What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?

1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Fertigation involves supplying fertilizers through an irrigation system, offering several advantages:

• It ensures a frequent supply of nutrients, minimizing fluctuations in soil nutrient concentration.
• It allows for efficient and precise nutrient application based on crop requirements.
• Nutrients are distributed throughout the irrigated soil volume, making them readily available to plants.
• It enables nutrient application even when field conditions prevent conventional equipment use.

Statement 1 is correct: Fertigation allows for controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water. Adjusting the pH is crucial for optimal nutrient uptake (especially micronutrients) and preventing system clogging. Acids can be injected to reduce alkalinity.

Statement 3 is correct: Fertigation leads to an increased availability of nutrients to plants due to the reasons listed above.

Statement 4 is correct: Fertigation helps in the reduction of leaching of chemical nutrients. For example, drip fertigation significantly reduces the leaching of dissolved inorganic and organic nitrogen.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While fertigation works well with soluble fertilizers like urea and potash, Rock Phosphate and some other mineral fertilizers containing phosphorus are insoluble in water. They are more suitable for strongly acidic or organic soils or green manured fields where microbes slowly release the phosphorus.

Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.