Can Fertigation Save Water and Fertiliser? What Should Farmers Know Before Using It?

Fertigation allows farmers to apply soluble fertilisers through irrigation water, usually with drip systems. The method delivers nutrients closer to the crop root zone instead of applying all fertiliser to the soil at once. ICAR describes it as a way to improve water and nutrient-use efficiency.

The government also promotes fertigation under the Per Drop More Crop scheme as part of micro-irrigation. As of July 2026, more than 115 lakh hectares had been brought under micro-irrigation under the scheme, according to the Agriculture Ministry.

Fertigation combines irrigation and fertiliser application. Instead of spreading fertiliser separately across the field, farmers dissolve suitable fertilisers in water and deliver them through an irrigation system.

The method works best when the fertiliser dissolves properly and the irrigation system distributes water evenly. Farmers also need to follow crop-specific recommendations for nutrient quantity, timing and concentration.

How does fertigation work with drip irrigation?

A drip system carries water through pipes and releases it through emitters near plants. A fertigation unit introduces soluble nutrients into this water before it reaches the crop.

This places both water and nutrients near the active root zone. ICAR notes that targeted nutrient delivery through drip fertigation can improve nutrient-use efficiency and reduce nutrient losses.

It can reduce some nutrient losses when the system is properly designed and managed. Applying nutrients in smaller doses through irrigation can keep them closer to the crop’s root zone.

ICAR research on sub-surface drip fertigation found that targeted nutrient delivery can improve nutrient-use efficiency. The result depends on the crop, soil, fertiliser, irrigation schedule and management practices.

The water saving comes mainly from the micro-irrigation system rather than the fertiliser itself. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the crop root zone, reducing losses that can occur with some conventional irrigation methods. The Agriculture Ministry says Per Drop More Crop promotes drip and sprinkler systems to improve farm-level water-use efficiency. The scheme had covered more than 115 lakh hectares by July 2026.

Farmers should use fertilisers that are suitable for fertigation and dissolve properly in water. Compatibility matters because some materials can form deposits or block filters, pipes and emitters. Farmers should follow crop-specific recommendations and manufacturer instructions rather than assuming that any granular fertiliser can be added to an irrigation tank.

Too much fertiliser in irrigation water can damage plants or increase nutrient losses. Too little may fail to meet the crop’s requirements. The concentration should be based on the crop, growth stage, irrigation volume and recommended nutrient dose. Farmers should calculate the amount before preparing the fertigation solution rather than adding fertiliser by guesswork.

Does fertigation mean using less fertiliser?

Not automatically. Fertigation can improve how nutrients are delivered, but the total fertiliser requirement still depends on the crop and soil.

The government promotes integrated nutrient management and balanced fertiliser use alongside micro-irrigation. Soil testing can help farmers decide which nutrients are actually needed rather than reducing or increasing fertiliser without evidence.

A basic fertigation setup needs an irrigation system, a suitable fertiliser injection unit and filters. More advanced systems can include pressure regulators, valves and automated controls.

The injection method should match the irrigation system. Farmers should also make sure the equipment can maintain suitable pressure and distribute the fertigation solution evenly across the field.

Low-cost options are available for some farms. ICAR has documented a farmer-developed Venturi injector that can introduce fertilisers, insecticides and bio-pesticides into drip and sprinkler systems.

The documented device was designed for low-pressure irrigation and cost about ₹500 to make at the time it was reported. Farmers should still assess whether such a setup is suitable for their irrigation system before copying it. Fertigation can introduce particles or undissolved material into the irrigation system. Filters help prevent these materials from reaching emitters and blocking them.

Farmers should clean filters regularly and inspect emitters for reduced flow. Uneven discharge can leave some plants under-irrigated while others receive more water and nutrients than intended.

Can fertigation work without drip irrigation?

Fertigation can also be used with some sprinkler systems, provided the equipment and fertiliser are suitable. The government recognises both drip and sprinkler irrigation under Per Drop More Crop.

Still, the method of nutrient delivery differs between systems. Farmers should select equipment based on their irrigation method, crop spacing and field layout.

Fertigation is widely used in crops where controlled irrigation and frequent nutrient application are practical. ICAR has documented its use in vegetables, onion and other crops.

It can also be used in field crops where suitable irrigation infrastructure exists. Farmers should first check whether the crop’s recommended nutrient schedule can be adapted to fertigation.

Farmers should avoid mixing incompatible fertilisers, using excessive concentrations or running fertigation without checking irrigation uniformity. They should also avoid leaving fertiliser solution inside the system after application.

The irrigation network should normally be flushed according to the equipment and fertiliser manufacturer’s guidance. This helps reduce the risk of deposits and blockages.

The initial cost depends on the size and design of the irrigation system. Small and marginal farmers can receive 55% financial assistance for micro-irrigation under Per Drop More Crop, while other farmers can receive 45%, subject to scheme conditions. Some states also provide additional support. Farmers should check their state agriculture or horticulture department for the current subsidy process before purchasing equipment.

What should farmers calculate before installing it?

Farmers should compare the cost of pipes, emitters, filters, fertigation equipment, installation and maintenance with the expected savings in water, labour and fertiliser losses.

They should also consider the crop’s market value and how long the irrigation system is expected to remain useful. A system that works well for one crop may not suit another.

It can improve nutrient and water management, but yield gains are not guaranteed. ICAR reports that sub-surface drip fertigation can improve water and nutrient-use efficiency under suitable conditions. Yield depends on several factors, including variety, soil fertility, irrigation, weather, pest management and farm practices. Fertigation should be treated as one part of crop management rather than a standalone solution.

Fertigation can help farmers deliver nutrients with irrigation water and reduce some losses when the system is correctly designed and managed. Its benefits depend on crop needs, soil conditions, irrigation quality and proper fertiliser selection. Before investing, farmers should check the cost of the full system, available government assistance, local service support and crop-specific recommendations. The key question is not simply whether fertigation saves inputs, but whether it fits the farm’s irrigation system and production needs.