Contributes agricultural coins effortlessly through fertigation and the Venturi effect
What fertigation is and the venturi effect
Fertigation is an agricultural technique that combines fertilization and irrigation in a single operation. In this method, the nutrients needed for plant growth are dissolved in the irrigation water and applied directly to the soil and the plant roots. Fertigation allows for an even 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 the application of fertilizers 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 with it, as simple as that, we do not need anything else.
What is the venturi and how it is used in fertigation
Fertilization and the addition of amendments are important practices for improving soil quality and increasing crop productivity. The use of a venturi is a technique that can be useful for applying fertilizers and amendments to crop soils efficiently.
A venturi is a device that uses water pressure to suck up liquid fertilizers and amendments, mixing them with water and distributing them into the soil through a nozzle. The operating principle of the venturi is based on Bernoulli's law, which states that fluid velocity increases when the cross-sectional area decreases, creating a low-pressure zone in which the liquid is sucked in.
The use of a venturi for fertilization and the addition of amendments has several advantages. First, it allows the precise and uniform application of nutrients and amendments in the soil, which avoids overfertilization and the accumulation of nutrients in certain areas. In addition, the use of a venturi reduces nutrient loss through leaching, since the nutrients are delivered directly to the soil. Finally, the use of a venturi also reduces the time and costs associated with the manual application of fertilizers and amendments.
However, it is important to keep in mind that using a venturi for fertilization and the addition of amendments requires careful monitoring and adjustment of the concentration of nutrients and amendments in the solution, since a concentration that is too high or too low can negatively affect crop health and the environment. In addition, the use of a venturi is only effective for applying liquid fertilizers and amendments, so it is not suitable for all types of fertilizers and amendments.
What types of agricultural amendments can be applied 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 about some common amendments and their function:
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Agricultural gypsum: Agricultural gypsum is a source of calcium sulfate that is used to correct soil acidity and improve its structure. Agricultural gypsum reduces soil compaction, which improves the infiltration of water and air 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 retention of water and nutrients in the soil. In addition, calcium carbonate improves biological activity in the soil, which promotes greater availability of nutrients for crops.
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Basalt flour: Basalt flour is a silicate source used to correct silicon deficiencies in the soil. Silicon is an important nutrient for crops, as it improves plants' resistance to insects and diseases, and promotes greater tolerance to abiotic stress such as drought and high temperatures.
It is important to keep in mind that each amendment has a specific function in improving the soil and crop nutrition, and that its application should be based on the specific needs of each crop and soil. In addition, it is important to follow the application recommendations for each amendment and adjust the doses as necessary to avoid over-fertilization and environmental contamination.
Suitable particle size of agricultural amendments for use in fertigation
In general, the amendments used in fertigation should have a fine particle size so that they can dissolve easily in water and do not clog irrigation systems. The optimal particle size depends on the type of amendment and the type of irrigation system used. In some cases, the amendments may require additional grinding to achieve the appropriate particle size for fertigation.
For example, in the case of agricultural gypsum, it is recommended to use ground gypsum with a particle size of less than 1 mm to avoid clogging problems in the irrigation system. In the case of calcium carbonate and basalt flour, the recommended particle size is less than 0.5 mm so that it can dissolve easily in the irrigation water; in any case, the finer the amendment, the better. If we can use a material of 100 or 200 microns, we will avoid problems.
In summary, it is important to check the specific particle size recommendations for each amendment and adjust its particle size as needed to ensure effective dissolution in the irrigation water and avoid clogging problems in irrigation systems.
