Modern Techniques in Fertilizer Application

This chapter describes some of the modern techniques being used in fertilizer application, how these techniques may affect fertilizer efficiency, and some changes in application methods needed to meet the agronomic and economic requirements of the future. New, modern application techniques provide an opportunity to increase fertilizer efficiency. Murphy and Walsh provide a detailed discussion of the fertilizer sources and the application methods used to provide improved efficiency of each of the micronutrients. Recognized advantages of applying fertilizers and chemicals through the trickle or drip irrigation system are improved efficiency, labor savings, energy savings, and flexibility of timing nutrient application to crop demand, regardless of growth stages or accessibility of the field to machinery. Choice of the fertilizer salt in combination with the type of water and kind of irrigation system used is extremely important in arriving at maximum fertigation efficiency.