The Significance of Fertigation for Deejay Coconut Hybrids
Hybrids like the Deejay Sampoorna Hybrid coconut tree, require continuous nutrition for optimal growth and yield. Fertigation, a method of applying fertilizer through irrigation water, plays a crucial role in providing these essential nutrients.
What is Fertigation?
Fertigation is the process of incorporating fertilizer into irrigation water, ensuring that plants receive a consistent supply of nutrients.
Types of Fertigation:
- Automatic Fertigation by Venturi System: This system automatically mixes and delivers fertilizers into the irrigation water.
- Manual Fertigation: Involves manually measuring and mixing nutrients with water before application.
Venturi System:
A Venturi injector is a device commonly used to inject fertilizers into drip irrigation systems. It helps ensure precise delivery of nutrients to the plants’ root zones.
Considerations before installation of Venturi System:
- Position the irrigation drip tubes consistently around the tree to create permanent watered areas. This helps develop white feeding roots, which quickly absorb nutrients.
- Repeat the application schedule every month.
- Maintain a 15-day gap between applying macro and micronutrients.
Why Liquid Fertigation?
- Optimized Nutrient Supply: Ensures that Deejay hybrid coconut plants receive the right nutrients in the right amount at the right place.
- Efficient Nutrient Use: Nutrients are applied directly to the active root zone, where they are immediately absorbed by the plants.
- Uniform Growth: Promotes even distribution of nutrients, leading to uniform growth and development.
- Environmental Benefits: Minimizes nutrient runoff and leaching, reducing environmental pollution and maximizing nutrient use efficiency.
Benefits of Liquid Fertigation for Deejay Hybrid Coconut Plants:
- Better Nutrient Supply: Liquid fertigation gives plants the right amount of nutrients at the right time, ensuring they get what they need regularly to grow and produce well.
- Efficient Use of Nutrients and Water: Nutrients are delivered directly to the roots along with irrigation water, making them quickly and easily absorbed by the plants.
- Even Growth: Fertigation spreads nutrients evenly, promoting uniform growth and development. Continuous nutrient supply helps the tree produce at its best.
- Saves Time and Labor: This method reduces the need for manual fertilizer application, saving labor costs and ensuring nutrients are applied regularly.
- Quick Plant Response: Plants can quickly adjust to nutrient schedules and changing conditions because they receive a steady supply of nutrients.
- Less Nutrient Loss: By applying small doses frequently, fertigation minimizes nutrient runoff and leaching, making nutrient use more efficient and reducing environmental impact.
- Flexible Nutrient Management: Farmers can customize nutrient blends based on different growth stages of the crop.
- Cost Savings: Fertigation costs less than traditional soil application (Rs. 535-550 compared to Rs. 600-620 per palm per year).
Fertigation, whether through a Venturi system or manual methods, is a game-changer for Deejay Hybrid coconut farmers. It ensures healthier trees, better yields, and a more sustainable approach to farming.
For a clearer understanding, please watch the video.