How Much Will You Save By Using Fertigation?

Image source: isaayle.com

Agriculture is a billion dollar industry today. It provides food for the American people, raw materials for processed goods, feed for livestock, and recreation in crops like tobacco. It is also an expensive business in terms of upkeep. Going into agriculture can be risky, as a bad yield can heavily dent finances.

There are many factors affecting agribusiness. Some of the main cost drivers are manpower, water for irrigation, fertilizer, and other chemicals like pesticides.

Unless your business revolves around growing cacti, relying on rainwater is virtually impossible for any other agricultural endeavor. This makes water the biggest necessary resource next to the land itself. And while water may seem cheap for a regular household, an acre of farmland can use up to 4,000 gallons every day. Pumping water can cost $20 per hectare to over $300 per hectare, depending on the location.

Image source: helpmore.net

This is why fertigation makes such a big difference in cutting costs. Fertigation combines irrigation and fertilizer application by mixing the nutrients in the water. This method saves farmers at least 25% on water, while increasing fertilizer efficiency by 80%. Not only does this reduce water consumption necessary for the crops, this system also removes costly factors like soil and nutrient erosion due to irrigation.

Since its founding in 1994, the EZ FLO fertilizing systems has secured 13 patents on a unique and inexpensive injection process. These systems are comprised of environment-friendly solutions to water and fertility issues. For more useful information on fertigation, visit this blog.

The Benefits Of Fertigation

Fertigation is the application of fertilizer materials through the irrigation system. It is commonly via traditional spray irrigation, or through center pivot and micro sprinkles. Think of one’s fertilizer being gently fed in small amounts every time the irrigation system waters, allowing plants to develop healthier root masses for strength, drought tolerance, and less susceptibility to insects as well as disease.

Image source: Grow Organic 

There are different benefits that make fertigation the preferable method of fertilization. According to a recent study investigating fertilizer application using fertigation versus traditional granular application, fertilizer uptake into plants can climb to 90 percent versus lower absorption levels for traditional ones, including time-released ones.

Fertigation promotes controlled application of nutrients and water, increased flexibility of fertilizer application, better timing of application alongside crop growth stage, and small dosage application. It also minimizes leaching and negative environmental effects. Much of the non-point source pollution (NPSP) in the country is the result of fertilizer runoff, which can be eliminated when fertilizer is supplied to the landscape in small amounts, entailing greater absorption by the plants.

Image source: Pixabay.com

Fertigation also promotes increased water and fertilizer use efficiency, potentially reduced fertilizer inputs and production costs, and fewer weeds as fertilizer is only applied to the crop or plant. While there may be potential concerns such as increased management, the need for water-soluble fertilizer, and caution against emitter clogging, investing in an appropriate and high-quality fertigation system and fertilizer is likely to mitigate the risks and provide better results.

EZ-FLO Fertilizing Systems were developed to provide irrigation and injection technologies for homes, cities, parks, gardens, sports fields, resorts, and any other form of growing and landscape. Learn more about it on this website.