Advances in fertigation techniques to optimize crop nutrition

Description

Improving fertilizer application involves the ‘4Rs’: applying the right fertilizer source at the right rate, time and place. This chapter reviews the latest research on the ways fertigation can meet these objectives. Topics discussed include nutrient consumption curves and supply, optimizing irrigation efficiency as well as models and decision support systems to support fertigation systems. The chapter includes case studies looking at grapefruit and chives both in conventional and soilless cultivation.

Table of contents

• 1 Introduction
• 2 The right rate at the right time: nutrient consumption curves and supply
• 3 Irrigation frequency
• 4 The right place: water, salt, nutrient and root development under irrigation
• 5 The right source: fertilizer type and source
• 6 Models and decision support tools for design, operation and optimization of fertigation systems
• 7 Case studies
• 8 Conclusion
• 9 Future trends
• 10 References