Prelims 2020 · Agriculture · Question 51
What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?
- Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
- Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
- Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
- Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer
1, 3 and 4 only
1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible — Correct. In fertigation, acids/acid-forming fertilizers can be injected through irrigation systems, which helps manage alkaline irrigation water.
2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible — Incorrect. Fertigation needs fully water-soluble fertilizers; rock phosphate is not water-soluble and is generally unsuitable for fertigation.
3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible — Correct. Nutrients are supplied directly with irrigation water near the root zone, improving nutrient availability and uptake.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible — Correct. Small, frequent, targeted application through fertigation reduces nutrient losses, including leaching.
Hence, 1, 3 and 4 only are correct.