Fertigation, applying fertilizer with drip irrigation, can work for you
by Curtis Smith, PhD, NMSU Extension Horticulture Specialist
Q. I have been reading a lot about the benefits of fertigation for the home garden. I would like to be able to deliver liquid fertilizer (fish and seaweed based) to my vegetable garden in Albuquerque using my existing drip irrigation system. Please let me know your thoughts.
Michael D.
A. Fertigation, the application of fertilizer in the irrigation water is an efficient way of providing nutrients to plants. For plants to use the nutrients, they must be dissolved in water. Fertization provides nutrients already dissolved and ready for uptake by plant roots. Applying these nutrients through the drip irrigation system helps minimize water use, yet directs the nutrients to the location where roots will be most able to use the nutrients. (Article continued at
SW Yard and Garden Column)
