied in batches and dosed instantaneously after each specific volume of water. This process is generally carried out using a dosing pump, which takes advantage of its ability to measure the water volume and adjust the corresponding amount of fertilizer.
Benefits and limitations
This system ensures that the fertilizer is applied continuously and adjusted throughout the entire irrigation cycle, compensating for any variations in water flow. However, due to its discontinuous nature in dosing, there may be times when salinity concentrations reach high or low levels, affecting the homogeneity of the water and fertilizer mixture.
Comparison with flow-rate proportional dosing
Despite the advantages of volumetric proportional fertigation, dosing that more closely matches the flow rate may be more beneficial. This approach ensures a constant and homogeneous mixture of water and fertilizer, providing an optimal amount of nutrients at all times and improving absorption by the plants.
Volumetric proportional fertigation is an effective and efficient method compared to non-proportional techniques, but it is essential to consider systems that allow more consistent dosing to optimize nutrient delivery and maximize agronomic effectiveness. Selecting the right fertigation system is crucial for achieving sustainable and profitable agriculture.
