Provides agricultural nutrients effortlessly through fertigation and the venturi effect
What is fertigation and the venturi effect
Fertigation is an agricultural technique that combines fertilization and irrigation in a single operation. In this method, nutrients needed for plant growth are dissolved in irrigation water and applied directly to the soil and plant roots. Fertigation allows for uniform distribution of nutrients in the soil, improves fertilization efficiency and reduces the amount of water needed for agriculture. In addition, this technique also reduces soil and water pollution, since nutrients are applied in a more precise and controlled manner.
Fertigation combines fertilizer application with irrigation to provide optimal nutrition to crops.
In the case of small urban gardens or pots we can dissolve the amendment in a watering can and water, it's that simple, we don't need anything else.
What is the venturi and how is it used in fertigation?
Fertilization and the addition of amendments are important practices to improve soil quality and increase crop productivity. The use of a venturi is a technique that can be useful to apply fertilizers and amendments to crop soils efficiently.
A venturi is a device that uses water pressure to suck in liquid fertilizers and amendments, mixing them with water and distributing them into the soil through a nozzle. The working principle of the venturi is based on Bernoulli's law, which states that the velocity of the fluid increases when the cross section decreases, generating a low pressure zone into which the liquid is sucked.
Using a venturi for fertilization and adding amendments has several advantages. Firstly, it allows for precise and uniform application of nutrients and amendments into the soil, which prevents overfertilization and nutrient buildup in certain areas. Additionally, the use of a venturi reduces nutrient loss through leaching, since nutrients are delivered directly to the soil. Finally, using a venturi also reduces the time and costs associated with manually applying fertilizers and amendments.
However, it is important to note that using a venturi for fertilization and addition of amendments requires careful monitoring and adjustment of the concentration of nutrients and amendments in the solution, as too high or too low a concentration can affect negatively the health of crops and the environment. Additionally, using a venturi is only effective for applying liquid fertilizers and amendments, so it is not suitable for all types of fertilizers and amendments.
What type of agricultural amendments can be provided through fertigation
As for the types of amendments that can be used in fertigation, there are several that can be applied to correct specific nutrient deficiencies and improve soil quality. Below I provide information on some common amendments and their function:
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Agricultural Gypsum: Agricultural gypsum is a source of calcium sulfate used to correct soil acidity and improve soil structure. Agricultural gypsum reduces soil compaction, which improves water and air infiltration into the soil and promotes better root growth.
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Calcium carbonate: Calcium carbonate is a source of calcium used to correct soil acidity. It also improves soil structure, which promotes better water and nutrient retention in the soil. In addition, calcium carbonate improves the biological activity of the soil, which promotes greater availability of nutrients for crops.
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Basalt flour: Basalt flour is a source of silicate that is used to correct silicon deficiencies in the soil. Silicon is an important nutrient for crops, as it improves plant resistance to insects and diseases, and promotes greater tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperatures.
It is important to keep in mind that each amendment has a specific role in improving soil and crop nutrition, and that its application should be based on the specific need of each crop and soil. Additionally, it is important to follow the application recommendations for each amendment and adjust doses as necessary to avoid overfertilization and environmental contamination.
Suitable granulometry of agricultural amendments for use in fertigation
In general, the amendments used in fertigation must have a fine granulometry so that they can dissolve easily in water and do not clog irrigation systems. The optimal granulometry depends on the type of amendment and the type of irrigation system used. In some cases, amendments may require additional grinding to achieve the appropriate granulometry for fertigation.
For example, in the case of agricultural gypsum, it is recommended to use a ground gypsum with a granulometry of less than 1 mm to avoid clogging problems in the irrigation system. In the case of calcium carbonate and basalt flour, the recommended granulometry is less than 0.5 mm so that it can dissolve easily in irrigation water, in any case, the finer the amendment, the better, if we can By using a material of 100 or 200 microns we will avoid problems.
In summary, it is important to verify the specific granulometry recommendations for each amendment and adjust its particle size as necessary to ensure effective dissolution in irrigation water and avoid clogging problems in irrigation systems.