CS 320 GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY

Group no 10 presentation
in Fertigation methods in
screen house
Table of content
 Title of presentation……………………………………………………………………1
 Table of content………………………………………………………………………….2
 Introduction and Definition of Fertigation…………..................3
 Drip Fertigation in Screenhouse………………………………………………..4-6
 Micro-sprinkler fertigation…………………………………………………………7-9
 Nutrient Film technique………………………………………………...........10-12
 Sub-surface fertigation………………………………………………………………13-15
 Sprinkler Fertigation………………………………………………………………….15-18
 Introduction to Fertigation

Fertigation is a technique of fertilizer application in

which fertilizer is incorporated within the irrigation
water by the drip system where timing, amounts and
concentrations of fertilizers applied are easily
controlled. It commonly used in screenhouse to
provide precise and efficient nutrition to plants.
Methods of fertigation in screen house
1. Drip irrigation:
 Incorporating fertilizers into irrigation water and delivered directly to the
root zone of plants through a network of drip lines.
 Example of fertilizers incorporated in this method includes mono-ammonium
phosphate (MAP) and potassium nitrate, micronutrient fertilizers like iron,
zinc, manganese etc.
 Example of crops use this method are tomatoes, melon, strawberry,
cucumber and lettuce
tomatoes
Methods continue …..
Significances of Fertigation/ Drip fertigation.
 Efficient Nutrient Delivery:
Fertigation allows precise control and targeted delivery of
nutrients to the root zone of plants and Water Savings.
 Reduced Labor and Time:
Saving labor and time compared to manual application methods
(flooding and furrow irrigation).
 Improved Crop Health:
The controlled application of nutrients through drip irrigation
can contribute to improved plant health, growth, and yield.
Methods continue …..
 Disadvantages of Drip Fertigation:
 Clogging Risk.
- If systems is not properly maintained.
- Leading to uneven distribution of nutrients.
 Equipments and Maintenance Costs.
- Initial investment and ongoing maintenance are expensive.
- Particularly for more complex systems.
 Monitoring and Expertise.
- Monitoring nutrient levels, system calibration, and knowledge
of crop nutrient requirements
- Necessitating expertise and regular attention
 Methods continue …..
2. Micro-sprinkler fertigation:
 Involves simultaneous application of water and fertilizers to crop plants
through small sprinklers.
 Several small sprinklers are installed.
 Example of fertilizers includes water-soluble NPK, calcium nitrates.
 Example of crop use this method include vegetables (tomatoes and
lettuce), fruits (berries) and nursery crops.
 berries
 Methods continue …..
Advantages of Micro-Sprinkler Fertigation
 Precision Irrigation.
 Efficient Nutrient Absorption.
 Uniform Distribution.
 Water Conservation.
 Labor and Time Savings.
 Adaptability:
- Suitable for various crops and terrains.
Methods continue …..
 Limitations of Micro-Sprinkler Fertigation:
 Initial Cost:
- Installation can be expensive, including the cost of micro-sprinkler
equipment and a well-designed irrigation system.
 Clogging Issues:
- Are prone to clogging due to fine particles in fertilizers.
- Requiring regular maintenance.
 Energy Dependency:
- Some systems may rely on energy for operation
- Increasing operational costs.
 Skill Requirements:
- Proper management and understanding of the system are essential.
- Requiring farmers to be knowledgeable about both irrigation and fertilization
practices.
 Climate Sensitivity:
- Weather conditions such as high winds or extreme temperatures may affect
system.
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3. Nutrient film technique (NFT):
 Shallow stream of water containing all the dissolved nutrients is re-circulated
past the bare roots of plants
 In a watertight gully, also known as channels.
 Examples of fertilizers applied by this examples NPK fertilizers (Calcium
Nitrate, Potassium Chloride, phosphorus).
 Example of crop use this method are leafy green(lettuce and spinach),herbs
(basil and mint) etc. lettuce
 Methods continue …..
Advantages:
 Precise nutrient delivery.
 Reduced water usage.
 Pest and disease control: The enclosed environment of a screen house
provides protection from pests and diseases,
 Space optimization.
- It use vertical framming
 Methods continue …..
Disadvantages:
 System maintenance and monitoring.
- Careful maintenance and monitoring is required.
- For proper functioning of system.
 Initial setup costs:
- Involve significant initial investment in infrastructure,
technology, and equipment.
 Risk of system failure:
- Susceptible to potential system failures, such as pump
malfunctions or clogging of nutrient channels.
- Impact plant health and productivity.
 Dependency on technology:
- It relies on technology for nutrient delivery, climate control,
and environmental monitoring
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4. Sub-Irrigation Fertigation:
 Also known as sub-surface irrigation.
 It delivering water and nutrients below the surface of the growing media.
 Promoting efficient nutrient uptake, reducing water loss through
evaporation.
 Example of fertilizer supplied by this method is Urea-ammonium nitrate.
 Example of crop use this method are tree crops such as almond and grapes,
vegetables grapes
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Advantages of sub-irrigation fertigation:
 Water conservation:
Allows for efficient water usage.
 Nutrient control:
It provides precise control over the nutrient delivery to the
plants' root zone
 Reduced labor:
It reduce the need for manual watering, thereby saving labor and
time.
 Enhanced root development:
Plants are able to draws water from deep surface.
Promotes stronger and healthier root system.
 Methods continue …..
Disadvantages of sub-irrigation fertigation:
 Initial setup cost:
Involve higher initial installation costs due to the infrastructure
required for water delivery and distribution.
 Risk of water stagnation:
Improperly managed sub-irrigation systems may lead to waterlogging
and root rot if excess water accumulates in the root zone.
 Limited suitability for certain crops:
Some plant varieties may not thrive optimally in a sub-irrigation
environment.
Specific water requirements and drainage needs may not aligned
with the system's capabilities.
 Maintenance requirements:
Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential to prevent clogging.
To ensure uniform water distribution and nutrient delivery to crop
 Methods continue …..
5. Sprinkler irrigation fertigation:
 Method of applying fertilizers through irrigation systems, specifically
with the use of sprinklers.
 It simultaneous application of water and fertilizer to crops.
 It ensuring proper hydration.
 Example of fertilizer used in this method are water-soluble NPK.
 Example of crop use this method vegetables, row crops(potatoes and soy
bean) and nursery crops lettuce crop
 Methods continue …..
Advantages of sprinkler irrigation fertigation
 Efficient nutrients delivery:
Allow for precise and efficient delivery of nutrients directly to
the root zone.
 Labor saving:
Reduce the need for manual application of fertilizer, saving time
and labor cost.
 Flexibility:
Can be adjusted to meet the changing need of the crops.
 Water savings.
Minimize loss of water.
Maximize efficient water uses.
 Methods continue …..
Disadvantages of sprinkler irrigation fertigation:
 Incurs high operation expenses.
Energy needed for pumping, labor and relatively large
investment in equipments (sprinklers and pipes).
 Sensitivity to wind.
Causing evaporation losses.
 The unavoidable wetting of foliage in crops.
Results in increased sensitivity to diseases.
 Debris and sediments can cause clogging.
 Capital cost is high.
Due to greater operational costs and higher energy
requirements.