Managing Nitrogen Costs with Fertigation for Better Crop Productivity Outcomes
Rising nitrogen fertilizer prices are encouraging farmers to rethink how they manage nutrients in their fields. One useful method gaining popularity is fertigation, where fertilizers are applied through irrigation systems.
Lyndon Kelley from Michigan State Extension explains that this method allows farmers to use nitrogen more efficiently while reducing losses and lowering costs.
In traditional farming, nitrogen is often applied in multiple stages. The first stage is the starter application, which helps young plants grow quickly after germination.
The second stage, called side dressing, provides a larger amount of nitrogen just before the crop enters its rapid growth phase. Fertigation is usually the final step, supplying nitrogen during later stages but before flowering, when crops can use it best for grain formation.
Fertigation provides many benefits. Farmers can delay part of their nitrogen application until later in the season, which reduces the risk of nutrient loss due to heavy rains.
It also allows them to check crop health, estimate losses, and adjust fertilizer use based on current prices and field conditions. This flexibility helps improve decision making and profitability.
For example, a farmer aiming for a high yield may split nitrogen application into different stages. After early applications, the remaining nitrogen can be applied through irrigation in smaller doses.
This ensures that crops receive nutrients when they need them most. Liquid fertilizers such as 28 percent nitrogen solution are commonly used in this process.
However, proper system management is essential. Irrigation systems must distribute water evenly across the field to ensure uniform fertilizer application.
Poor system performance can lead to uneven growth and wasted nutrients. Regular system checks can improve efficiency.
Safety is also important. Special devices called chemigation valves are used to prevent fertilizer from flowing back into water sources. These devices help protect both groundwater and surface water from contamination.
In some cases, farmers may also apply fertilizer using tractors or aircraft and then use irrigation to mix it into the soil. Although faster, this method depends on equipment availability and weather conditions.
Overall, fertigation offers a smart and flexible approach to managing nitrogen, helping farmers reduce risks and maintain strong crop yields.