ARECANUT

Fertigation

Application of nutrients through irrigation water is called as fertigation. This procedure can be profitably followed in arecanut.

Advantages of fertigation

1. Nutrients can be supplied as per the crop growth, stages and demand of the crop.
2. Nutrients can be supplied uniformly to all the plants.
3. Since the nutrients are applied in the area of highest root activity and at optimum soil moisture, the nutrient availability and nutrient absorption by the roots will be improved.
4. As the method is simple it saves time, labour and energy.
5. Only a small quantity of fertilizer will be available in the soil. This avoids losses of nutrients through leaching and erosion.
6. Saving in quantity of fertilizers to the extent of 20-40%.
7. The fertilizer use efficiency will be increased due to the easy availability, reduced losses and increased yield.
8. This method can be used effectively to grow the crops in soils, which have low nutrient and water holding capacity.

Criteria for applying fertilizers through drip

• Should avoid corrosion
• Should be soluble
• Should not react with salts or other chemicals in irrigation water.

Fertigation methods

1. By using the main pump
2. By using a separate small pump
3. By using a fertilizer tank placed above the main irrigation tank
4. Ventury

Sources of nutrients

Nitrogen fertilizers: Urea, ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate

Phosphatic fertilizers: Mono ammonium phosphate

Potassic fertilizers: Potassium nitrate, potassium sulphate and mono-potassium-phosphate

Quantity and interval

The studies at CPCRI have shown that in the initial stages of areca garden only 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizer is sufficient when the fertilizer was given through drip irrigation. The fertilizer should be split into ten parts and should be applied once in 20 days from November to May.

Last updated: 22-05-2008