In drip fertigation we apply once in 4-7 days. mostly all water soluble fertilizer are acid forming one. so by applying continuously there is a chance of decreasing microbial load in soil which in turn affect soil fertility. more over microbes are seen in every soil but in drip we concentrate only to crop alone then were microbes get food.
we do not distribute soil in drip field so weather soil get hard and when it rains water infiltration will be low so ground water storage will be also less
Main advantage of drip is fertigation. We may increase fertilizer and water use efficiency while having very good yield of crops. In drip system, we are maintaining water at such a potential where plant exert very less energy for extracting water along with nutrients. Use of nutrients in adequate and a suitable proportion will increase soil fertility over times. Initially, there may be higher evaporation losses due to higher moisture kept continuously in drip system at the surface soil but percolation losses are minimal, therefore, the drip will not affect the ground water water table.
Main advantage of drip is fertigation. We may increase fertilizer and water use efficiency while having very good yield of crops. In drip system, we are maintaining water at such a potential where plant exert very less energy for extracting water along with nutrients. Use of nutrients in adequate and a suitable proportion will increase soil fertility over times. Initially, there may be higher evaporation losses due to higher moisture kept continuously in drip system at the surface soil but percolation losses are minimal, therefore, the drip will not affect the ground water water table.
no effect on water table
optimally the plants will extract water and nutrients
take care of regular maintenance of drip nozzles
Hi Jeevan Kumar ji, drip irrigation does not affect water table as such, of course if. average rainfall is less than water table may go down due to no excess water is being applied which could contribute. Regarding soil fertility yes the right nutrient being supplied at right time at right place hence the fertilizer use efficiency increased many fold. Microbial population is not going to affect drastically.
Yes, fertilizer application add to soil fertility, which ever method may be used because nutrients are ultimately reaching the soil. Of course, the type and quantity of fertilizers being used, soil characteristics, especially pH, CaCO3 content and soil texture, crops being grown and the climatic factors are going to play their role for the final outcome.
The effect of drip fertigation on soil fertility depends on the type on fertilizer used, rate and the frequency of application. I have data from an experiment where we used urea for fertigation but within 8 months the soil pH was incredibly changed.
Nutrient and water use efficiency is very high with drip fertigation. In tropical tuber crops, we have not noticed adverse effect of drip fertigation on microbial population. No chance of ground water pollution and nutrient mining, as nutrients are applied in small and required quantity.
I hate to contradict the learned colleagues above but Ali Ibrahim is absolutely right. I work with clients in many countries using irrigation to supply nutrients and like Ali I have seen significant effects on soil nutrient status and EC. It is entirely a matter of how good is the management of the irrigation & fertigation. This week I have just returned from Egypt and Turkey where I have seen well managed systems and little or no risk to the environment and ground water. However in other locations [which I won't name] excess nutrient has been used causing high soil EC (electrical conductivity a measure of soil salts) and leaching to the lower soil horizons beyond the reach of the plant roots.
Dear Mr. Jeevan,
As many here coment, it is necessary be careful with quantity of applied water and nutrients.
1. Optimum quantity of water could not grow up the water table.
2. Some fertilizer coud increase pH value, so it would be necessary measuring and investigate on direct site in your case. O course as Prof. Barlow wtrite, "the management of the irrigation & fertigation" are very important.
3. Microbal activity with good managemet of the irrigation and fertigation are right and in that case the chanse for big disturbance are small. But, it would be good if you might investigate that for your safety.
Dear Jeevan
Drip fertigation will increase the soil fertility near r oot zone of the crop and it will also increase nutrient imbalance if you dont apply all the required nutrients. Further drip fertigation will also reduce the microbial population near root zone compared to surrounding areas. Overall it will not decline water table as well as soil fertility
Fertigation can only be useful if an eye is kept on all the relevant factors. Mismanagement may affect soil pH, groundwater, and quality of crop.
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