💧 Irrigation and Nutrient Management in Horticulture
Irrigation and Nutrient Management in Horticulture.
Efficient irrigation and balanced plant nutrition are the two strongest levers for improving yield, quality, and profitability in horticultural crops.
Irrigation Methods in Horticulture
Surface Irrigation
- Basin irrigation: Common in orchards.
- Furrow irrigation: Water flows through channels between rows.
- Border strip irrigation: Water spreads over flat strips.
- Typical water-use efficiency is relatively low, around 40-50%.
Drip Irrigation
- Most efficient method in horticulture, often 90-95%.
- Delivers water directly to the root zone via emitters.
- Reduces weeds, disease pressure, and labour use.
- Supports fertigation (fertilizer application through irrigation).
Sprinkler Irrigation
- Water sprayed through nozzles under pressure.
- Suitable for vegetables, lawns, and nurseries.
- Efficiency is generally 60-75%.
- Avoid during sensitive flowering phases in some crops.
Micro-sprinkler
- Low-volume sprinklers placed near the plant base.
- Useful for crops with wider root spread such as banana and coconut.
Water Requirement of Important Crops
| Crop | Annual Water Requirement (mm) | Critical Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Mango | 700-1000 | Flowering and fruit development |
| Banana | 1200-1500 | Throughout active growth |
| Citrus | 800-1200 | Fruit set and enlargement |
| Grape | 500-700 | Berry development |
| Tomato | 400-600 | Flowering and fruiting |
| Rose | 600-800 | Bud formation |
Nutrient Management
Essential Nutrients
- Major nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K)
- Secondary nutrients: Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulphur (S)
- Micronutrients: Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo)
Fertilizer Recommendations for Key Crops
| Crop | N:P:K (g/tree/year) | Organic Manure (kg/tree) |
|---|---|---|
| Mango (bearing) | 1000:500:1000 | 50 |
| Citrus | 600:200:600 | 25 |
| Guava | 300:300:300 | 25 |
| Banana | 200:60:300 | 10 |
| Papaya | 250:250:500 | 20 |
Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)
- Integrates organic manures, biofertilizers, and chemical fertilizers.
- FYM/Compost improves soil structure and biological activity.
- Vermicompost supplies plant-available nutrients and growth-promoting effects.
- Common biofertilizers include Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, and VAM fungi.
- Foliar spray of micronutrients (e.g., ZnSO4, FeSO4, Borax) corrects deficiencies quickly.
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Area | Quick Revision |
|---|---|
| Best irrigation efficiency | Drip system (about 90-95%) |
| Core nutrients | N, P, K + secondary and micronutrients |
| Precision approach | Fertigation with drip |
| Sustainability approach | INM (organic + biological + chemical sources) |
| High-demand crop example | Banana needs high annual water input |
References
2 sources • [1] [2]
References
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