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:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- Fertigation is a technique of applying fertilizer by mixing it with irrigation water through a drip system.
- This method has several advantages, such as controlling soil alkalinity and weed growth, as well as increasing fertilizer use efficiency and crop yield.
- Urea and other highly water-soluble fertilizers are suitable for this method, while insoluble fertilizers like rock phosphate are not.
- Additionally, fertigation helps to prevent soil waterlogging and nutrient leaching.
