NEED The adoption of trickle irrigation methods with only partial soil wetting brought about the concomitant

transition in restricting crop root system distribution mainly to the wetted zone. These limited root systems considerably modify classical fertilization management. The shift from a broadcast fertilizer application to banded fertilization or to fertilizer added to the irrigation water was developed in order to meet the nutrient needs of the trickle irrigated crop. Chronologically, fertigation was an outcome of the localized irrigation. Other factors contributing to need for fertigation include: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. Uneven growth in fertilizer consumption resulting in state-wise crop-wise Variation in consumption. Mining of nutrients from the soil at alarming rate (soil fertility depletion due to inadequate and imbalanced fertilizer use). Decline in crop response to fertilizer Stagnation in fertilizer production. Weakening relationship between fertilizer use and foodgrain production Increasing dependence on fertilizer imports.

ADVANTAGES Advantages of fertigation over traditional broadcast or drop-fertilizing methods include: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. Increase in yield by 25-30% Saving in fertilizers by 25-30% Precise application and uniform distribution of fertilizers Nutrient can be applied as per plant requirements Acidic nature helps in avoiding clogging of drippers, it cleans drip system. Minimizes nutrient losses. Major & micro nutrients can be applied in one solution with irrigation. Fertilizers can be injected as per required concentration Saving in time, labour, energy Light soils can be brought under cultivation.