What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?
1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Fertigation is the precise application of water-soluble fertilizers dissolved directly into pressurized micro-irrigation or drip systems:
– Statement 1 is correct: Acids (such as phosphoric, nitric, or sulfuric acid) can be injected into the drip line along with liquid nutrients, allowing farmers to adjust and control the pH and alkalinity of irrigation water.
– Statement 2 is incorrect: Fertigation requires completely water-soluble fertilizers. Rock Phosphate is virtually insoluble in water and readily precipitates, forming mineral deposits that clog drippers, emitters, and valves.
– Statement 3 is correct: Delivering dissolved nutrients directly to the active root zone in micro-doses substantially increases nutrient bioavailability and plant uptake efficiency.
– Statement 4 is correct: Controlled spoon-feeding prevents excess application, significantly reducing the leaching of soluble nitrates and chemical nutrients into deep groundwater aquifers.
Therefore, statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct — Option C.