Fertigation

Haifa Chemicals Ltd.

NOTE THIS IS COPYRIGHTED TO HAIFA CHEMICALS LIMITED AND MUST NOT BE REPRODUCED,
COPIED IN ANY WAY EXCEPT WITH EXPRESS PERMISSION.

Haifa Chemicals Ltd. is the world’s dominant supplier and producer of Multi-K (potassium nitrate,
13-0-38). The company is a subsidiary of Trans Resources International (TRI). In addition to Multi-
K - the most suitable fertilizer for advanced agriculture - Haifa Chemicals produces and markets
other specialty fertilizers such as MAP (Mono-Ammonium Phosphate) and MKP (Mono-Potassium
Phosphate), Polyfeed (water soluble N-P-K fertilizers) Magnisal (magnesium nitrate), Multi-Cal
(calcium nitrate), Multi UP (urea-phosphate) and Multi-P (phosphoric acid).
Haifa Chemicals’ “Multi” products are especially designed for application via irrigation systems
(fertigation).
An additional line of products by Haifa Chemicals which is not applicable by fertigation systems is
the Multicote (polymer coated controlled release compound fertilizers for various release periods).

The family of “Multi” products for fertigation consists of the following

lines:

1st. Multi-K line (potassium nitrate) produced in a variety of grades.

1. Multi-K
• Agri-Grade (Soluble) (13-0-38) is a fully water-soluble fertilizer composed entirely of
100% plant nutrients: 13% nitrogen, all in nitrate form, and 38% potassium as K. Multi-K is
commonly used as the K source and a nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-) supplier in fertilizer solutions for
fertigation programs.
• Multi-K greenhouse grade (GG) (13.5-0-38.4) is a high quality fertilizer, especially
designed for fertigation in greenhouses.
• Multi-K Top (13.8-0-38.6) is a top quality hydroponics grade fertilizer.
• Multi-K pHast is a high quality greenhouse grade fertilizer, with pH<6.5for fertigation in
hard water conditions.

2. Enriched Multi-K
• Multi-NPK (Soluble) (12-0.9-36.5) is potassium nitrate enriched with phosphate.
• Multi-KMg (Soluble) (12-0-35+ 1.2%Mg) is potassium nitrate enriched with magnesium.
Multi-KMg (Soluble) should not be tank mixed with phosphatic fertilizers.
• Multi-KZn (Soluble) (12-0-35.6+ 1.6%Zn) is potassium nitrate enriched with zinc.
• Multi-KS (Soluble) (12-0-38+ 1.6%S) is potassium nitrate enriched with sulfur.
• Multi-K micro (soluble) is potassium nitrate enriched with micronutrients (Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn,
Mo, Cu, and B)

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2nd. Multi-Phosphate line
• Multi-P (White Phosphoric Acid 85%, 0-27-0)
is a fully water-soluble P fertilizer, containing 27% phosphorous.

• Multi-MAP (Mono-Ammonium Phosphate, 12-27-0)

is a fully water- soluble N-P fertilizer. It contains 12% nitrogen and 27% phosphorus. MAP can
supply all the plant requirements for P and a portion of the required amount of N.

• Multi-MKP (Mono-Potassium Phosphate, 0-23-28)

is a fully water- soluble P-K fertilizer. It contains 23% phosphorus and 28% potassium MKP
can supply all the plant requirements for P and a portion of the required amount of K.

• Multi- UP (Urea Phosphate, 17-19.2-0)

Is another fully water- soluble N-P fertilizer. It contains 17% nitrogen, all in ammonium form, and
19.5% phosphorus.
Multi- UP can supply all the plant requirements for P and N.

Multi-P, Multi-MAP, Multi-MKP, and Multi-UP are ideal P sources for stock
solution mixes. These fertilizers, as well as Multi-NPK must not be tank-mixed
with calcium or magnesium fertilizers.

3rd. Poly-feed GG
Green-house grade fully water- soluble NPK fertilizers at assorted ratios and formulae, for soil and
soilless fertigation.

4th. Multi Cal (Calcium Nitrate, 15.5-0-0+19.0 Ca)

Is a fully water- soluble N-Ca fertilizer. It contains 15.5% nitrogen, all in nitrate form, and 19.0%
Ca. Multi-Cal is very effective in curing and preventing calcium deficiencies.

5th. Magnisal (Magnesium Nitrate, 11-0-0+ 9.6% Mg)

Is a fully water- soluble N-Mg fertilizer. It contains 11% nitrogen, all in nitrate form, and 9.6% Mg.
Magnisal is very effective in curing and preventing magnesium deficiencies.

The application of all the fertilizers mentioned above via Fertigation is the
recommended method to nourish your crops with the appropriate supply of
readily available nutrients, throughout their growing season.

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 Table of Contents
Page
1.0 Introduction to Fertigation ………………………………………………
A. What is Fertigation
B. Advantages of Fertigation
C. Irrigation methods
D. Selection of appropriate fertilizers
2.0 Plant Growth and Fertigation ………………………………………..….
A. Consumption rates of nutrients by the plant
B. Growing Medium Characteristics
C. Fertilizer Solution pH
D. pH changes in the growing medium
E. Irrigation Management
3.0 Application of fertilizers via irrigation systems ………………………….
3.1 Uniform distribution of fertilizer ……………………………..….
A. Irrigation by gravity
B. Pressurized irrigation methods
3.2 Methods of introducing the fertilizers into the irrigation system. ……...
A. Fertilizer tank (Bypass System)
B. Direct injection of fertilizers
C. Calibration of Injection devices
D. Criteria for selecting fertigation equipment.

4.0 Fertilizers - Chemical aspects …………………………………………….

A. Solubility and Corrosiveness
B. Fertilizer Compatibility
C. Stock Solution
5.0 Fertigation Program ………………………………………………….…..
5.1. Fertigation program in soilless culture ……………………………..…..
A. Fertigation requirements in soilless culture
B. Steps in Fertilization Program for Tomatoes on soilless culture
C. Fertigation program for various crops in soilless culture
D. Recommended composition of nutrient solutions for various crops in soilless culture.
5.2. Fertigation program in soil ……………………………………………….
A. Soil – soilless relationship
B. Nutrients concentrations in soil
C. Soil type and characteristics
D. Fertilization correction factors
E. Fertilization program flow chart based on soil analysis
F. Fertilization Program for Open Field Tomatoes based on soil analysis
G. Fertigation program for various crops in soil (without soil analysis)
Appendix 1 – detailed yield benefits achieved by fertigation with Multi-K. ……………..
Appendix 2 – conversion tables …………………………………………………………
Appendix 3 – Soil-Water relationships ………………………………………………….

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Appendix 4 – Calibration of injection devices …………………………………………..
References cited ……………………………..…………………………………………
1.0 Introduction to Fertigation
A. What is Fertigation

Fertigation, fertilization via the irrigation system, is the most advanced and efficient practice of
fertilization. Fertigation combines the two main factors in plant growth and development, water and
nutrients. The right combination of water and nutrients is the key for high yield and quality.

B. Advantages of Fertigation

1. Uniform application of the fertilizers throughout the irrigated area.

2. The amounts and concentrations of nutrients can be accurately worked out and adapted to
the plant needs on a daily basis, and to climatic conditions.
3. Improving fertilizer efficiency and reducing nutrients leaching below the root zone.
4. Saving of time and labor.
5. Increasing yield production and quality.
6. Suitable for all types of irrigation systems and growth conditions.

C. Irrigation methods

Gravity Irrigation. Furrow irrigation is the most commonly used irrigation method by gravity.
Pressurized irrigation methods were developed due to the need to irrigate areas that are unsuitable
for gravity irrigation. The main methods are:
• Pivots
• Sprinklers
• Micro-irrigation (drippers, mini-sprinklers etc.)

The irrigation efficiency (uniformity of application and avoidance of water losses) of furrow irrigation
is 50-60% compared to 65-85% and about 85-95% for sprinkler and drip irrigation, respectively.

Haifa Chemicals’ chloride-free fertilizers: Multi-K product line, MAP, MKP, Multi-UP, Multi-P,
Multi-Cal, Polyfeed and Magnisal are suitable for application with all kinds of irrigation
methods.

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 D. Selection of appropriate fertilizers
All types of fully-water soluble and liquid fertilizers are suitable for fertigation. However, for higher
yield production and quality, chloride-free fertilizers such as Multi-K product line, MAP and
MKP are preferable.

The most important advantage of fertigation with Multi-K is its effect on yield production and quality
in many crops (Table 1.1).

Table 1.1: Yield benefits in numerous crops achieved by fertigation with Multi-K

Crop Irrigation Yield increase Additional benefits Reference*

Method over control
Peppers Drippers 44% Increased total & class #1 North Carolina
yield and decreased blossom (Table 1)
end-rot.
Peppers Drippers 20% Marked reduction in sun- California
burned fruit. (Table 2)
Cucumbers Furrows 38% over no fertigation. Improved color and frost China,
21% over fertigation hardiness. (Shandong
with potassium sulfate Province)
(Table 3)
Squash Furrows 22% over no fertigation. Improved color and frost China,
6% over fertigation with hardiness. (Shandong
potassium sulfate Province)
(Table 4)
Squash Furrows 50% Markedly higher export- Mexico
quality percentage.
Tomatoes Sprinklers 24.5% India
(Table 5)
Potatoes Center- 47 % Increased yield production South Africa**
-pivot of potatoes from 45-50
Ton/ha to 70 Ton/ha
Citrus Mini- 11% 36% increase in large fruit Florida
(grapefruit) -sprinklers share, 18% increase in (Table 6).
revenue
Deciduous Drippers 24% 120% increase in K content Montana
(Cherries) of the leaves. (Table 7)
Table- Drippers 530% in class #1 yield California
grapes at 1st harvest. (Table 8 )
Wine- Drippers 64% California
grapes (Table 9)
Pistachio Microspray 53% California
emitters (Table 10)

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Almonds Microspray 86% California
emitters (Table 10 )
Bananas Micro-jets 28% South Africa
& drippers (Table 11)
Flower- Drippers 74% increase in large size Holland
bulbs bulbs. 3 fold Increased (Table 12)
resistance to botrytis.
Barley Flooding Up to 3.8 fold increased Chile
resistance to aphids. (Table 13 )

* Full details can be found in appendix 1, tables 1–14.

2.0 Plant Growth and Fertigation

To implement the advantages offered by fertigation, daily consumption rates of nutrients, growing
medium characteristics and other factors must be taken into consideration.

1st.Consumption rates of nutrients by the plant

The consumption rates of nutrients by the plant are a function of: crop type and variety, expected
yield, plant population, growth stage and climatic conditions. Fig 2.1 indicates the effect of growth
period on nutrient consumption by a melon plant.

10
Nutrient Consumption

8
(Kg/Ha/Day)

6 N
P
4 K

0
10 30 50 70 90 110

Days (after emergence or planting)

Fig 2.1: Daily consumption rates of nutrients by open field melons (Bar Yosef, 1991)

Nutrient consumption rates are not affected by growing medium characteristics and irrigation
method.

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B. Growth Medium Characteristics
Fertigation can be used both in soil and soilless cultures. The availability of nutrients to the plant
and the buffering capacity of the growing medium are the main differences between soilless culture
and soil. The availability of nutrients is the ability of the growing medium to supply nutrients to the
plant. The buffering capacity of a growing medium is its ability to resist chemical changes (pH and
E.C).
Clay type and organic matter content are the major factors affecting these two parameters of any
given soil.
In soilless culture, due to the low availability of nutrients in the medium, the grower must nourish the
plant according to its needs. Chemical changes ( pH and the EC) in the growing medium may be a
serious problem in this case, due to the low buffering capacity of the medium.

C. Fertilizer Solution pH
Different sources of fertilizers have different effects on irrigation water pH. High pH values (>7.5) of
the irrigation water are undesirable, because Ca and Mg carbonates and orthophosphate
precipitation may occur in the pipelines and drippers. Nitric acid (HNO3) or phosphoric acid
(H3PO4) can be used to reduce the pH of the irrigation water to 5. Lower pH values are detrimental
to roots and may increase the Al and Mn concentrations in soil solution and in rockwool medium
solution to toxic levels (Bar-Yosef, 1991).

D. pH changes in the growth medium

Another factor that has an effect on medium pH near the roots is the NH4+/NO3- ratio in the
fertigated solution. When NH4+ is predominant, H+ is excreted from roots and acidifies the soil
solution. When NO3- is the major ion absorbed, OH- or HCO3- are released to the soil solution and
the pH of soil solution is raised. High soil pH may reduce Zn, Fe, and P availability to plants.
The equal uptake of NO3- and K+ from Multi-K minimizes the fluctuations in soil solution
pH around the roots due to changes in the cation / anion balance in plant cells. Multi-K
enables the grower to achieve the desirable NH4+/NO3- ratio.

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In tomatoes and roses, a stable pH of the nutrient solution was maintained when the NH4+/NO3-
molar ratio in the solution was between 1:4 and 1:3 (Feigin et al, 1979 and Feigin et al. 1986).
Under drip irrigation where the nitrification rate is low, a molar ratio of 1:3 (NH4+/NO3-) and
fertilization with 100% nitrate-nitrogen increased tomato yield (Table 2.1) and improved the uptake
of K, Ca, Mg and other cations
(Kafkafi et al. 1971).

Table 2.1: The influence of nitrogen form on tomato yield

( Kafkafi et al. 1971).

Treatment N application EC Water Use Yield

N form % Multi-K NH4NO3 (dS/m) Efficiency (kg/plant)

(g/plant) (g/plant) cm3/g
fresh fruit
NO3- 100 6.3 0 1.7 23** 2.55*
NO3- 70 6.3 2.4 28** 1.98*
4.4
+
NH4 30
NO3- 63 6.3 2.9 29** 1.2*
8.7
NH4+ 37
NO3- 59 6.3 3.5 34** 1.0*
13.2
+
NH4 41
-
NO3 100 12.6 0 3.1 23** 3.43*
* Significant at 0.1%
** Significant at 1.0%

E. Irrigation Management

The purpose of irrigation is to restore the soil water content, in the root zone.

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Irrigation schedule is a procedure that determines when to irrigate and how much water to apply to
restore depleted soil moisture. Determination of irrigation timing (scheduling) should be based on
climatic factors, crop characteristics, soil properties and irrigation methods.
Evaporation pan is the common way to estimate the daily evapotranspiration rates. The rates are a
result of weather conditions and crop growth stage (see appendix 3).
The tensiometer is the most common device to measure soil water availability to the plants (see
appendix 3).

3.0 Application of fertilizers via irrigation

systems
3.1 Distribution uniformity of the fertilizers.

When applying the fertilizers via the irrigation system the distribution uniformity of the fertilizers is
dictated by the distribution uniformity of the irrigation system. Uniformity of distribution is an
important factor for small plants such as field- or greenhouse- crops. But it is of secondary
importance in the case of orchards, given that irrigation rates do not lead to run-off or percolation.

1st.Irrigation by gravity

When employing furrow irrigation, it is important that the flow of the fertilizer solution should be
timed for the particular soil in order to get uniform distribution. To accomplish this, the field or length
of run should be fairly uniform. The length of the run is affected by soil type (NFSA). Fertilizer
solutions or solid water-soluble fertilizers can be added into the irrigation water at the water
application point. The simple way to determine if a fertilizer solution reaches the end of the furrow is
by monitoring the EC value of the irrigation water.

2nd. Pressurized irrigation methods

The pressurized irrigation methods (pivots, sprinklers, micro-irrigation) require mixing devices to add
the concentrated fertilizers into the irrigation water. The methods can be divided into two groups:
• Quantitative or non-proportional method, is characterized by constant dilution of the fertilizer
solution by the irrigation water, flowing through the mixing device.
• Proportional method is characterized by constant concentration of the fertilizer in the irrigation
water throughout the irrigation session.

FERTIGATION CONCEPTS
Quantitative Proportional
9
Fertilizer Concentration
Diminishing….. CONSTANT
3.2 Methods of introducing the fertilizers into the irrigation system

3.2.1. Fertilizer tank (Bypass System)

Most common bypass fertilizer tanks are characterized by non-proportional mixing of fertilizer with
the water. Fertilizer concentration in the water decreases gradually during the irrigation session.
Part of the irrigation water is diverted through the fertilizer tank, dissolving the solid fertilizer or
diluting the fertilizer solution and is then returned to the main pipeline.
In case of liquid or already dissolved fertilizers, a water amount that equals 4 times the fertilizer tank
volume must be passed through the tank to transfer out 98% of the fertilizer (Sapir and Yagev,
1995). In case of solid fertilizers, higher amounts of water should be passed through the tank. A
special valve regulates the water flow velocity through the tank.

The bypass flow is calculated as follows:

Formula 3.1: Delivery rate (lit./min.) = tank volume x 4 volumes of water (litres)
desirable fertilization duration (minutes)
Example:
Tank volume = 90 litres
Desirable fertilization duration = 20 minutes
Delivery rate through the bypass is : 90 x 4 = 18 lit./min. or 1080 lit./h
20

F ERTILIZER TANK
(by-pass system) Pressure regulation
valve

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The advantages of this method are:
• Low costs for both purchasing of the system and for its current maintenance.
• Both dry (fully water-soluble) and liquid fertilizers can be used. This is the only method by
which dry fertilizers can be directly employed.
• It enables a high discharge rate.
• Hydraulic head loss is low.

The disadvantages of this method are:

• Fertilization is not proportional, therefore, control over the fertilizer concentration in the water
is limited. Consequently, it is not recommended for sandy and light soils, nor to soilless media.
• Changes in water pressure will further hamper concentration control.
• The ability to automatically control the discharge rate is rather limited.

A relatively modern modification of the bypass fertilizer tanks is characterized by proportional

mixing of fertilizer with the water. Fertilizer concentration in the outgoing water is kept constant
throughout the entire irrigation session.
Fertilizers and water are placed into a flexible porous liner to a required concentration. The flow of
the concentrated fertilizer solution is regulated and adjusted by a regulation valve and a flow-meter,
which is installed on the inlet of the tank.

3.2.2 Direct introduction of the fertilizers

All devices in this group maintain a proportional mixing ratio as described above. They can be
divided into two categories, with relation to the mixing mechanism:
1. Venturi (vacuum or aspirator).
2. Hydraulic (water-powered) and electrically powered fertilizer injection pumps.

The main advantage of this method is that it enables a reliable matching of the desirable and the
actual fertilizer concentration in the irrigation water. This is a special virtue for sandy and light soils
and for soilless media.

3.2.2.1 Venturi setup.

As water flows through the tapered Venturi orifice, its velocity increase creates a reduced pressure
(partial vacuum), which draws the fertilizer stock solution into the system.
The advantages of this specific method are:
• Relatively inexpensive in purchasing and maintenance.
• Fair control over the fertilizer concentration in the irrigation water (by choosing the
appropriate orifice size).
The disadvantages of this specific method are:

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 • Very high head loss.
• Relatively low discharge rate.

The irrigation system should be operating at full capacity prior to injecting the fertilizer solution.

VENTURI
(by-pass)

Pressure
valve
Water
Inlet

(Fertilizer suction

Fert. SOLUTION

3.2.2.2 Fertilizer Pumps.

Fertilizer pumps draw the fertilizer stock solution from a storage tank and inject it under pressure into
the irrigation system. Injection rates can be easily set to create a desirable mixing ratio.
Fertilizer pumps differ in their operation energy source. Some are electrically powered, but this limits
their use to plots where electric system is available.
Water-powered pumps are installed in-line, and derive their operation energy from the water system
pressure. They can be therefor installed in all plots equipped with pressurized irrigation. Some of the
most notable brands in this group are TMB, Amiad and Dosatron. A very modern set-up is a single
pump, which can inject different fertilizer solutions from several fertilizer tanks simultaneously (MSR
Dosiertechnik, Germany).

The advantages of this specific method are:

• Very flexible discharge rates, including high rates.
• No head loss.

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 • Good control over the concentration and optional automated control.

The disadvantages of this specific method are:

• Relatively expensive in purchasing and maintenance.
• Need for skilled personnel to operate and maintain the device.

Further information is available in appendix 4.

C. Criteria for selecting fertigation equipment.

1. Tank volume. The supply tank should have a sufficiently large capacity to contain the entire
fertilizer amount for the treated area without refilling. It should be constructed of materials that
withstand the corrosivity of the fertilizers being used.
2. Mixing device. The choice of a particular device depends on the desired longevity of the
piece of equipment, required accuracy of injection, required injection rate, and on the corrosivity
of the fertilizers that will be utilized (acids ?) (see appendix 4).

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4.0 Fertilizers – Chemical aspects
• Solubility and Corrosivity

Solid fertilizers vary in their dissolution rate and the amount that can be dissolved in water. Fertilizer
solubility increases at higher water temperatures (Table 4.1). When dissolving a fertilizer, it is
recommended to fill half of the tank with water and slowly add dry fertilizer with constant agitation.
Continue to add fertilizer and to fill the tank with water.
Acid fertilizers corrode the metallic and asbestos-cement components of the irrigation systems.

Table 4.1: Solubility of different types of fertilizers (Montag, 1997)

Fertilizer Solubility (g/liter Water)

Potassic fertilizers 10oC 20 oC 30 oC
Multi-K (potassium nitrate 13-0-38) 210 310 450
Multi-K Mg (12-0-35.6 + 1.2Mg) 230 320 460
Multi-NPK (12-2-36.5) 210 330 480
Potassium Sulphate (0-0-41.5) 80 100 110
MKP (Mono-Potassium Phosphate ( 0-23-28) 180 230 290
Phosphate fertilizers
MAP (Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (12-27-0) 290 370 460
Urea Phosphate (17-19.2-0) 410 495 565
Nitrogen fertilizers
Ammonium nitrate (33.5-0-0) 610 660 710
Urea (46-0-0) 450 510 570
Calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0) 950 1,200 1,500
Magnesium fertilizers
Magnisal (Magnesium nitrate 2,200 2,400 2,700
10.8-0-0+9.5 Mg)
Magnesium Sulphate (0-0-0+9.6 Mg 620 710 810

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B. Fertilizer Compatibility
Mixing the solutions of two soluble fertilizers can sometimes result in the formation of a precipitate.
Such cases indicate that these fertilizers are not mutually compatible, and special attention has to be
paid to avoid mixing them in one tank. Their solutions should be prepared in two separate tanks
(commonly referred as tank A and tank B).

Table 4.2: Compatibility chart for soluble fertilizers (Montag, 1997).

Fertilizer Urea AN AS CN MAP MKP PN PN+ PN N+
Mg +P Mg
Urea C C C C C C C C C
Ammonium nitrate (AN) C C C C C C C C C
Ammonium Sulphate (AS) C C L C C L L C C
Calcium nitrate (CN) C C L X X C X X C
Mono-ammonium Phosphate C C C X C C L C X
(MAP)
Mono-potassium phosphate C C C X C C L C X
(MKP)
Multi-K (potassium nitrate) (PN) C C L C C C C C C
Multi-KMg (PN+Mg) C C L X L L C X C
Multi-NP K (PN +P) C C C X C C C X X
Magnisal (N+Mg) C C C C X X C C X
Polyfeed C C C X C C C C C C

C – Compatible L – Limited compatibility X – Incompatible

Table 4.2 makes it clear that neither phosphoric- nor sulphatic fertilizers can be mixed with calcium
fertilizers in the same tank (Fig 4.1 ). This segregation prevents precipitation of calcium phosphate or
calcium sulphate compounds in the tank or in the pipeline (Montag, 1997). The following scheme
describes our suggestion for a safe preparation of fertilizers solution mixes.
Tank B
NO fertilizers NO fertilizers
containing calcium containing phosphates
Tank A and sulphates

Multi-K Multi-K
Multi-NPK Multi-K+Mg
MAP Magnisal [Mg(NO3)2]
MKP Urea
Urea Calcium Nitrate
Ammonium Nitrate Ammonium Nitrate
Potassium Sulfate Nitric Acid

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 Fig 4.1. : Allowable
combinations of soluble fertilizers

Further information about nutrient solutions preparation is available in Haifa Chemicals Guidelines
for preparation of dry soluble fertilizer blends & fertilizer solutions, booklet by Montag
(1997), Haifa Chemicals.

C. Stock Solution

The stock solution is a concentrated fertilizer solution that is subsequently diluted to the required
concentration in the irrigation system. The stock solution can be prepared from either mixed N-P-K
fertilizers + straight ones, or directly from straight soluble fertilizers and /or liquid plant nutrient
ingredients. For example, Polyfeed (Haifa Chemicals’ fully water-soluble N-P-K fertilizers), which
can be used as pre-mixed blends. The concentration of the fertilizer solution is limited to the quantity
of the fertilizer that can be fully dissolved. Due to cooling (endothermic) effect of water temperature
when preparing a fertilizer solution, it is recommended to dilute the stock solution by an extra 20%
and subsequently, to increase application rates by 20% (Montag, 1997).

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17
5.0 Fertigation Program
The nutrient requirements of plant are a function of growth condition, crop variety, plant population
and expected yield.
Table 5.1: Nutrients uptake by different crops and expected yield
(IFA, 1992).
Expected Total Uptake
Crop yield
(MT/ha) (kg/ha)
N P2O5 P K2O K
Tomatoes
Processing 40-50 100-150 20-40 8.8-17.6 150-300 125-250
Open-field 80 250 80 35.2 500 415
Protected 100 200-600 100-200 44-88 600-1000 500-830
Cucumber
Open-field 60 170 130 57 270 224
Protected 300 450-500 200-250 88-110 800-1000 664-830
Melons
Open-field 20-30 120 25 11 200 166
Protected 30-40 200 50 22 200 166
Peppers
Open-field 35-50 180 50 22 250 207
Leek
Open-field 35-40 270 75 33 250 207
Potatoes 45-55 200-300 100-200 44-88 300-500 250-415

5.1. Fertigation program in soilless culture

The main difference between soil and soilless culture is the ability of the growing medium to supply
nutrients and to prevent chemical changes in the medium solution. Most of the soilless cultures are
inert media, with no capacity to store or supply plant nutrients, nor to prevent pH and salinity
changes in the medium.

1st.Fertigation requirements in soilless culture

Fertigation in soilless culture requires high adaptation to the following factors:

1. Plant needs . The ratio between plant nutrient consumption and water needs is a function of
crops species and variety, growth period and conditions (Sonneveld, 1995).
2. Growing conditions (temperature, light, etc.). For example, the mineral absorption of a
winter-grown radish is equal to that of a summer-grown crop. However, the water absorption in
summer is three to four times greater than in winter.
3. Nutrient solution composition in the roots environment. The pH and EC values of the
substrate solution are measured two to three times a week. The solution should be sampled near

18
 the dripper and in the drainage. On the basis of these measurements the grower can adjust the
addition of NH4+ to control the pH and the EC of the nutrient solution.

Table 5.2: Nutrient solution supplied and recommended values in substrate

solution of rockwool medium. (Sonneveld, 1985)

Elements Tomatoes Roses

Fertilizer Substrate Fertilizer Substrate
solution solution solution solution
EC dS/m 2.6 4.0 1.6 2.2
mg/l
N-NH4 17.7 <7.4 22 <7.4
K 370 312 175.5 195
Ca 216 400 130 200
Mg 57.6 108 27 72
N-NO3 228 328 157 178
SO4 422.4 653 120 288
H2PO4 145.5 97 121.2 87.3

Fe 0.8 0.8 1.4 1.4

Mn 0.55 0.4 0.27 0.16
Zn 0.3 0.5 0.23 0.23
B 0.3 0.5 0.2 0.2
Cu 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.06
Mo 0.05 - 0.05 -

The reason for the high nutrient concentration in the substrate solution for tomatoes is the high
osmotic pressure that improves tomato fruit quality. In roses, high EC values of nutrient and
substrate solution can cause shorter, thinner and weaker stems.
4. NH4+ concentration in the nutrient solution. The recommended concentration of NH4+ in
standard nutrient solution for most of the crops is between 7 to 14% of the total supplied N.
5. Water quality. Several of the major parameters of water quality are:
ü Total amount of ions in the water, especially- the sodium and chloride.
ü pH
ü Carbonate & bicarbonate content of the water.

19
B. Steps in Fertilization Program for Tomatoes in soilless culture

Table 5.3: Nutrients concentration in the dripper solution

Detailed nutrients amounts (g/m3) and their sources.*

Growth stage N P K Ca Mg

Source:* (a+b+c) (c) (a) (b) (d)

Planting- vegetative 164 (=60+83+21) 48 174 100 50
Flowering - fruit-set 190 (=85+83+21) 48 250 100 50
Ripening- 1st harvest 200 (=96+83+21) 48 280 100 80
1st harvest - end 205 (=85+83+21) 48 250 100 40

*The letters (a - d) correspond to the fertilizers utilized for the preparation of the stock solution
(Table 5.4), as follows:
a = Multi-K, potassium nitrate.
b = Calcium nitrate
c = Multi MAP, Mono-Ammonium Phosphate.
d = Magnesium sulphate.
Fertilizer analyses are given in tables 4.1 and 4.2

Table 5.4: Stock solution composition

TANK A TANK B
Calcium Magnesium
Multi-K Multi-MAP
Growth stage Nitrate Sulphate
-------------( g/liter )-----------
Planting- Vegetative 91 107 36 150
Flowering-fruit-set 130 107 36 150

20
Ripening- 1st harvest 147 107 36 240
1st harvest-end 100 107 36 120

Injection rate of the stock solution is 5 litre/m3.

C. Fertigation program for various crops in soilless culture (short season)

Crop
AN Multi-MAP
& Multi-K
Growth stage
Expected Yield
(MT/ha)
(kg/ha/Day)
Melon Planting -- flowering 1.8 0.8 4.0
(50-60 mt/ha) flowering -- fruit-set 7 1.2 5.3
fruit-set -- netting 3 1.2 8
Netting -- harvest 1.1-2.2 - 1.3-2.6

Cucumber Planting – flowering 2.1 2 2.5

flowering – fruit-set 4.5 2 5.3
fruit-set - harvesting 7.6 2 8.8

Pepper Planting – flowering 1.5 1.6 2.2

(70-90 mt/ha) flowering – Fruit-set 2.0 1.3 5.0
Ripening-harvesting 2.8 1.6 6.5
harvesting 2.8 1.6 6.5

Lettuce Planting –15 days 0.5 0.33 1.4

(45 mt/ha) 16-30 days 1.1 1.0 6.5
31-45 days 2.4 1.6 15.0
46 days -end 0.3 1.6 13.0

Eggplants Planting-Flowering 1.6 1.1 6.0

Flowering – Fruit-set 2.5 1.1 8.0
1st stage
Fruit-set 1st stage – end 4.0 1.3 15.0
of fruit-set
Harvest 4.0 0.8 5.0

Carnations, Planting – 8 weeks 6.3 3.3 6.3

9 – 11 weeks after 5 3.3 12
Roses and
planting 12 weeks – end 5 - 11
gerberas

21
Chrysanthemums Planting – 3 weeks 7.8 1.3 6.3
4 –9 weeks after planting - - 6.0
9 – 11 weeks after 4.2 18.1
planting
11 weeks – harvest - 7.3

D. Recommended composition of nutrient solutions for various crops in soilless

culture.

I Macro-nutrients

Recommended Fertilizers
EC
Crop Tank A* Tank B*
(dS/m) Multi- Multi-
CAN AN MgSO 4 SOP Multi-K
K MAP
Melons** 2.2 102.6 0.8 6.2 20.9 30.8 4.4 49.4
Cucumber** 1.7-2.2 59.4 7.0 16.9 20.9 24.6 - 33.7
Tomatoes 2.6 116.7 8.0 18.1 17.4 59.1 34.9 37.3
Peppers*** 1.7 70.2 6.7 5.8 11.6 24.6 - 52.2
Lettuce 2.6 97.2 2.8 21.4 28.3 24.6 2.2 77.0
Strawberries 1.5 49.4 - 12.9 15.5 27.7 - 40.2
Eggplants*** 1.7 48.6 5.9 27.4 11.6 27.7 - 38.2
Gerbera 1.1 37.8 8.1 4.6 8.7 12.3 4.4 33.3
Roses 1.6 70.2 10.8 - 15.5 27.7 2.2 42.9
Chrysanthemum 1.8 54.0 9.0 19.1 11.6 24.6 - 56.6
Aster 1.8 81.0 0.45 3.3 15.5 24.6 4.4 58.8

* Capacity of each of the tanks – 1,000 litre.

** 4.2 kg of nitric acid (38% w/w) should be added into tank B.
*** Additional Magnisal should be introduced to tank B, as follows:
for peppers – 5.0 kg; for eggplants – 15 kg.

22
II Micro-nutrients

Recommended Fertilizers

Crop Tank A* Tank B*

MnSO 4 ZnSO 4 Sodium
Fe -DTPA (6%) Borax CuSO 4
(32%) (23%) Molybdate
Melons 932 169 115 191 12 12
Cucumber 1398 169 144 238 19 12
Tomatoes 1398 169 144 286 19 12
Peppers 1398 169 115 238 19 12
Lettuce 3728 84 15 286 19 12
Strawberries 1864 169 201 238 19 12
Eggplants 1398 169 144 191 19 12
Gerbera 2330 84 86 191 19 12
Roses 2330 84 101 191 19 18
Chrysanthemu 5592 338 86 191 12 12
m
Aster 2330 169 115 286 19 12

* Capacity of each of the tanks – 1,000 litre.

23
5.2 Fertigation program in soil

1st. Soil / soilless relationship

Fertigation recommendations for a given crop grown in soil are based on the respective fertigation
recommendations in soilless culture. Those recommendations should be adjusted taking into account
main soil parameters, e.g. soil type, soil pH, nutrient concentrations in the soil and C.E.C. (Cation
Exchange Capacity). If these parameters are not available, soilless culture recommendations should
be used as a basis. Fertilizers amounts should be further adjusted based on plant population and on
expected yield in both cases.

B. Nutrients concentrations in soil

Nutrients concentrations in soil and their availability to the plants can be measured by soil analysis.
Tables 5.5 - 5.7 present N, P, K, Mg and Ca rates in various soils.

Table 5.5: Rating of soils by their Nitrate-nitrogen contents

(Ankerman and Large, 1980)

Soil test rating Nitrate –Nitrogen found

(ppm)
Very low 0-3
Low 4-10
Medium 11-20
High 21-40
Very high 41<

Table 5.6: Rating of soils by their phosphorus contents (determined by Olsen method),
and rough guidelines for avoiding phosphorus deficiencies
(Ankerman and Large, 1980)

Soil test rating P soil test found at P to be added

pH>7 (ppm) (kg/ha)
Very low 0-6 60-80
Low 7 - 15 40-60
Medium 16 - 26 30-60
High 27 - 45 10-25
Very high 46 Plus 0 or maintenance

24
Table 5.7: Rating of soils by their potassium, calcium and magnesium
percentages of the exchangeable cations vs. the total C.E.C (Cation Exchange
Capacity). (Soils bulletin, 1980)

Soil test rating Potassium Magnesium Calcium

(% of C.E.C.) (% of C.E.C.) (% of C.E.C.)
Very low <0.75 <0.85 <10
Low 0.75 - 1.5 0.85 - 2 10 - 20
Medium 1.5 - 3 2-5 20 - 50
High 3-5 5 - 10 50 - 80
Very high >5 >10 >80

For Example: C.E.C was determined by the lab to be 25 meq/100 g soil, and the
exchangeable K is 5% of the total C.E.C. value.
The potassium potential supply from soil is therefore:
5% x 25 = 1.25 meq K per 100g soil, or 49 mg K per 100g soil {1.25x 39.1}
or 0.49 g K per 1kg soil

C. Soil type and its relevant properties.

Various soil types differ only slightly from one another by their bulk densities. The range of their
C.E.C. values is far larger. The bulk densities and C.E.C values of various soils are inversely related,
as seen in the following table.

Table 5.8: Various soil types and their typical bulk densities and C.E.C.
Soil type Bulk density C.E.C
(MT/ m3) (meq/100g soil)
Sand 1.6 - 1.7 2-6
Sandy loam 1.3 - 1.4 3 - 10
Loam 1.2 - 1.3 7 - 15
Silt loam 1.1 - 1.2 12 - 30
Clay 1.0 - 1.1 30 – 80*

*Depending on the relative part of the following clay minerals:

Kaolinite: 3-15 ; Illite: 20-40 ; Montmorillonite: 80-100 ; Vermiculite: 120-150
25
D. Fertilization correction factor (sometimes related to as “efficiency factor”)
The nutrients applied to the soil by the fertilizers are not fully available to the plant due to percolation,
run-off, volatilization and adsorption losses. A correction factor has to be used to offset for these
losses. This factor is determined by soil type, weather and fertilization management.
For example, in calcareous soils in dry regions in USA and Canada, only about 53% of the applied
P is available to the plant. Therefore, the amount of phosphorous fertilizer application should be the
uptake requirement of P multiplied by a correction factor of 1.9 {1 / 53%} (Tisdale et al. 1985). In
other soils, the relevant correction factor for P is 2.2. The correction factor for potassium may vary
from 1.4 to 2.0, when applied by base- or side-dressing, implying that the application of fertilizers
directly to soil is not so efficient. In fertigation, however, these correction factors are markedly lower
than in direct soil application (table 5.9), meaning that fertigation is more efficient, and can save
considerable amounts of fertilizers. It was shown (Bar-Yosef, 1991) that high frequency irrigation of
P and K increases their concentrations in soil solution and improves their uptake by the plant roots.

Table 5.9: General correction factors for the macronutrients.

(These factors should be further adjusted based on the specific soil and crop conditions in
the field.)

Correction factors for soil application Correction factors

Nutrient (base- or side-dressing) for fertigation
Nitrogen 1.2 - 1.25 1.1 – 1.2
Phosphorus 1.9 - 2.2 1.6 – 1.9
Potassium 1.4 – 1.6 1.2 – 1.4

26
 E. Fertilization program flow chart, based on soil analysis

Calculate nutrient Perform soil analysis

requirement and
uptake of the given
crop

Compare nutrient
uptake and soil
analysis Multiply the nitrogen
uptake amount by the
nitrogen correction factor
(1.2)

Are P or/and K
concentrations in soil
analysis - high?
(Tables 5.6 and 5.7)
NO
YES
Calculate complementary P
according to table 5.6.
Calculate complementary K to
be applied during the high
consumption stages*

Calculate P application according to data in

table 5.6. and multiply this figure by the
correction factor (table 5.9).
Calculate K, Ca & Mg application according to
data in tables 5.7 and 5.8, and multiply these Formulate the
figures by the correction factors (table 5.9). irrigation program

Fertilization
recommendations

Combine

Fertigation
program

In such cases it is recommended to fertigate with K during high consumption periods of the crop. Then, there
is a restricted ability of the soil to release the potassium from soil particles to soil solution in adequate pace.
This can be the rate limiting factor for K uptake, and hence for crop optimal performances
(Bar Yosef & Sagiv, 1985).
27
 Example
F. Fertilization Program for Open Field Tomatoes based on soil analysis

Growing practice: open-field

Soil type: sandy loam
Plant population: 11,000-12,500 plants/ha
Expected yield: 80 tonne/ha

Soil analysis (0 - 30 cm depth)

Parameter Values
C.E.C. 9.35 meq/100 g soil
Bulk density 1.3 g/cm3 or 1.3 MT/m3
P concentration 17.6 ppm P
Exchangeable potassium (% of the C.E.C) 1.5% for K

Nutrient requirements during the growth season

N P K
Crop requirements (kg/ha) 250 35 415
Relevant correction factors (Table 5.9) 1.1 1.6 1.2
Corrected requirements (kg/ha) 275 56 500
Nutrients levels in soil 17 128 kg/ha 1
Balance to be applied (kg/ha) 2 275 56 372 3

Calculation of the practical amounts to be applied:

Phosphorus
According to Table 5.6 it is generally suggested to apply about 26 kg/ha of P when soil analysis is 17 ppm
of P. However due to the special need for P in tomatoes, it is recommended to the crop-specific
requirement rate of 35 kg/ha.
2
The correction factor of 1.6 (table 5.9) suggests a total application rate of
56 kg/ha P {=35 kg x 1.6}
Potassium
1
1. Exchangeable K was determined by soil analysis as 1.5% of 9.35 {C.E.C} = = 0.14 meq
of K per 100g soil = 55 ppm of K
{ 0.14 x 391 (the ppm equivalent of 1 meq of K, see table 4 appendix 2)}
2. Soil weight of 0 - 30 cm depth of 1 hectare = 3,900,000 kg/ha.
{10,000m2 (area) x 0.3 m (depth) x 1,300 kg/m3 (bulk density)}
3. Soil weight of the irrigated area (assuming 60% wetted volume by the drip irrigated area)
= 3,900,000 x 0.6 = 2,340,000 kg/ha
4. Total exchangeable K = 2,340,000 kg/ha x 55 ppm = 128 kg/ha of K
5. 3Final application rate (kg/ha of K) = 500 – 128 = 372 kg/ha of K

28
 Fertilizers recommended rate (based on the aforementioned data):
N P K
------------------(kg/ha)------------------
275 56 372

Application considerations:
Nitrogen - It is recommended to base-dress with 15-25% of the total recommended amount, and
to fertigate the balance in a pace that corresponds to crop developmental stage, see tables A and B
(following).
Phosphorus - Base-dressing of the entire amount of P is often practiced for better root development
in medium and heavy soils and in light soils in arid areas.
Potassium - It is recommended to base-dress with 20-30% of the total recommended amount, and
to fertigate the balance in a pace that corresponds to crop developmental stage, see tables A and B
(following).

A. Base-Dressing
Nutrients Requirements Recommended Fertilizers
N P K AN TSP* SOP*
% of total amount to be
20 44 17
applied at this stage**
Amounts (kg/ha) to be
55 55 75 180 270 180
applied
* These fertilizers were selected for pre-plant soil application because of their low solubility and long
nutrient release periods.
** These ratios are favorable for sandy loam. The lighter the soil the larger the part that should be
applied by fertigation

B. Fertigation
(Total amounts left to be applied are 275-55=220 kg of N, and 370-75=295 kg of K).

Nutrients Requirements Recommended Fertilizers

N K AN Multi-K
Growth stage
% (kg/ha) % (kg/ha) -------(kg/ha)------
Vegetative - Flowering 12 26 7 20 56 54
Flowering - Fruit set 14 31 11 32 59 85
Fruit set – 1st harvest 24 53 27 80 76 209
29
1st harvest - end 50 110 55 163 160 426
Total 220 295 351 774

The injection rate can be calculated by formula 4.2 (Appendix 4).

30
G. Fertigation programs for various crops grown in soil
(When soil analysis is not available)

Vegetables and flowers

Crop & Growth stage AN MAP TSP SOP Multi-K

expected (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
yield By soil application
Pre-plant 120-180 200-400 120-200

Potatoes At planting or 40
100-140 190-330
days after
(45-55 mt/ha)
emergence
40-80 days after 170-230 330-540
emergence

Pre-plant 80 110 80
Melons *
Sowing-flowering 80 90
(30-50 (25 days)
Flowering-fruitset 50 100
mt/ha)
(20 days)
Fruit-set-harvest 150 300
(40 days)
Pre-plant 130 100 100
Peppers Planting-flowering 70
65
(25 days)
(35-50 mt/ha) Flowering – fruitset 70
120
(20 days)
Fruit-set - harvest 70
(55 days) 300

2nd week after 13 10

planting
3-4 weeks after 28
24 20
Carnations planting
(24-45 5-8 weeks after
44 24 55
flowers/plant) planting
8-12 weeks after
50 55
planting
From 13 weeks till
90
the end

* Based on growing period of 75 days from transplanting or 85 days from sowing.

31
Orchards

Crop & Plant

expected population Application time AN MAP Multi-K
yield (Trees/ha) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (kg/ha)

Spring to early 400-650

Citrus 400-600 Summer
40 (mt/ha) During the season 400-600
Spring 100

Spring to early 100-140 80-160 200-260

Peaches* 600-700 Summer
50 (mt/ha ) Summer 40 160-200
Post-Harvest 70-100 160-200

600-700 Spring to early 50-70 80-160 260-370

Apples* Summer
50 (mt/ha)
Post Harvest 10-40 130-160
Budding to veraison 130-200 120-170
Grapes** (10 weeks)
20 (mt/ha) Post Harvest 110-160 30-45

Spring 80-200 160-250 650-760

Bananas 1200-1800
45-50 (mt/ha) mat/ha Summer 200-350 650-870
Autumn 90-120 160-250 550-750

* End fertigation 50 days before harvest

**First application should be done 4 weeks after budding. Fertigation must be stopped at veraison.

32
Appendix 1 – Detailed yield benefits achieved by fertigation
with Multi-K.

Table 1: Improved yield by intensive fertigation management with potassium nitrate in bell-peppers,
North Carolina, USA. (Carballo, Blankenship & Sanders, 1994).
Multi-K dosage Total marketable Class I yield (mt/ha) Blossom end-rot
yield (mt/ha) (%)
Low 10.1 b 6.4 b 40 a
High 14.5 a 10.0 a 24 b

Table 2: Improved yields by fertigation with potassium nitrate in open-field peppers, California,
USA. (Bio Research, Fresno, 1997 experiment report).
Fertilizer employed Total yield Sun- burned fruit
(mt/ha) (Count/plot)
Control- untreated 14.6 25.6
Multi-K 17.8 23.3

Table 3 : Improved yields by fertigation with potassium nitrate in greenhouse cucumbers in China,
(Meteorology Institute, CAAS, Wutai Township, Shouguang City, Shandong province).
Fertilizer employed Total yield Benefit/cost Additional benefits
(mt/ha) ratio
Control- no potassium 29.0 - -
Potassium sulfate 32.9 10.8 Improved color
Multi-K 40.0 17.3 Improved color and marketability.
Improved frost hardiness.

Table 4.: Improved yields by fertigation in greenhouse squash with potassium nitrate, in China,
(Meteorology Institute, CAAS, Wutai Township, Shouguang City, Shandong province).
Fertilizer employed Total yield Benefit/cost Additional benefits
(mt/ha) ratio
Control- no potassium 29.2 - -
Potassium sulfate 33.7 9.6 -
Multi-K 35.8 12.2 Improved marketability.
Improved frost hardiness.

33
Table 5 : Increased yields by fertigation in open-field tomatoes with potassium nitrate in India,
(NARDI 1996-97 experiment report, Andrha Pradesh, India).
Fertilizer and application method Total yield Net benefit over control
(mt/ha) ($/ha)
Control- side-dressing with KCl 21.0 -
Multi-K- fertigation 26.2 215

Table 6: Improved yield production by fertigation with potassium nitrate in “Ruby Red” grapefruit,
Florida, USA. (Boman, 1995).
Yield parameters
Fertilizer Treatment Gross Packed Value
Total yield Fruit size 40* ($/ha)
(Boxes/tree) (Boxes/ha)
Control (broadcast) 7.9 1,060 16,500
Multi-K (fertigation) 8.8 1,446 19,500
3
* No. of fruit units, packed in a 0.028 m carton.

Table 7: Increased yields by fertigation with potassium nitrate in cherries, Montana, USA. (Callan
and Westcott, 1996).

Fertilizer Treatment Yield

(0.6 kg K /tree) (kg/tree)
Multi-K 21
KCl 18
K2SO4 17

Table 8: Increased yields by fertigation with potassium nitrate in table-grapes, California, USA.
(Bio Research, Fresno, 1997 experiment report).
Fertigation Class #1 yield Gross benefit Qualitative benefits over control
treatment at 1st harvest over control
(kg/ha) ( $/ha )
Control 190 - -
Multi-K 1,200 137 Better & more uniform coloration
and ripening; larger berries

34
Table 9: Increased yields by fertigation with potassium nitrate in wine-grapes, California, USA.
(Bio Research, Fresno, 1997 experiment report).
Fertigation treatment Total yield
(mt/ha)
Control 1.4
Multi-K 2.3

Table 10 : Increased yields by fertigation with potassium nitrate in pistachios and almonds,
California, USA. (Bio Research, Fresno, 1997 experiment report).
Fertigation Pistachios Almonds Additional benefits
regime Total yield Total inshell
(kg/ha) yield (kg/ha)
Control- no potassium 414 3138
Multi-K 634 5832 Pistachios: Improved nut split.
Almonds: Additional revenue: 287 $/ha

Table 11 : Increased yields by fertigation with potassium nitrate in Bananas, South Africa.
(Plaaskem, Banana Symposium, 1996).
Fertigation regime Mean bunch Planting to flowering period
mass (kg) (months / days)
Micro-jets, weekly application 23.8 a 14 / 28
Drippers, weekly application 18.6 c 14 / 11

Table 12 : Improved yields in lily bulbs, by fertigation with Multi-K-based NPK (17-3.5-21.5 +
1.2% Mg) Holland, Lisse, LBO trial station, 1996).
Application method Share of bulbs size 16 Botrytis infection Total profit
and larger ( % ) rate ($/ha)
Soil applied 35.6 6.3 116,785
Fertigation 62.0 2.0 137,900

Table 13 : Increased resistance of barley plants fertigated with potassium nitrate, to the aphid
(Schyzaphis graminum), Chile. (Salas, Corcuera and Argandona, 1990).

35
 Treatment Survival rate of the
aphid ( % )
Control, untreated 95.0 a
Treated with 1.5 % potassium nitrate in the irrigation solution 52.5 b
Treated with 4.0 % potassium nitrate in the irrigation solution 25.0 c

Appendix 2- Conversion Tables

Table 1: Areas and weights, yields and application rates
From To Multiply by From To Multiply by
Acre hectare 0.405 Hectare acre 2.471
Kilogram pounds 2.205 Pound kilogram 0.453
Gram ounces 0.035 Ounce gram 28.35
Short ton Metric ton 0.907 Metric ton Short ton 1.1
(MT) (MT)
Gallon liters 3.785 Liter gallon 0.26
(U.S)
kg/ha pound/acre 0.892 kg/ha pound/acre 1.12
MT/ha pound/acre 892 pound/acre MT/ha 0.001

Table 2: Elements and their oxides

Conversion factor from elements to their Conversion factors from oxides to their
oxides elements
From To Multiply by From To Multiply by
N NO3- 4.43 NO3- N 0.23
N NH4+ 1.28 NH4+ N 0.82
P P2O5 2.29 P2O5 P 0.44
K K2O 1.2 K2O K 0.83
Ca CaO 1.4 CaO Ca 0.71
Mg MgO 1.66 MgO Mg 0.6
S SO3 2.5 SO3 S 0.4
S SO4 3 SO4 S 0.33

Table 3: atomic and equivalent weights

Element Atomic Weight Valence Equivalent weight
H 1 1 1
N 14 1 14
K 39.1 1 39.1
Ca 40 2 20
Mg 24.3 2 12.15
Equivalent weight = Atomic weight / valence

36
Table 4: Conversion of ppm to meq values
Element mg/liter (ppm) in 1 meq ppm in 1 meq/100g soil
H 1 10
N 14 140
K 39.1 391
Ca 20 200
Mg 12.15 121.5
Appendix 3 - Soil - Water Relationships
A. Soil
The soil is the major supplier of water and nutrients to the plant. The soil is a porous medium
composed of solids, water and air filling the interfaces (Fig 2.1).

Air
20-30% Minerals
45%
POROUS SOIL
SPACE SOLIDS
Water
20-30%

Organic matter
5%

Figure 2.1: Major soil components: solids, water and air (Bardy, 1990).

B. Water content in soil.

The soil is completely saturated with water (Fig2.2 a). After heavy rain or extensive irrigation all the
soil pores in the upper layer are filled with water.
After a relatively short time the water will drain out of the large pores, and air will fill up these spaces.
The soil is then said to be at field capacity (Fig 2.2 b).
Water keeps on draining and evaporating out of the soil pores. When permanent wilting of plants
occurs, the soil moisture is said to be at the wilting point (Fig 2.2 c) (Bardy, 1990).
Main soil space components

Solid Porous

Saturated Soil (a) Filled up with water

Water

37
Field Capacity (b) AIR 1/2 filled with water

Wilting Point (c) 10ml AIR 1/3 filled with water

Water

Figure 2.2: Differences in soil moisture after irrigation or heavy rain (Bardy,
1990).

The difference between field capacity and permanent wilting point represents the available water to
the plants. The available water is higher in heavy soils, than in light ones.

C. Water movement in soil

Water moves in the soil from high concentration (wet zone) to low one (dry zone).
100g

LIGHT SOIL HEAVY SOIL

Figure 2.3: Comparative rates of irrigation water movement into a light and heavy
soil (Bardy, 1990).

In heavy soils, the horizontal movement of water is more enhanced than in lighter soils, therefore, the
wet “onion” underneath the drip emitter is shallow and wide (Fig 2.3 b). On the other hand, in light
soils water movement is primarily in a vertical direction, hence the wet “onion” is deep and narrow
(Fig 2.3 a).

D. Irrigation Timing

A. Evapo-transpiration (ET) rates can be used as a parameter to determine the interval between
irrigation cycles. Evapo-transpiration is comprised of evaporation from the soil surface and
transpiration from the plant tissue. The relative contributions of these two factors to total evapo-
transpiration can vary greatly throughout the growing season, due to the change in leaf area and in
root distribution (Table 2.1).

38
 Evaporation is measured by an evaporation pan is actually evaporation from an open water surface.
Evapo-transpiration is expressed in mm/day by the following formula:
ETcrop = Kcrop x ET0

ETcrop = The monthly water consumption of a given crop (mm/day)

Kcrop = Specific crop coefficient = the ratio between actual transpiration and potential evaporation.
This ratio is dependent on crop type and its developmental stage.
ET0 = Reference evapo-transpiration which is estimated from mean relative humidity, wind velocity
and pan evaporation.

Table 2.1: Estimated crop coefficients (Kcrop ) of selected vegetables crops at

different crop developmental stages (Doorenbos & Kassam,1979).
Total
Vegetat. At
Crop Planting Fruit-set Ripening growing
stage harvest
period
Beans , green 0.3-0.4 0.65-0.75 0.95-1.05 0.9-0.95 0.85-0.95 0.85-0.9
Cabbage 0.4-0.5 0.7-0.8 0.95-1.1 0.9-0.95 0.8-0.95 0.7-0.8
Corn, sweet 0.3-0.5 0.7-0.9 1.05-1.2 1.0-1.15 0.95-1.1 0.8-0.95
Onion, dry 0.4-0.6 0.7-0.8 0.95-1.1 0.85-0.9 0.75-0.95 0.8-0.9
Onion, green 0.4-0.6 0.6-0.75 0.95-1.05 0.95-1.05 0.95-1.05 0.65-0.8
Pea 0.4-0.5 0.7-0.85 1.05-1.2 1.0-1.15 0.95-1.1 0.8-0.95
Pepper 0.4-0.5 0.6-0.75 0.95-1.2 1.0-1.15 0.95-1.1 0.7-0.8
Tomatoes 0.4-0.5 0.7-0.8 1.05-1.25 0.8-0.95 0.6-0.65 0.75-0.9
Watermelon 0.4-0.5 0.7-0.8 0.95-1.05 0.8-0.95 0.65-0.75 0.75-0.85

B. Soil Water Tension

The tensiometer. The tensiometer is filled with water and then placed at a required depth in the
soil. Its activity is based on the principle that water in the tensiometer tube is drawn through a fine
porous cup into the adjacent soil until equilibrium is reached (Fig 2.1). The reading is a function of
depth and distance from row and water application site; it requires standardization (Tanji & Yaron,
1994).

39
Tension gauge

Filled with water

Porous cup
Soil

Figure 2.1: Tensiometer structure.

Appendix 4 - Calibration of injection devices

The various injection devices should be calibrated in order to determine the actual amounts of
fertilizers delivered through the system in a given period. The injection rate of fertilizer solution is
calculated by starting with a known volume of stock solution which should be applied, running the
system for 10 minutes and measuring the remaining amount of solution (NFSA).
The injection rate depends on the concentration of the stock solution and the desired quantity of
nutrients to be applied during the irrigation. The injection rate is given by the following equation:

Formula 4.2: Q = Nu x A
cxtxT
Q = rate of fertilizer injection into the irrigation system (l/ha).
Nu = fertilizer application rate per irrigation cycle (kg/ha).
A= Irrigated area (ha)
c = concentration of relevant nutrient in the stock solution (kg/l).
t = ratio between the actual fertigation time and total irrigation time.
T= total irrigation time or set time (h)

Example 1: For periodically moved and fixed sprinkler and trickle systems
(Keller and Bliesner,1990).

Given: A side-roll system with 4 sprinkler laterals which are 400 m long and are moved 18.2 m for
each pulse.
Stock solution: composed of UAN (urea-ammonium nitrate), liquid fertilizer with 32% nitrogen and
specific density of 1.32 kg/lit.

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The injection rate to apply 40 kg/ha N is:

Step 1: c= 1.32 x 32%= 0.42 kg/l N.

Step 2: A= 4 x 400 x 18.2 = 2.91 ha

10000

Step 3: total irrigation time T=11 h

In this example, the ratio between the actual fertigation time and T, t = 0.5, will provide enough time
for flushing out the irrigation system.

Q= 40 x 2.91 = 50 l/h
0.42 x 0.5 x 11

Example 2: For continuously-moving sprinkler systems (Keller and Bliesner,1990).

Given: For center-pivot system the irrigated area A=50 ha and for a cycle time T=24 h.
Stock solution: composed of UAN, liquid fertilizer with 32% nitrogen and specific density of
1.32 kg/l

The injection rate to apply 40 kg/ha N is:

Q= 40 x 50 = 198 l/hour
0.42 x 1 x 24

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