FERTIGATION

Moshe Sne
 FERTILIZATION METHODS

 On-surface broadcasting
• Manual
• Mechanical
• Insertion to soil by rain, irrigation or tillage
 Mechanical insertion into the soil
 Foliage spray
 Fertigation

FERTIGATION 2
 WHY FERTIGATION?

 Maximize production and income

 Enable the use of sophisticated agro-
techniques
 Saving of labor and means of
production
 Decrease the contamination of the
environment

FERTIGATION 3
 ADVANTAGES OF
FERTIGATION (1)

 Improving efficiency
• Uniform distribution with irrigation water
• Deeper penetration of the nutrients into the
soil
• Avoiding nutrient losses from soil surface
• Better synchronization with crop demands
• Adjustment of amounts and ratio between
nutrients along the growing season

FERTIGATION 4
 ADVANTAGES OF
FERTIGATION (2)

 Avoiding of soil compaction

 Avoiding damage to canopy and
yield
 Reduction of fertilizer losses
 Additional functionality
• Application of herbicides and
pesticides

FERTIGATION 5
 LIMITATIONS AND
RISKS (1)
 Hazard of penetration of nutrient solution
into the drinking water supply network
 Only completely soluble fertilizers are
applicable
 Hazard of corrosion, precipitates
formation and clogging in the irrigation
system
 Use of acids and inflammable materials
 Costly investment in accessories and
storage installations
FERTIGATION 6
 LIMITATIONS AND
RISKS (2)

 Incorrect application may cause damage

to crop, nutrient losses by leaching
beneath the root-zone and contamination
of underground water resources
 Hazard of foliage and fruit scorching in
overhead irrigation
 Large storage volumes are needed for
nutrient solutions

FERTIGATION 7
THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS
OF FERTIGATION

 Chemical aspects
 Technology
 Physiological aspects
 Economical aspects
 Environmental aspects
 Calculations

FERTIGATION 8
 THE CHEMICAL ASPECTS

 Interaction between fertilizers and

irrigation water
 Interactions between fertilizers
• Precipitation
• Decomposition
• Antagonism
• Synergism

FERTIGATION 9
THE NUTRITION
ELEMENTS

FERTIGATION 10
 FUNCTIONS OF ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS – NITROGEN (N)

 Incorporated in amino-acids and proteins

 found in protoplasm of all living cells
 Required for synthesis of chlorophyll,
nucleic acids, ATP, enzymes, coenzymes,
hormones and vitamins

FERTIGATION 11
 FUNCTIONS OF ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS – PHOSPHOROUS (P)

 Required for the synthesis of of nucleic acids

(RNA and DNA)
 Storage and transfer of energy (ATP and ADP)
 Constituent of cell membrane and some proteins
 Stimulation of early growth and root formation.
 Best used by plants in cold weather and with fast
top growth (lettuce)
 Least response by plants in summer with
extensive root systems (tree crops) and
mychorrhizae
FERTIGATION 12
 FUNCTIONS OF ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS – POTASSIUM (K)

 Translocation of sugars
 Associated with K+/Na+ pump in active transport
 Starch formation
 Activation of enzymes
 Regulation of anion-cation balance in the cells
 Opening and closing of guard cells around
stomata (needed for efficient water use)
 Increases plant resistance to disease
 Increases size and quality of fruit
 Increases winter hardiness
FERTIGATION 13
 FUNCTIONS OF ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS – CALCIUM (Ca)

 Essential part of cell walls and membranes, must

be present for cell enlargement, division and
formation of new cells. Needed for normal cell wall
development
 Sticks adjacent cells together
 Activates enzymes needed for the growth of root
and shoot tip
 Decreases root infestation by soil fungi diseases

FERTIGATION 14
 FUNCTIONS OF ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS – MAGNESIUM(Mg)

 Essential part of the chlorophyll molecule

 Activator for many plant enzymes
 Important for synthesis of DNA and RNA
 Essential for binding of ribosome subunits
 Mobile in the plant to younger tissue

FERTIGATION 15
 FUNCTIONS OF ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS – SULFUR(S)

 Constituent of three amino acids

 Important for synthesis of proteins
 Increases root development
 Present in co-enzyme A, vitamin thiamine,
biotin and ferredoxin.
 Essential for nodule formation in legumes

FERTIGATION 16
 FUNCTIONS OF MICROELEMENTS
Iron (Fe2+/Fe3+)

 Promotes formation of chlorophyll

 Essential component of the enzyme
mechanism which operates the respiratory
system of cells
 Involved in reactions in cell division and
growth

FERTIGATION 17
 FUNCTIONS OF MICROELEMENTS
MANGANESE (Mn2+)

 Predominant in metabolism of organic acids

 Activates the reduction of nitrite and
hydroxylamine to ammonia
 Constituent of important enzymes involved in
respiration and enzyme synthesis
 Activator of enzyme reactions such as
oxidation/reduction, hydrolysis
 Direct influence on sunlight conversion to energy
in the chloroplast (photosynthesis)
FERTIGATION 18
 FUNCTIONS OF MICROELEMENTS
ZINC (Zn2+)

 Synthesis of growth hormones (auxin)

 Seed and grain formation
 Promotes maturity
 Enhances elongation of plant organs
 Protein synthesis
 Transformation and consumption of
carbohydrates
FERTIGATION 19
 FUNCTIONS OF MICROELEMENTS
BORON [B(OH)3, H2BO3]

 Protein synthesis
 Synthesis of plant hormones
 Promotes maturity
 Increases flowering set
 Affects nitrogen and carbohydrate
metabolism
 Regulation of water relations in plant
FERTIGATION 20
 FUNCTIONS OF MICROELEMENTS
COPPER (Cu2+)

 Enzyme activator
 Has major function in photosynthesis
 Major function in reproductive stage
 Function in respiratory enzymes
 Indirect role in chlorophyll production
 Increases sugar content
 Intensifies color
 Improves flavor in fruits and vegetables
FERTIGATION 21
 FUNCTIONS OF MICROELEMENTS
MOLYBDENUM (MoO4)

 Essential for nitrogen fixation

 Essential for nitrate reduction
 Essential for plant growth

FERTIGATION 22
 FUNCTIONS OF MICROELEMENTS
CHLORINE (Cl-)

 Activator for the enzyme that releases

oxygen from water during photosynthesis
 Regulates turgor pressure and growth of
cells and is important in drought resistance
(stomata gate cells aperture)
 Counter ion to the positively charged
cations in the cell

FERTIGATION 23
CONCENTRATION OF NUTRITION
ELEMENTS IN THE PLANT
NON-MINERAL ELEMENTS

FERTIGATION 24
CONCENTRATION OF NUTRITION
ELEMENTS IN THE PLANT
MACROELEMENTS

FERTIGATION 25
CONCENTRATION OF NUTRITION
ELEMENTS IN THE PLANT
MICROELEMENTS

FERTIGATION 26
THE CHEMICAL NATURE
OF NUTRIENTS

FERTIGATION 27
BASIC FERTILIZERS FOR
FERTIGATION

FERTIGATION 28
NUTRIENT CONSUMPTION CURVES
OF GREENHOUSE TOMATOES

FERTIGATION 29
 PATTERNS OF
FERTIGATION (1)

 Batch injection
• The flow-rate of the injector is
independent of the flow-rate of the
irrigation system
• Simple operation but lower level of
control on nutrient application

FERTIGATION 30
 PATTERNS OF
FERTIGATION (2)

 Proportional injection
• The flow-rate of the injector is
proportional to the flow-rate of the
irrigation system
• Good control and adjustment of
nutrient supply, but more
complicated operation

FERTIGATION 31
 ENERGY SOURCES

 Inherent pressure of the irrigation

system
 External energy sources
• Electricity
• Internal combustion engines

FERTIGATION 32
 INJECTOR TYPES

 Pressure differential
 Venturi (suction)
 Fertilization pumps

FERTIGATION 33
 PATTERNS OF INJECTION
FERTILIZER CONCENTRATION

 Decreasing along time (Fertilizer tank)

 Uniform – pulsating (piston and diaphragm
pumps)
 Uniform – constant (venturi, internal mixing
pumps, mixers)

FERTIGATION 34
CONTROL HEADS

FERTIGATION 35
FERTILIZATION TANKS

FERTIGATION 36
 FERTILIZATION TANK
ADVANTAGES

 Simple construction and operation

 Low cost of small units
 Extensive field experience
 No need of external energy source
 Good mobility
 Wide dilution ratio

FERTIGATION 37
 FERTILIZATION TANK
LIMITATIONS
 Head losses by throttling
 High cost of large units
 Non-uniform nutrient concentration along
the time of application
 Fertilizer replenishment is needed prior to
each application
 Integration with automation is problematic
 The tank and the accessories have to
withstand the mainline operating pressure
FERTIGATION 38
VENTURI

FERTIGATION 39
VENTURI WORKING
PRINCIPAL

b a

FERTIGATION 40
VENTURY SUCTION INJECTOR
ADVANTAGES
 Simple to operate, easy to install, no moving
parts
 Wide range of flow-rates (in different models)
 Low cost of small devices, Solution sucked
from an open tank
 Mobile
 Constant suction rate in constant pressure
regime
 Easy integration in automation
FERTIGATION 41
VENTURY SUCTION INJECTOR
LIMITATIONS

 High head losses

 Sensitivity to pressure fluctuations
 Narrow discharge range of each model

FERTIGATION 42
BOOSTER PUMP

FERTIGATION 43
 HYDRAULIC PUMPS

 Piston pumps
 Diaphragm pumps
 Internal mixer pumps

FERTIGATION 44
 PUMP INJECTORS
ADVANTAGES

 Uniform nutrient distribution along

the fertigation process
 Easy control on amount and
concentration of the nutrient solution
 Convenient integration with
automation
 No pressure losses

FERTIGATION 45
 PUMP INJECTORS
LIMITATIONS

 High initial cost

 Complicated operation
 Wear of moving components
 Suitable only to fertilizer solutions
 Some models need external power
source
 Some models emit surplus driving
water outside
FERTIGATION 46
PISTON INJETION PUMP

FERTIGATION 47
PISTON INJECTION PUMP
WORKING PATTERN

FERTIGATION 48
DIAPHRAGM INJECTION PUMPS

FERTIGATION 49
 INTERNAL MIXER
WORKING PATTERN

FERTIGATION 50
ELECTRIC PUMPS

FERTIGATION 51
 ELECTRIC PUMPS
ADVANTAGES

 Precise and reliable

 Suitable for extremely low dosage
 Conveniently integrated in
automation
 Wide range of flow-rates

FERTIGATION 52
 ELECTRIC PUMPS
LIMITATIONS

 Need of external energy source

 Fails in blackout occasions

FERTIGATION 53
COMBINED MECHANICAL –
ELECTRONIC ADJUSTMENT

FERTIGATION 54
MIXER

FERTIGATION 55
 MIXER
ADVANTAGES

 PRECISE MIXING OF FERTILIZERS

 FULL CONTROL OF CONCENTRATION AND
RATIO BETWEEN NUTRIENTS
 CONTINUOUS INJECTION

FERTIGATION 56
 MIXER
LIMITATIONS

 HIGH COST
 SUITABLE FOR LIQUID FERTILIZERS ONLY

FERTIGATION 57
 MIXER WORKING SCHEME
1- Main Valve
2- Water Meter ODIMIX®
3- Disc Filter
4- Mixing Tank
5- EC, pH Controller
6- Irrigation Valve
7- Booster Pump
8- Fertilizer Meter
9 - Non-return Valve
10- Electric Valve
11- Flow Meters
12- Flow control Manual
Valves
13- Fertilizer Pumps
14- Manual Valve

FERTIGATION 58
FERTILIZER SOLUTION METER

FERTIGATION 59
 BACKFLOW PREVENTION

PREVENTION OF BACKWARD WATER FLOW FROM THE

IRRIGATION SYSTEM TO THE WATER SOURCE
DEVICES
 CHECK VALVES
 BACKFLOW PREVENTERS

FERTIGATION 60
CHECK VALVES

FERTIGATION 61
BACKFLOW PREVENTER
WORKING PATTERN

FERTIGATION 62
MANGO – FERTIGATION IN
AERATED TRENCHES

FERTIGATION 63
YIELD INCREASE IN FERTIGATED
MANGO IN AERATED TRENCHES

FERTIGATION 64
SOIL SOLUTION EXTRACTOR

FERTIGATION 65
DRAIN WATER MONITORING

Drain-Water collection point

FERTIGATION 66
COMBINED RAIN WATER COLLECTION
AND FERTIGATION SYSTEM

FERTIGATION 67
 SAFETY

 Warning signs
 Use protective clothes, goggles, gloves
and boots when dealing with fertilizers
 Dilution of acids: pour slowly the acid
into the water
 Some of the fertilizers are inflammable.
No weeds and garbage in the injection
and storage vicinity.

FERTIGATION 68
FERTIGATION 69
GASOUS AMMONIA INJECTION
IN SURFAC IRRIGATION

FERTIGATION 70
INJECTION OF FERTILIZER INTO
CANAL

FERTIGATION 71
FERTILIZER INJECTION INTO
SURGE VALVE

FERTIGATION 72
 WATER QUALITY

 Water hardness factors

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Bi-carbonates
• Sulfates
 Water pH
 Bacteria (S, Fe, Mn)
 “Jar test”
FERTIGATION 73
PRECIPITATION TRIGGERS

 High pH values
 High bi-carbonates concentration
 Iron bacteria
 Sulfur bacteria
 Manganese bacteria
 High silt and clay content
 Chlorination
FERTIGATION 74
 WATER TREATMENTS

 Filtration
 Acidification
 Chlorination

FERTIGATION 75
 ACIDIFYING AGENTS

 Acid Fertilizers
• Posphoric acid
• Nitric acid
• Ammonium Sulfate
• Etc.
 Acids
• Sulfuric acid
• Hidrochloric acid

FERTIGATION 76
 CHLORINATING AGENTS

 Sodium Hypochlorite NaOCl

 Calcium Hypochlorite Ca(Ocl)2
 Chlorine Gas Cl2

FERTIGATION 77
EC and pH SENSORS

FERTIGATION 78
FERTILIZER BOOSTER

FERTIGATION 79
FLOW IN-LINE MIXER

FERTIGATION 80